Queen Elizabeth touts sports on Christmas

LONDON

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II championed the role of sports in building communities Saturday in her annual Christmas message to the nation, crediting athletics with teaching valuable social skills and providing a different perspective on life.

The queen’s remarks come at a controversial moment in British sporting history. The government recently was criticized for plans to cut funding to a school sports program. It partly rescinded the decision after an outcry from athletes and educators. Britain is also preparing to host the 2012 Olympics in London.

“In the parks of towns and cities, and on village greens up and down the country, countless thousands of people every week give up their time to participate in sport and exercise of all sorts, or simply encourage others to do so,” the 84-year-old monarch said.