UNITED NATIONS (RushPRnews)11/29/08-UN secretary general Ban-Ki Moon has pledged his whole-hearted support for Qatar’s fight against drugs and poverty through the Global Sports Fund (GSF) initiative.

“I congratulate the government of Qatar for its support and commitment and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for this initiative. I look forward to a long-term relationship on this project to make the world a better place for all of humanity,” the UN chief said yesterday.
The Global Sport Fund (GSF) is a United Nations venture sponsored by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) that helps youth live safer and more peaceful lives through sport especially the millions of young people who are affected by poverty, natural disasters and armed conflict.

“Today, young people, particularly in developing countries and disadvantaged communities are vulnerable to drugs and delinquency. In some cases, they become child soldiers, victims, or offenders of crime that are largely related to substance abuse,” the UN chief said.
“The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and the United Nations are supporting young people around the world to become involved in amateur sport not just for fun, but to provide children and youth the opportunity to learn social skills that will keep them safe from drugs,” Ban-Ki moon added.
The secretary general was speaking to the media after visiting the UNODC office and the Qatar Olympic Committee. He was received by the QOC secretary general Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani.
In 2003, the UNODC and the Qatar Olympic Committee organised a ‘Football Without Borders’ camp in Doha and since then have held similar events in other countries.
Ban Ki-Moon said everyone should be able to play sports because “there should not be any borders in sports.”