April 6 was declared as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) by the UN General Assembly in 2013, creating a historical link to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
This decision represented a significant step in recognizing the transformative power of sport and its great potential in advancing positive social change.
Due to its vast reach, unparalleled popularity and foundation of positive values, sport is ideally positioned to contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ever since its creation, many organizations and individuals have celebrated on this day the role that sport plays in society and its power to foster dialogue, understanding, social inclusion and peace.
April6 is a celebration of the work being carried out every day by sport organizations, athletes, coaches and NGOs that play a fundamental role by transmitting the educational values of sport to people of all ages throughout the world.
In the current circumstances, April6 provides the opportunity to highlight the unique power of sport in supporting people and communities to overcome the challenges imposed by the pandemic.
#WhiteCard
As a reference to the yellow and the red card in the sporting world, since 2014 a #WhiteCard is a symbol, created by the organization Peace and Sport, representing the positive power of sport for peace and social inclusion.
Every year, through the #WhiteCard campaign, Peace and Sport mobilizes the sports world as well as governments and civil society to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
The core message of the 2021 #WhiteCard campaign is “Behind each #WhiteCard, there is a story”. It seeks to highlight and draw attention to the stories of individuals and communities who have been positively impacted by sport all around the globe.
Through a #WhiteCard, each of us can advocate on the unique power of sport for social development and peace, and share a story on how sport supported us to overcome challenges.
To participate, take a picture of yourself while holding a white card, register your story on the www.April6.org platform and share it on all your social networks using the hashtag #WhiteCard and the tags @peaceandsport and @worldrafting.
