Message from the President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge

In today’s constantly evolving society, sport more than ever looks to be the social movement capable of offering all generations, and especially young people, the chance to live a life that is not only healthier and more balanced, but also better, with more meaning.

It is mainly this theme “Sport for All – for Life” that the 12th World Sport for All Congress will be discussing in November 2008 in Genting Highlands, Malaysia.

Thanks to the support of our long-standing partners, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), and in close cooperation with governmental and non-governmental institutions and members of the Olympic family, such a Congress is an ideal platform for recalling the benefits of sport and exercise for a healthy lifestyle; highlighting the essential values of excellence, friendship and respect that sport can transmit; and taking concrete measures to implement Sport for All programmes and initiatives in developed and developing countries alike.

I also wish to thank the Malaysian Olympic Committee and the national authorities for their important contribution to the organisation of this Congress.

It is up to all of us to make the global activity that sport has become a key element in the well-being of individuals and society.