This Wednesday the Prince attended the ISPS-Special Edition Sports Values Summit at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan. There the Duke of Sussex explained how sport can play a transformative role in the lives of not only individuals but also global communities, particularly its potential for healing.
Prince Harry finds himself promoting what for him can act as a “conduit for healing” because of its ability to change and empower communities.
Prince Harry’s speech in Japan
Harry explained how sport can play a transformative role in the lives of not only individuals but also global communities, particularly its potential to heal.
“I have long believed that sport is a conduit for healing-not just for the mind and body but the world,” he said. “Sport requires having a dream and the need for community. Whether banded together in victory or showing up with respect in loss, no one ever crosses a finish line or scores a goal without the help and belief of others.
“The lessons we learn on the field are often the same principles of philanthropy; that a mission, hard work, dedication, and partnership can make even the impossible, possible. That is what giving back requires, and we are all capable of creating or joining a team to do so.”
What is Sentebale?
Sentebale is a charity, which he co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help young people in Africa affected by HIV and AIDS.
The name “Sentebale” means “forget-me-not” in the Sesotho language spoken in Lesotho.
As Newsweek explains, the name was chosen to pay tribute to the late mothers of both princes, Princess Diana and Queen ‘Mamohato, who worked closely with AIDS charities.
The ISPS (International Society for Sports Promotion), which organized the Tokyo summit, is also the main sponsor of the annual Sentebale Polo Cup, an event in which Harry participates with his Argentine friend Nacho Figueras to raise money for the charity.
Where and when will the Sentebale Pole Cup 2023 be held?
This year, the ISPS Handa 2023 Sentebale Polo Cup match will take place in Singapore on August 12. Prince Harry will participate together with Nacho.
The Cup has been held for ten years in different cities around the world and has raised over $14 million for charity.