sports diplomacy
Canterbury
“Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the
power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a
language they understand. Sports can create hope, where there was once only
despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers.
It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination. Sport is the game of
lovers.” (Nelson Mandela, Laureus Sports World Awards, 2000) Since its
inception, Europe has become more prosperous, more integrated, and more of a
player in international affairs. Between 1989 and 2014, the European Union (EU)
practically doubled its membership and catapulted into third place in population
behind China and India. It currently boasts the world's largest economy and also
heads the list of global trading powers. In 2012, the EU won the Nobel Peace
Prize for transforming Europe "from a continent of war to a continent of peace."