Sports Academy Update
24 January 2007
ACADEMY HONORS PRESIDENT OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S NEWEST NATIONS
DAPHNE, Ala. – The United States Sports Academy presented East Timor’s President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, leader of one of the world’s newest countries, with the Academy’s International Honorary Doctorate on 19 January at the Academy in Daphne. Dr. Rosandich introduced him as, “a very unique individual. He has given his life for the fight to free his country.” He added, “Freedom is one of the greatest rights in the world.”
The Academy and East Timor are developing plans to implement national sports programs in that country. In his speech at the Academy, President Gusmao asked, “What does sport have to do with reconciliation and peace? Everything.” He presented the idea that participation in sport creates harmony, saying, “When every citizen lives in peace with other citizens, then all countries will live at peace with other countries.”
A former political prisoner during Indonesian occupation of his homeland, Gusmão has served as President since 2002. He was a key figure in the former Portuguese colony’s 30-year struggle for independence from Indonesia. Gusmão became involved in East Timor’s struggle in 1971, after serving five years in the Portuguese Army. He joined a series of peaceful protests against the colonization of what was then known as Portuguese Timor. Independence was granted three years later, but the formation of a new nation was interrupted by internal struggles and the intervention of nearby Indonesia.
Gusmão publicized the violence and struggles with Indonesia, frequently being interviewed by the worldwide media. The attention he received led to his imprisonment by the Indonesian government, but he directed the independence movement from prison. This led to the passing of a successful referendum for independence in August of 1999, which caused more clashes with Indonesia.
Pressure from the United Nations, the United States and Australia, in addition to an Australian-led peacekeeping force, prompted Gusmão’s release from prison and prompted the beginning of the stabilization process which laid the ground for East Timor’s sovereignty. The country has now enjoyed nearly five years of independence after 450 years of foreign occupation.
East Timor’s constitution took effect when the territory officially became independent in May 2002. East Timor features a democratic republic with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government. All citizens over 18 have the right to vote.
The United Nations Office of Sport for Development and Peace, East Timor and the Academy recognize the value of sport in the development of a peaceful nation. Sport can contribute to economic and social development and it can improve health and personal growth in people of all ages. Sport can also help build a culture of peace and tolerance by bringing people together on common ground, crossing boundaries to promote understanding and mutual respect.
The Academy is working with the United Nations in the development of sports programs for this young democracy, which is about 200 miles from the northern coast of Australia.
Past recipients of the international honorary doctorate include the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain His Royal Highness Salman bi Hamad Al-Khalifa, the Governor of the Sport Authority of Thailand Santiparb Tejavanija and former South African President Nelson Mandela.
The United States Sports Academy is an independent, non-profit, accredited, special mission sports university created to serve the nation and the world with programs in instruction, research and service. The role of the Academy is to prepare men and women for careers in the profession of sports.
For over 30 years, the Academy has delivered sports programs in more than 60 countries around the world. For more information about the United States Sports Academy, “America’s Sports University,” call 251-626-3303 or visit the Academy’s website www.ussa.edu.
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ACADEMY HONORS PRESIDENT OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S NEWEST NATIONS
DAPHNE, Ala. – The United States Sports Academy presented East Timor’s President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, leader of one of the world’s newest countries, with the Academy’s International Honorary Doctorate on 19 January at the Academy in Daphne. Dr. Rosandich introduced him as, “a very unique individual. He has given his life for the fight to free his country.” He added, “Freedom is one of the greatest rights in the world.”
The Academy and East Timor are developing plans to implement national sports programs in that country. In his speech at the Academy, President Gusmao asked, “What does sport have to do with reconciliation and peace? Everything.” He presented the idea that participation in sport creates harmony, saying, “When every citizen lives in peace with other citizens, then all countries will live at peace with other countries.”
A former political prisoner during Indonesian occupation of his homeland, Gusmão has served as President since 2002. He was a key figure in the former Portuguese colony’s 30-year struggle for independence from Indonesia. Gusmão became involved in East Timor’s struggle in 1971, after serving five years in the Portuguese Army. He joined a series of peaceful protests against the colonization of what was then known as Portuguese Timor. Independence was granted three years later, but the formation of a new nation was interrupted by internal struggles and the intervention of nearby Indonesia.
Gusmão publicized the violence and struggles with Indonesia, frequently being interviewed by the worldwide media. The attention he received led to his imprisonment by the Indonesian government, but he directed the independence movement from prison. This led to the passing of a successful referendum for independence in August of 1999, which caused more clashes with Indonesia.
Pressure from the United Nations, the United States and Australia, in addition to an Australian-led peacekeeping force, prompted Gusmão’s release from prison and prompted the beginning of the stabilization process which laid the ground for East Timor’s sovereignty. The country has now enjoyed nearly five years of independence after 450 years of foreign occupation.
East Timor’s constitution took effect when the territory officially became independent in May 2002. East Timor features a democratic republic with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government. All citizens over 18 have the right to vote.
The United Nations Office of Sport for Development and Peace, East Timor and the Academy recognize the value of sport in the development of a peaceful nation. Sport can contribute to economic and social development and it can improve health and personal growth in people of all ages. Sport can also help build a culture of peace and tolerance by bringing people together on common ground, crossing boundaries to promote understanding and mutual respect.
The Academy is working with the United Nations in the development of sports programs for this young democracy, which is about 200 miles from the northern coast of Australia.
Past recipients of the international honorary doctorate include the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain His Royal Highness Salman bi Hamad Al-Khalifa, the Governor of the Sport Authority of Thailand Santiparb Tejavanija and former South African President Nelson Mandela.
The United States Sports Academy is an independent, non-profit, accredited, special mission sports university created to serve the nation and the world with programs in instruction, research and service. The role of the Academy is to prepare men and women for careers in the profession of sports.
For over 30 years, the Academy has delivered sports programs in more than 60 countries around the world. For more information about the United States Sports Academy, “America’s Sports University,” call 251-626-3303 or visit the Academy’s website www.ussa.edu.
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5739100-R1-009-3.jpg
1288K View Download
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