WELCOME

I want to offer my warmest welcome to all of you who have joined us in Erbil today for the second international sports conference hosted by the Kurdistan Regional Government.

I want to offer my thanks to President Barzani for lending his support to today’s event – the KRG’s policy of promoting sport for all, and using sport to help develop our younger generations, is just one way in which audiences at home and abroad are able to see what can be achieved in a modern, peaceful and progressive Iraq. 

I would also like to thank those who have sent messages of support for today’s event: including Prime Minister Nechirvan Idris Barzani; Wilfried Lemke – Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace; and the Ministers for Sports in the UK and in Wales, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe and Mr Alun Ffred Jones.

ADD IN HONOURABLE WELCOMES FOR HIGH PROFILE IRAQI GUESTS WHO MAY ARRIVE ON THE DAY?

I am delighted to have the opportunity to repay the hospitality shown to us by our friends at the Sports Council Wales – and to welcome so many new faces to these discussions.

It is a privilege to welcome two UK Olympic sports stars to our event – Olympic medal winner Kate Allenby and Paralympic athlete Sophie Hancock – whose stories I hope will inspire our own sportsmen and women to success in the 2012 Olympics and beyond.

Finally, I would like to thank the UK Representation to Kurdistan for their role in making this event a reality. 

SUCCESSFUL FIRST CONFERENCE

At our first sports conference, held in Cardiff last December, we began an important dialogue with our international partners in what can be achieved through regional sports – at both elite and grassroots levels.  

We discussed the value of sport in post-conflict societies and the importance of promoting sport for all – particularly the need to increase opportunities for women, the disabled and the socially excluded. 

And we took away many valuable insights into how to achieve the vision and key ambitions of the KRG Ministry of Sport and Youth.

PROGRESS 

Since we last met there have been positive developments for sport in Iraq. 

Following the dissolution of the Iraqi National Olympic Committee last year, we are very pleased that the NOC is now back up and running. We are particularly delighted that the NOC includes two Kurdish deputy-heads. 

I am also very proud that the MOSY's Roadmap for Sport was adopted by the KRG Council of Ministers in January this year. That Roadmap sets out a vision for the future of sporting success in Kurdistan. 

VISION

Our vision is: that no individual in the Kurdistan region feels that they cannot find opportunities to participate in, and excel in sport;  

That our best athletes do not feel they need to go abroad to find opportunities for international participation;

That our sportsmen and women can be full participants in national and international sporting organizations; 

That our trainers, coaches, managers, administrators, fundraisers and researchers are of the highest international standard;

That every person in the KRG – men, women and children – can benefit from the health and social benefits of sport;

And that we - as part of the nation of Iraq - are able to proudly compete on the world stage.

THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

The Roadmap is a vital first step in achieving these goals and making our vision a reality. 

It recognizes the need to link the Kurdistan Region's organisations both with Iraqi federal bodies and with international bodies, and the need to ensure our sportsmen and women can be full participants in national and international sporting competitions.

And it spells out the need to strengthen our capacity at all levels. 

The journey to sporting success – and the social and economic benefits that will accompany this – still has a long way to go. 

My ask of this conference over the next two days is use you discussions and presentations to take up and respond to the following three challenges:

• What is the best model of sports funding and administration for Kurdistan in our unique political and cultural context?;

• How can we best prioiritise and manage our sporting ambitions – especially where funding is scarce?; and 

• What is the best way to continue to reach out to the international community in sporting partnerships that grow our opportunities to share experience and best practice?

CLOSING REMARKS

Here in Kurdistan we have a passion for sport. 

Our passion can be seen in many ways: from the success of our of football teams, to our progress in opening up sports to all, including women and the disabled. 

Our passion is a powerful demonstration of the Kurdistani people’s resilience and determination to open a new and successful chapter in the future of our region, and of Iraq. 

Again, I want to express my deepest and most sincere thanks to all of you for joining us here in Erbil and I hope the following two days will be both enjoyable and productive.