Action Day – Social Cohesion
Since its establishment in 2013, the 6th of April is the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. On this day, the UN invites all nations and people to celebrate the power of sport to drive social change, community development and to foster peace and understanding.
This day is commemorated globally each year by international, regional, national sport and development organizations to honour the role that sport plays in society, whether by encouraging healthier lifestyles, making sport more widely accessible or using it as a vehicle for development in areas made vulnerable by conflict, poverty and inequality.
The past editions of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace were celebrated all over the world by a diversity of actors involved in using the benefits of sport to connect people to a wide range of development and reconciliation efforts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical and social distancing practices are becoming commonplace to stop the spread of the disease. The closure of gyms, sport facilities and stadiums, public pools, dance studios, and playgrounds mean that many of us are not able to actively participate in individual or group sporting or physical activities, nor watch live sporting events. As a result, the global sporting community is facing serious challenges due to measures imposed in countless countries around the world.
But that does not mean we should stop being physically active, nor should we disconnect from the coaches, teammates, instructors and fellow fans who not only help us to stay physically fit but also socially active. There is an abundance of free and accessible online and digital tools targeted at encouraging people of all ages and abilities to stay active and mobile while remaining at home. Sport has the power to change the world; it is a fundamental right, a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and promote sustainable development and peace and well as solidarity, and respect. Through our unique individual skills and collective power, we can come together and share creative ways to improve our health and well-being through sport and physical activity – even from the confines of our own homes.
IDEAS FOR #MORETHANFOOTBALL ACTIVITIES:
- Highlight your project that tries to change the world by using sport
- Educate your supporters on the values on peace, solidarity and respect
- Engage in acts of kindness and solidarity
- Raise awareness of why peace and sport for development are important
- Promote your COVID-19 response
- Share resources that could be useful to alleviate your supporters’ emotional distress or to provide ideas for working out at home
- Show your players, staff or coaches staying active and supporting the local community
Please use #morethanfootball and feel free to tag our #Morethanfootball social media accounts so we can share your posts and activities.