The Fourth annual Peace and Sport Forum

At the start of December 2010 the Fairmont Hotel in Monaco played host to the fourth annual Peace and Sport Forum. The organisation is based in Monaco and was founded in 2007 by former Olympic champion Joël Bouzou. Peace and Sport promotes the values of using sport in the world in areas of poverty and conflict.

The Forum which was offically opened by HSH Prince Albert II, attracted over 500 delegates, government officials, diplomats and sporting celebrities, who all recognise the importance and benefits of such a mission. It is agreed that former Olympic champions are one of the keys to the success of this project. Their diplomatic skills are invaluable and essential in raising awareness and finding solutions in areas where situations can be volatile and unpredictable and to build the necessary bridges between divided communities.

I spoke with Paula Radcliffe, herself an Olympic medalist and her role as Champion for Peace. (See Video Above)

The presentation of the Grand Prix for the Peace and Sport Image of the Year was a striking highlight of the final evening. This Award was given to Rohan Bopanna from India and Aisam Ul-Haq Qureshi from Pakistan - two tennis players who have succeeded in bringing political authorities from their respective countries closer together through their personal commitment.

It was interesting to hear that HRH Queen Elizabeth II, in her Christmas Day message, also spoke about building communities through religion and sport. You can see and listen to her speech below.

Special thanks to Valérie Amant.

and Faye Lecomte.