Creating communities that are inclusive and cohesive – as well as safe, fair and equal – falls, in a large part, to local government, our councils and our political representatives. This is why it is so important to introduce policies and mechanisms that apply to everyone: leaving no-one behind.

Multiple benefits of sport

Sport can play such an important role in this. It brings people together, increasing mutual understanding, and fostering team spirit. It motivates individuals to strive to achieve their best, pushing their boundaries and overcoming obstacles, inspiring resilience and tenacity. It can also contribute to a thriving local economy. For these reasons, sporting opportunities must be available to everyone.

Key areas of exploration

Commonwealth sports ministers, senior government officials and other stakeholders met in Paris ahead of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to pave the way forward for inclusive and cooperative societies by harnessing the power of sport.

Key areas of exploration at the meeting included the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in sports, reimagining the Commonwealth Games, leveraging artificial intelligence for sport development and peace, and assessing the contribution of sports to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More information on the 11^th Commonwealth Sports Ministers meeting can be found here.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics continues, and we enjoy watching impressive performances by athletes from around the globe, we look forward to even better inclusivity in sport and recognise that all athletes, while representing their nations, originate from a city, town or village; but certainly all individual communities, which have shaped them,