The seventh IDSDP was celebrated during a global lockdown, with the COVID-19 pandemic plaguing the world. Despite the challenges, the power of sport was recognised, and digital events replaced on-ground activity, in keeping with health restrictions.

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is celebrated each year on 6 April.

In 2020, the global community is undoubtedly facing a unique challenge from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and the sportanddev community is no exception. While sport has great power to bring people together, this same quality is exactly why the global sports community has been particularly affected by the necessary health measures imposed in countries around the world.

Despite this challenge, IDSDP remains a great opportunity for the sport and development community to showcase the ways sport has been helping countries, communities and individuals to live peaceful, prosperous lives.

While it may not be possible to hold events in person, this is a unique opportunity to get creative and come up with new ways to share your messages of solidarity and peace.

We will be sharing further stories and resources on how to celebrate IDSDP 2020 in the coming weeks.

Have you already got a new idea for an initiative? Be sure to share it with the community!

Photo by leah hetteberg