FASANOC
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), which takes place annually on 6 April, presents an opportunity to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and in people’s lives across the globe.
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), which takes place annually on 6 April, presents an opportunity to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and in people’s lives across the globe.
Sport has the power to change the world; it is a fundamental right and a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and promote sustainable development and peace, as well as solidarity and respect for all.
The global theme for the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2023 is “Scoring for People and the Planet”. As in previous years, this overarching theme allows for IDSDP activities to broadly focus around the impact and influence of sport on sustainable development and peace.
Due to its vast reach, unparalleled popularity and foundation of positive values, sport is ideally positioned to contribute towards the United Nations’ objectives for development and peace.
To raise awareness of this potential, 6 April was declared as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) by the UN General Assembly. The adoption of this Day signifies the increasing recognition by the UN of the positive influence that sport can have on the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development.
As part of IDSDP, Olympians and members of the Olympic Family were invited to hold up a symbolic white card and share a photo of themselves doing so on social media using the hash tags #WhiteCard and #IDSDP2023.
“The white card acts as a unifying symbol for inclusion, equality and peace worldwide. By holding it up for International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Olympians demonstrate that sport can be an instrument for change throughout the world,” said Joël Bouzou OLY, World Olympians Association President and founder of Peace and Sport.
The Voices of the Athletes Programme which falls under the Athletes and Communities Engagement Programme (ACE) Programme used former Fiji athletes known as Champions to promote IDSDP's white card campaign.
These champions included Joana Lesi (Cricket), Hector Smith (Hockey), Marica Togeyali (Volleyball), Naomi Waqanidrola(Football), Quintyn Stephen (Shooting) advocated the white card campaign as a unifying symbol for inclusion, equality and peace worldwide.
The IOC showed its support of the white card campaign by also encouraging members to join the #BeActive campaign.
Olympic athletes around the world have already shared some creative ideas and tips on how to stay fit and healthy on the IOC social media channels that include Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram.
On 6 April and beyond, let’s #BeActive and united!
