Observed annually on April 6, International Day of Sport recognizes the positive role sport can play in communities and people’s lives worldwide. It also highlights efforts to leverage the power of sports to advance social change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
An event at United Nations Headquarters will focus on how prominent sporting entities collaborate to have a positive influence on people and the places where they operate.
The Power of Sport
Sport is an international language that connects people across borders, cultures and backgrounds. It reaches all levels of society and can bring about powerful social change.
Sport unites people – from the passion that binds fans of all races and religions when supporting their favourite team, to the way in which children can discuss their football heroes with their peers at school. And it can do more than that – it creates hope.
Laureus has long recognised the power of sports and its unique ability to inspire and unite individuals and communities. It has a role to play in bringing about positive social change, and contributing to the achievement of the UN’s Global Goals. This is why Laureus supports sports-based initiatives from the local to the global level. Its reach, unparalleled popularity and foundation of positive values make it the perfect platform to drive societal change.
It Brings People Together
In a world where it can be difficult to find common ground, sports can bring people together. Whether at the local level, such as a community soccer tournament, or at the global level, like the FIFA World Cup, the passion of fans for their teams unites them across cultures and languages.
Similarly, the heroism of athletes and teams also unites them. The death of NBA and Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, for example, brought an entire world together in grief.
In addition, the way in which sports promotes inclusion and tolerance is important. The “Salah effect” of Liverpool FC’s Mo Salah, which helped to normalise the practice of Islam in British sport, is a great example. And of course, there are the many stories of athletes overcoming adversity and inspiring the public. This kind of positive engagement can be a powerful tool for social change. It can create the desire for people to take part in positive activities that can improve their lives, including by supporting a local cause.
It Empowers Communities
Sport is an incredibly powerful tool for fostering peace, understanding and inclusion. Its universal language breaks down barriers of culture, ethnicity and nationality. It promotes teamwork, respect for the opponent and the rules of the game – values that can be shared all over the world.
It can also support economic growth in developing nations through the development of sports infrastructure and promoting tourism. Additionally, sport can help tackle issues such as gender equality and youth empowerment.
The International Day of Sport serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate the efforts of sporting bodies, organizations and individuals that are using sport for social impact. GA Foundation and WFUNA hosted a panel discussion to highlight the role of sport in the context of refugee and displaced communities, featuring youth representatives from GA Foundation and WFUNA.
It Strengthens Collaboration
The fact that sports are often played in teams means that they are a natural mechanism for connecting people across borders. The ability for a team to come together, train hard, and compete on behalf of their home country can help them feel closer to their peers around the world.
As a result, sport can be used as a tool to strengthen connections across cultures and overcome barriers in humanitarian, development, and peace-building efforts. In recognition of this potential, the UN General Assembly officially declared 6 April to be the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. Know about international sports day from 해외스포츠중계 now.
To celebrate this important day, an event will be held at the United Nations headquarters in New York featuring elite athletes and sporting organization experts discussing innovative ways that sport can support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Attendees will have the opportunity to share best practices, discuss challenges, and explore collaborative opportunities that leverage sport as a vehicle for sustainable development and peace.