06.04.2023
Today, on 6 April, we recognise the positive role that sport plays in people’s lives worldwide as it is a powerful tool to not only foster respect and solidarity but also to promote sustainable development and peace.
According to the United Nations, “due to its vast reach, unparalleled popularity and foundation of positive values, sport is ideally positioned to contribute towards the United Nations’ objectives for development and peace.”
Thus, 10 years ago, in August 2013, the United Nations signed a resolution, in which it was decided to proclaim 6 April, , the opening day of the first Olympic Games in 1896, as International Day of Sport for Development and Peace – to raise awareness of the potential that sport has to encourage not only individual development and peace education but gender equity, social inclusion, intercultural and interreligious understanding, youth empowerment, reconciliation and co-existence and the promotion of health, among others.
Nowadays, it is more important than ever to recognise and celebrate the values sport conveys as the UN vision of building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal seems even more valuable in a world in crisis.
“I hope that the IFSC Climbing World Championships in Bern can contribute to the development of sports and the peace movement,” says Daniel Marbacher, CEO of the association “WM Sportklettern 2023”.
“Climbers for Peace” initiative
Together with the organisation Peace and Sport, who celebrate 6 April annually through their “#WhiteCard” campaign, the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) launched the “Climbers for Peace” initiative two years ago.
If you want to take part and show the uniqueness of the climbing community and their contribution to make the place a better world through sport, simply take a #WhiteCard picture while training on or off the wall and share it on social media to raise awareness.
“Climbers for Peace” is combined with a crowdfunding campaign – learn more about it here.
Visit www.april6.org for more information on Peace and Sport’s #WhiteCard campaign or the official UN website to learn more about the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
Photo: Nicolas Altmaier