In one of his last engagements in office, President Barack Obama explains how sport has the ability to cross boundaries and borders to bring together people from all backgrounds.

Throughout our history sports have had this power to bring us together even when the country is divided

          - President Barack Obama

Although speaking of the divisions within American society, these words transcend borders and can be used in every nation, region or city across the world. In these times of uncertainty, inequality and suffering, sport has the ability to engage people in ways that politics, business or any other form of entertainment fail to do.

This speech is reminiscent of that given by Nelson Mandela at the first Laureus World Sports Awards in Monaco in 2000. On that occassion the former South African President proclaimed

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. Sports is the game of lovers.

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