Some of the ''Timor-Leste Athletes for Sustainable Development'' at training.
Timor-Leste’s young athletes are promising to improve their country as well as their times, distances and weight lifting ability.
A joint program between The United Nations in Timor-Leste and the National Olympic Committee has created ‘’Timor-Leste Athletes for Sustainable Development,’’ to create a group of young people and other sports men and women who want to contribute to building better communities.
The athletes have been undertaking training in personal development, media training, public speaking and have worked with the United Nations team in Timor-Lest to understand the development challenges.
Their training course was completed this week with presentations by all the athletes on the ways they have decided to help develop Timor-Leste.
‘’Young, fit, active, determined athletes can make a difference by encouraging people to live a healthier life; promote good feeding practices for children and advocate for people to get immunized; give blood; attend school, protect the environment and respect women and girls,’’ says the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Timor-Leste, Mr Roy Trivedy.
‘’We want to see these young people shine on the world stage in competition, but their biggest challenge is to help end poverty, and overcome the problems caused by global warming.’’
Shooter Christina Antonio M De Jesus Ximenes and Domingos Amaral Guterres talk to the media.
The Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee,’’ Mr Laurentino Guterres, says the country can be proud of its athletes.
‘’They work hard and are determined to represent the country to the best of their ability,’’ Mr Guterres says.
‘’The Olympic movement is about creating a better world for everyone.
‘’We want to encourage people to participate in sport, to get the benefits of a healthy body and mind; to enjoy teamwork, discipline and learn new skills.
‘’These athletes know they are well supported by the community to send them overseas to compete. They want to give something back, and encouraging healthier lifestyles is one way of doing that.
‘’We are very proud of them all.’’
The Vice Minister for Youth and Sport, H.E Mr. João Zacarias Soares Freitas gives a certificate to Fidelis Pedro Soares, and The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in TImor-Leste, Roy Trivedy, addresses the athletes.
The public can meet ‘’Timor-Leste Athletes for Sustainable development’’ at the Olympic Day Fun run and activities outside Government Palace from 8am.