“Challenge yourself in the game of life, as you do in the game of sport,” are the words of Pope Francis, which have inspired an interfaith conference on faith and sport to take place in Rome from 5 – 7 October 2016.
The Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Culture (PCC) and Allianz today announced that Allianz is the Founding Partner of the Sport at the Service of Humanity Conference, conceived by the Council under the leadership of its President, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi.
The purpose of the Sport at the Service of Humanity conference is to bring together world leaders in sport, faith, business and civil society to establish the principles for a new movement. The Conference will host 150 leaders to discuss how sport and faith working together can improve and enhance the lives of those who most need it in many different walks of life.
“We are proud to partner with the Holy See’s Pontifical Council for Culture to launch this movement,” said Oliver Bäte, CEO of Allianz SE. “It perfectly aligns with Allianz’s desire to support those who choose to live life with courage. With the Sport at the Service of Humanity Conference, we will be laying the cornerstone of a global movement that builds bridges between people and helps transform lives.”
Allianz will also be supporting the Humanity Sports Club, a global initiative aimed at encouraging youth to adopt the principles of the movement and demonstrate that commitment both on the playing field and in life.
“On behalf of the Holy See, I want to thank Allianz, and especially CEO Oliver Bäte, for their Founding Partner support of this new movement,” said Monsignor Melchor Sanchez de Toca, Under-Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture. “This is the first time that there has been such a high level meeting in the Vatican on sports and faith. It is not a one-off event. The idea is to create a movement that will resonate with everyone, regardless of faith, culture and geography.”
The Pontifical Council for Culture is currently engaging with leaders in many areas to secure their participation in the upcoming Sport at the Service of Humanity conference. Among them will be Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, and Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee.
For further information, please visit: www.sportforhumanity.com
ENDS