Lahore: Lt. Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan, President of POA, has emphasized the educational value of sports for broader community development.  Speaking at the grand unveiling ceremony of the Urdu version of the IOC Olympic Solidarity Sports Administration Manual here in Lahore, Gen Arif also presented to the audience the idea of strengthening the governance of sports in Pakistan.

“POA is truly thankful to the honourable Vice Chancellors, Directors of Sports Departments of Educational Institutions, and dignitaries from other sections of society for their presence at the occasion”, he said adding, “POA believes that it will be the Educational Institutions with support of which sports can be optimally used to trigger a positive Social Change. POA shall continue in its endeavour to promote and develop the Olympic Movement of Pakistan.” Recognizing the exceptional services of Chief Guest Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, Founder of Akhuwat Foundation, Gen Arif thanked the Chief Guest for gracing the occasion with his presence which is an honour for the POA. Gen Arif Hasan informed the gathering that the Urdu version of the Book comprises 295 pages and it would benefit thousands of individuals and foremost the young enthusiasts who wish to join sports as managers, coaches, support personnel, and leaders.

 One of the basic aims of the Urdu version of the Manual would be to standardize the management and governance of sports organizations. The Book will enable all to understand how the Organizations belonging to the Olympic Movement are required to operate and what their objectives are. As part of the endeavours of the POA "Empowering Athletes" and "Educational Projects for Future Sports Leaders" are of paramount importance, and the Urdu Translation is one integral part of these programs, Gen Arif added. Later the Chief Guest, Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, Founder Akhuwat Foundation, stressed the need to utilize sports as a tool for positive Social Change in society.

Dr Saqib also assured his all-out support and help to POA in its initiative of establishing the Olympic Academy for the sake of sports promotion. “We will also support other endeavours and projects of POA as we believe that POA is rendering valuable services in the arena of sports and promoting the same as a tool of education in educational institutions, Dr Saqib added.

He lauded the role of the POA in the promotion of sports in the country and termed it a role model for others to emulate it.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 13 2023

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