The vision of Community Games in bringing people together was commended by Mr John Hume at the weekend.
Speaking at the organisation's 28th a.g.m. in Derry on Saturday night, Mr Hume said Community Games was the organisation with the greatest vision on the island. "There is a need to bring people together in every way we can so that we can recognise their common humanity."
Respect for differences was essential if people were to live together, he said.
"By bringing young people together in sports, art and other activities, you are dealing with a vacuum that has been there for a considerable time," Mr Hume said.
He said Community Games was a movement that would be central to lasting peace and stability in Northern Ireland.
While representatives had at last agreed on how peace was going to be reached, that agreement was not a solution but a framework that would lead to a healing process. "Distrust and hatred cannot be removed in a fortnight," Mr Hume said.
"The agreement is setting up a framework for that process and democratic institutions to ensure both sections of the community work together in common interest," he said.
"You have been bringing people together at community level for years. That is essential to the healing process. You are essential to it," he said. "As we move into a new century let us hope the foundations have been laid for lasting peace and stability.
"Let's all work together on behalf of the whole community to break down the barriers of the past and have a new society in a new century," he concluded as he received a standing ovation.
Mr Brian McManus, Dublin, was elected chairman. He takes over from Mr Michael O'Grady of Galway, who retires after 25 years.
There were two other changes in officers. Ms Jude Feehan, Offaly, was elected vice-chairman, and Ms Noreen Doyle, Cork, became assistant secretary.
Ms Theresa Judge accepted an award on behalf of The Irish Times for Best Sports Coverage in the National Press from the National PRO, Ms Martina Mulhall.