The Peace Walk held in Monaco to kick off the 8th Peace and Sport International Forum, themed ‘Endangered Peace: how can sport help?’ proved an unforgettable moment for all those involved.
In the presence of H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco, a 1,000-strong procession from all walks of life including sports champions, political figures, athletes and members of the general public marched from the Place du Casino to the Grimaldi Forum, where the Forum is being staged until Friday 27 November.
The participation of Chris Froome, two-time winner of the Tour de France, athletes including Sergey Bubka, Paula Radcliffe, Yelena Isinbayeva, skiing champions Pernilla Wiberg and Florence Masnada, cyclist Philippe Gilbert, tennis player Tatiana Golovin and twenty or so other champions from various sporting disciplines and backgrounds highlighted the unwavering commitment of the Champions for Peace.
“In an international setting where we’re constantly reminded how every single initiative for peace counts, it is fantastic to see the sheer numbers of people rallying their efforts to join us this evening, those from the world of sport and members of the public alike” declared Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport.
“It’s natural for professional athletes to get involved in a cause as important as peace. I can’t help but support Peace and Sport’s actions”, added Chris Froome.
The 8th Peace and Sport International Forum will continue on Thursday with four plenary sessions and the Peace and Sport Awards Gala. This march is specifically meant to express solidarity with people who have suffered from terrorist attack. It is a message of hope for people of north eastern Nigeria who are under siege of Boko Haram, to the people of France, Paris in particular for the carnage that took place on the 13th of November, to Russia for the downing of its plane over the Sinai in Egypt, to the people of Mali, Niger, Chad, Kenya, Cameroon, Turkey and every other country who have suffered terrorist attac
