The special message was delivered during the 3rd International Forum on Sport for Peace and Development in New York City.

The two-day forum was organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the UN Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) with the support of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

"The London [2012] Paralympic Games inspired millions around the world," said the UN secretary general.

"The International Paralympic Committee has done excellent work over years to break down negative stereotypes and build positive attitudes.

"It is important that we work to build societies where all people, no matter their disability, can enjoy the right to play sports - and live their lives - in safe, inclusive environments."

The forum in New York also saw a speech from IPC President Sir Philip Craven,, who shared how the Paralympic Movement's vision of inspiring the world was fully played out at London 2012 in front of a record 2.78 million spectators and a cumulative global television audience of 3.8 billion in more than 115 countries.


"People around the world had fun watching high-class sport that simply wiped away any negative perceptions of people with an impairment from their minds," said Sir Philip, who is also an IOC member.

"Not only is the IPC's vision being spread at the elite level, but also at the grassroots level of para-sport, where the same spirit is being displayed in our Agitos Foundation development camps and nations which are developing National Paralympic Committees."

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