8th WORLD CONFERENCE ON SPORT AND THE ENVIRONMENT

4.2. Conference Opening Ceremony
8th World Conference on Sport and the Environment
International Cooperation and Development Department
Ms Audrey Rivers,
Respected Elder, Squamish National, Canada
Report
Following the initial welcome, Ms Audrey Rivers, a Respected Elder of the Squamish Nation,
provided an opening prayer wherein she wished success for the delegates and stated that: “In 10
months, Canada and Vancouver and Whistler will play host to the world. This is the fi rst time in
history that the Olympics will be held on traditional lands.”
Mr Tewanee Joseph,
Executive Director and CEO, Four Host First Nations Secretariat,
Canada
Mr Tewanee Joseph spoke on behalf of the Four Host First Nations. Mr Joseph highlighted the
unprecedented partnership that has been formed between VANOC and the Four First Nations on
whose traditional territories the Games will be held. He also cited the relationships that have been
established with all aboriginal people across Canada including First Nations, the Inuit of northern
Canada and the Metis. Mr Joseph stated that: “Many will be here in 2010 to celebrate Canada, to
celebrate its cultures, and to celebrate the world. These are truly Canada’s Games”.
Mr Michael Chambers,
President, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canada
Mr Chambers opened his speech by reminding everyone that the Olympic Charter mandates the
promotion of sustainable development and cited two “incontestable facts” that this conference
recognises. First, the environment is an issue of global concern affecting all of us; and second, the
current economic crisis is also of global concern affecting all of us. This dichotomy will permeate
the conference this year through the spirit of innovation and inspiration.
Mr Chambers went on to commend VANOC on its many sustainability innovations, noting that it
will be important to sustain the momentum that grew out of the 7th World Conference in Beijing.
Mr Chambers ended his contribution by pointing out that “sport is universal” and as such, the
IOC must use this unique universality to make the world, and young people specifi cally, more
conscious about the environment.
Key quotes from Mr Chambers:
“Sport is universal. Through the vehicle of sport, an impact can be made on the environment.
We in sport must ensure that our own house is clean. We must use the universality of sport to
deliver the message of environmental sustainability.”
“There are no minds more innovative than the minds of young people. No one is more attuned
to the environment than young people.”
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