Forming a global community in honour of IDSDP

In 2013, the UN General Assembly named this day in honour of sport as a tool for positive social change. Since then, the IDSDP has gained significant global recognition. sportanddev.org is among many organisations proud to contribute to the recognition of the IDSDP and to advocate for the effect of sport on development worldwide.

In past years, the IDSDP has inspired several sporting events throughout the world aiming to promote peace through sport. This year promises similar proceedings with a range of activities from international conferences to local table tennis tournaments. You can highlight what you are planning on sportanddev.org and https://www.april6.org/en.

The IDSDP Facebook page has created a backdrop of shared experiences using well-known advocates of both sport and peacebuilding. The page features a range of quotes from Pelé to Maya Angelou to Arthur Ashe. A new quote is posted every day in the run up to IDSDP.

Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose - it teaches you about life. - Billie Jean King

Visit the IDSDP Facebook page to read more.

In addition to promoting physical activity, the IDSDP emphasises a celebration of community. For this reason, social media can be one of the most helpful tools in uniting those devoted to sport and development.

As in past years, #WhiteCard remains a large part of the social media presence for the IDSDP. This year, the United Nations is adding another digital component with #WePlayTogether to highlight global involvement. Participants are encouraged to document their activities and share how sport represents unity and inclusion for them. They also have the option of submitting photos to the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) for possible exhibition in the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Visit the UNOSDP website for more information.

In addition to the above hashtags, be sure to use #IDSDP and #IDSDP2017. We encourage all to take part in the IDSDP, and to share your experiences in the sport and development community. If you have any questions or suggestions, please get in touch on [email protected].