Nelson Mandela, a man of singular life and story, has left an indelible mark, not only in politics but also in the world of sports. Recognizing his profound understanding of the power of sport, the Doha Goals forum in Qatar broke with tradition to pay well-deserved tributes to Mandela, who is hailed as the first leader to grasp the transformative potential of sports.
Delegates from numerous nationalities gathered at the forum, offering their respects to Mandela just hours before his funeral. Richard Attias, the producer of the forum representing the Qatari authorities, emphasized Mandela’s unique insight into the unifying force of sports. “Sport gives us hope. And while today is a sad day, as we should all be in Soweto, let us remember the joy that sport can also bring,” said Attias. He added, “Nelson Mandela was the first leader to truly understand the power of sport. Sport brings us together, in solidarity, to forget the problems that separate us.”
Mandela’s historic moment in sports came in 1995 when he presented the Rugby World Cup to the victorious Springboks, symbolizing the dawn of the “rainbow” nation post-apartheid. The victory, in a sport that had long been associated with white South Africa, marked a significant moment of unity. In 1996, South Africa won the African Cup of Nations in football, a first for the country. Notably, South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a moment that brought immense joy to Mandela, an avid sports enthusiast throughout his life.
