Share This Day

Share to your favorite social media page

When is International Day of Sport for Development and Peace?

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace occurs on April 6th.

What is International Day of Sport for Development and Peace?

Sports unite people. That’s why the UN created International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. This day celebrates athletics as a tool for developing people and nurturing peace throughout the world.

Sports teach us respect, fairness, and discipline. The quality of the game suffers if no one plays fairly. Under the umbrella of fair play though, nobody can improve without discipline. Athletics also train us to use teamwork and respect our opponents. Tolerance, perseverance, equality, non-violent reconciliation—the list can go on.

These qualities apply off the field too. Sports can’t stop a war, but they might afterwards promote peaceable attitudes to heal divisions. The arena gives players neutral ground where they can exercise controlled aggression.

All people can benefit from a good sports program. Unfortunately, not everybody has access to this effective means of character formation. International Day of Sport for Development and Peace raises awareness about athletics as a useful tool for promoting worldwide harmony and conflict prevention.

Fun facts about International Day of Sport for Development and Peace!

  • This day is celebrated on the anniversary of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, on April 6, 1896.
  • The Olympics symbolize international harmony as a gathering of nations under the banner of peaceful competition.
  • UNESCO declared sports and physical education a human right for all people in 1978.

How to celebrate International Day of Sport for Development and Peace:

  • Play sports with your friends, with your kids, and within your local community. Get the right gear so that you stay safe out there.
  • Volunteer your time with a local sports program for kids. Sports can make a tremendous difference in a child’s life by teaching perseverance, collaboration, and discipline. Get out there and participate in that valuable service.

What’s the hashtag for International Day of Sport for Development and Peace?

Celebrate the value of athletics by using #IDSDP on social media.