Mr. President,

Sport is not only a benchmark for social development, but also serves as a bridge to promote communication among people of different countries．Given the incessant emergence of global issues and the close interdependence of the development of various countries，strengthening the exchanges，dialogue and mutual understanding among civilizations has become the consensus of all parties．It is of more urgent significance and relevance for the General Assembly to review the agenda item of sport for peace and development.

China is of the view that the international community should put the issue of sport on the agenda of global cooperation for development. China attaches importance to the General Assembly deliberation on sport for peace and development, appreciates the work of the Secretary-General’s Special Advisor, and will do our utmost to support the United Nations endeavors in the field of sport development. Sport has a role to play in promoting social development and maintaining world peace．The international community should incorporate sport into global cooperation agendas such as peacekeeping operations, development, education, public health, gender equality, and protection of the rights and interests of persons with disabilities．It is also imperative to give better play to the role of sport in promoting the achievement of the MDGs．

China maintains that upholding the Olympic spirit contributes to settlement of global crises．Crises cannot be resolved without the consensus of parties concerned．The prerequisite of consensus is mutual understanding and respect. The concepts of "unity, friendship and fair competition' advocated by the Olympic Games have emerged as the common values and pursuit of the entire humanity. To fundamentally address the financial crisis and other global issues，countries must continue to abide by the principles of the Charter of the United Nations，uphold the Olympic spirit, respect cultural diversity, enhance mutual understanding, settle disputes through peaceful means，and work together toward a world of equality and harmony.

The 30th Olympic Games will be held in London in 2012．China wishes the London Olympic and Paralympic Games a complete success．

Mr. President,

Though three years have passed since Beijing hosted the Olympic Games，the legacy of the Beijing Olympics is still very much in evidence．The legacy of the Beijing Olympic Games is not just limited to the large number of landmark sport facilities．The Games have also substantially promoted mass fitness programs，urban planning, public health, environmental protection and a host of other important undertakings in China．The Olympic spirit has spread far and wide among the Chinese people．China has designated the opening date of the Beijing Olympics，namely, August 8 as China's National Fitness Day. This is a solemn commitment made by the Chinese government to development of China’s sport endeavors．China has hosted many sport events in recent years，such as the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010，and the Shenzhen World Games for University Students in 2011．The 8th National Games for Persons with Disabilities is currently being held in Hangzhou．In 2014，China will host the Second Youth Olympic Games．

Mr. President,

This year marks the first year for the implementation of China's 12th Five-year Plan for economic and social development. China's sport endeavors are also standing at a new historical turning point．The Chinese government will continue to integrate sport into its national development strategy, and provide more and better public sport services to its people．In the meantime，China will continue to play a positive role in the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace ，make vigorous efforts to advance international cooperation in sport development, and thus contribute to world peace and development.

Thank you, Mr. President.