“Sport nourishes hope”: this is the slogan of the “Sport against hunger” campaign promoted by Focsiv, the Federation of international voluntary organizations of Christian inspiration, and by the Italian Sports Centre, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). with the aim of supporting projects against hunger and malnutrition in the most disadvantaged countries. At the FAO headquarters in Rome, the initiative will be presented on Tuesday 25 November at 10:00.
The “Sport against hunger” campaign starts from the observation that multifaceted conflicts and crises make it complex – sometimes almost impossible – to access nutrition in a complete, healthy and regular manner for millions of people. But food is a right and sport can be a means of supporting those who defend it. For this reason, the CSI has accepted the task of mobilizing the Italian sporting community and public opinion on the issue of the right to food and food sovereignty, to promote support for the 58 right to food and food security projects carried out by the network of Focsiv members, some of which also include sports activities for young people. Almost 150 thousand beneficiaries will be reached in 26 countries located in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.
“The right to food is a fundamental human right and requires the courage to act together,” he says Maurizio MartinaDeputy Director General of FAO. «The values of sport remind us that only thanks to shared commitment can we truly fight hunger and malnutrition. FAO is proud to support this campaign which, with true team spirit, will mobilize energy and resources to bring food, hope and opportunities to the most vulnerable communities.”
«We are happy to announce this project that will keep us busy in the coming months, with a coordinated solidarity activity that will combine events, initiatives and manifestations in the area, demonstrating that together we can truly promote change», he declares Vittorio Bosionational president of the CSI. «For years the Italian Sports Center has been active in the peripheries of the world and we are convinced that, with the contribution of athletes, clubs and CSI Committees, we can make more and more sporting events and social initiatives a driving force to support the numerous food safety projects promoted together with Focsiv. It is necessary to play as a team to break down inequalities and combat world hunger: sport, synonymous with inclusion and education, can and must play its part.”
He echoes it Ivana Borsottopresident of Focsiv: «Those involved in international cooperation in many countries around the world know well that, even in the most abandoned suburbs or in the most remote villages, a sports field can become a place of hope and joy, strengthening the community. Because, as Nelson Mandela said, “Sport has the power to change the world”. It has the power to inspire, unite and speak to young people in a language they understand. Sport can bring hope where once there was only despair.” Remembering that the right to sport for all is a heritage of humanity enshrined by UNESCO in 1978 and included in Art in 2023. 33 of our Constitution, sport «becomes brotherhood and with it we will support 58 food security projects in the world, for the production of healthy and nutritious food, for access to drinking water, for the support of small peasant businesses. We thank the CSI for agreeing to participate in this adventure and the FAO for the collaboration of which we are honored.”
The initiative, lasting 18 months, enjoys the support of the media partners Agenzia DIRE, Avvenire, Famiglia Cristiana, Vatican News and Vatican Radio.
