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Alisher Usmanov: FIE fully supports the UN sport for peace initiative

LAUSANNE (April 6) – International Fencing Federation President Alisher Usmanov says the governing body is doing its part to support the United Nations’ sport for peace initiative.

Speaking on April 6, the day set aside by the UN for recognizing the transformative power of sport and its great potential in effecting positive social change, the FIE President noted: “The UN initiative to popularize the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is very important for modern society.”

“Sport unites people from all over the world,” he added. “The FIE actively supports the involvement of athletes from five continents in its sporting life. We hold many competitions in developing countries; we strive to provide equal conditions for all athletes participating in our events, including for those from conflict zones,” the FIE President said.

“And I’m confident that our programs to teach fencing to children from socially deprived regions will contribute to the cause of peace in the interests of future generations.”

April 6 is commemorated globally each year by international, regional, national sport and development organizations to honour the role that sport plays in society, whether by encouraging healthier lifestyles, making sport more widely accessible or using it as a vehicle for development in areas made vulnerable by conflict, poverty and inequality.

Last year the FIE celebrated the day in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, during the Cadet and Junior Fencing World Championships, and the tradition continues at the 2016 edition in Bourges, France.

Athletes and officials show support worldwide peace efforts by holding a white card aloft. The FIE’s social media platforms display associated imagery from Bourges.

About the FIE:

The International Fencing Federation (FIE - Fédération Internationale d'Escrime) is the international governing body for the Olympic sport of fencing. The FIE is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Currently, the FIE has 150 affiliated member federations.

For further information on the FIE please visit www.fie.org

Contact the FIE Communications, Marketing and TV department on +41 21 320 31 54

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