Declaration of Principles

The Global Faith and Sport Movement:
Sport At The Service Of Humanity

 

 

PREAMBLE

We believe that

Sport has the power to celebrate our common humanity, regardless of faith, race, culture, beliefs, gender and ability.

 

Sport can bring us together – to meet one another across borders and boundaries, to learn to compete as friends, to respect and trust one another even in opposition.

 

Sport has the power to teach positive values and enrich lives. Every one of us, who plays, organises and supports sport, has the opportunity to be transformed by it and to transform others.

 

Many people are deprived of sport through lack of opportunity, prejudice, or vested interest. We have a responsibility to help and share its benefits.

 

Sport challenges us to stretch ourselves further than we thought possible.

 

Sport can be distorted if we lose sight of the sheer joy it brings us.

While we strive for excellence in sport, it is more important to aim for excellence as human beings.

 

Therefore, guided by our common values,
we jointly pledge to be inspired by and aspire to the following Principles:

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES

 

  • Compassion

    Use the power of Sport to help others

    Share the benefits of Sport to empower
    those who are poor and disadvantaged.

  • Respect

    Use Sport to build trust and understanding

    Respect your opponents.
    Through sport understand them and their culture more deeply.
    Condemn violence in Sport – on and off the field of play.

  • Love

    Sport is for all

    Do all you can to help everyone take part in sport.
    Do all you can to enable everyone to compete on equal terms.

  • Enlightenment

    Sport has the power to transform lives and build character

    Learn graciousness in victory and perspective in defeat.
    Apply the values you learn in sport to help you excel in life.

  • Balance

    Sport has the power to help us make the most of ourselves

    So play it in the knowledge that it can revitalise you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
    At every stage of life, play for fun, for health, for friendship.

  • Joy

    Sport, above all, is about enjoyment

    So enjoy it! And remember, there is more to sport than winning,
    but when you compete, be and do the best you can, always.

“I ask that you live your sport as a gift from God, an opportunity not only to bring your talents to fruition, but also as a responsibility.”

POPE FRANCIS