The 11th World Sport for All Congress, recently organized in Havana, Cuba, by the Cuban National Olympic Committee, under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), debated a theme of particular importance: "Physical Activity: Benefits and Challenges".

At the end of the Congress, the participants adopted a declaration. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) supports this call for action to take the recommended measures, adapted to the situation in each country or organization, in order to promote physical activity and Sport for All.

The declaration recognizes, among other areas, that sport and recreation is vital for socio-cultural integration and equity, harmony and cohesion, particularly among persons with a disability. For the sake of the youth of the world, the declaration calls for urgent, real, targeted multi-sectoral action in health, education and sport sectors and at all levels of society and government. It calls on governments and public authorities at all levels, in consultation with NGOs and other organizations, to development guidelines and targets and ensure provision of community sport and recreation facilities, including accessible, clean open space, among others. It also calls on National Olympic Committees, International Federations and other organizations in the Olympic Movement to develop or expand at least one major Sport for All campaign each year, support others including governments in their efforts to develop campaigns, and report on activities at the 12th World Sport for All Congress in 2008.

The 12th World Sport for All Congress will take place in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, from 3 to 6 November 2008.

(Credit: IPC. Click here for further information.)