Sport for peace seminar followed an athletics competition to empower young and enthusiastic sports managers, teachers and volunteers that was organised and delivered by Somali Olympic Committee was held in Mogadishu from 9-10th January as part of its Grass Root Sport development programme.

The seminar which attracted large number of young sports leaders from different districts of Mogadishu and surrounding areas, club managers, PE teachers from the city’s schools and universities and the capital’s sports administration was to equip these young leaders with the knowledge and the skills needed to increase sports participation for young people within their respective areas and to use sports as a tool to promote peace.

During the two day seminar the lecturers has energetically stressed the need to encourage sports activities among the youngsters, and educate them the risk associated with illegal activities and stimulants. They also explained the finest methods of developing young people from early age and how these enthusiastic managers and leaders can work together so that they can contribute building the peace and the image of the country through sport.

The secretary of Somali Olympic Committee Duran Farah who was addressing the seminar thanked the participants for their commitment and to be part of this significant project which is very important for Somali Olympic Committee in particular and the country’s progress towards peace and stable country as a whole.

“This project is part of oursports development strategic plan of the country, there will be more seminars and training programmes planned for the near future and I am very pleased what we have achieved for the last couple of days together and hope that you will go back to your clubs, schools and districts with full of knowledge and skills to put into practice” said the Secretary Mr. Duran Farah who also thanked the tutors of the seminar for their determined contribution of the project.

Somali Olympic Committee president Abdullahi Tarabi who was speaking at the conclusion of the seminar has reminded the participants the aim of the project which is to develop sport and to endorse friendship, peace and respect among the community through sports.

“Our plans are to expand the project to other parts of the country and to educate young teachers and sports leaders in order not only to produce talented sportsman and woman to represent the country for international Tournaments but to promote friendship, peace, love and health which is what we need in this war-destroyed country “ said the president

The president also urged the attendees to increase the number of Somali youth actively participating sports activities which will play a vital role for their social, educational and professional development as well as having a positive impact on the society.

After wrapping up the educational part of the project the Somali Olympic Committee successfully organised Athletics competition for students from different schools within the capital at Banadir Stadium with the support of the newly trained volunteers to demonstrate how sports competitions can bring youth together and make them realise to empower the entire community and grow together in mutual understanding and love.