Two years ago, on April 6th, an historic step was taken towards the recognition of sport into the global context. Two years ago, on April 6th, Monaco-based organization Peace & Sport declared the first International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
Now, two years later, the foundation created in 2007 by former modern pentathlete Joel Bouzou, is still working to promote the practice of structured sports and physical activity as a tool for social change and community development; or also to educate the young generations and help foster social stability, reconciliation and dialogue between communities.
The International Olympic Committee has been fully supportive of this initiative, and it will celebrate and promote the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace by launching a social campaign that will feature stories of popular Olympians and sports personalities who have used their fame to give back and contribute to social change, also encouraging athletes, teams and federations to share those same contents.
Events of different nature are expected to be held all around the world to support the Day, while the hashtags #IDSDP2015 and #WhiteCard is already collecting tweets and posts on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
The ISSF will promote actions and initiatives intended to share the six key messages of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace:
- Sport and physical activity are an important universal tool and driver for social change, contributing to build a better world.
- Sport instils healthy behaviours and help address key health problems such as obesity, chronic diseases and HIV.
- Sport helps social integration and fight against social stigma and discrimination.
- Sport empowers girls and women.
- Sport unites people and promotes a culture of peace, and builds community dialogue.
- Sport provides value for children and youth and assists their development.