Sambists take part in the #WhiteCard campaign

The SAMBO community, Peace and Sport, UNESCO, the UN, and other NGOs unite to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) on April 6th.

This annual event highlights the profound impact of sports in fostering peace, inclusivity, and global development. The theme for 2024, "Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies," underscores the transformative potential of sports in building harmony worldwide.

The International SAMBO Federation annually calls on the SAMBO community and individuals to support IDSDP and the #WhiteCard Campaign. Raising the White Card symbolizes a commitment to sportsmanship, solidarity, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Together with the SAMBO athletes among the sports movement "Champions for Peace" from Peace and Sport (international, neutral, and independent organization), the FIAS and sports environment recognize the importance of the #WhiteCard Campaign initiated by Peace and Sport in 2015.

Moreover, from December 2023, the International SAMBO Federation became a member of the Sport for Refugees Coalition, which supports refugees and the communities that host them by fostering greater inclusion for all, improving the physical and psychosocial well-being, and promoting using sports as a tool to build a society where every individual feels valued and included.

This year, the FIAS Athletes Commission actively participated in turning on the forces and uniting the community's power to support awareness and promote the celebration of a better world.

Recognizing sports beyond entertainment began in 1978 when UNESCO asserted that sports and physical education are fundamental rights for all. Later, in 2013, the United Nations General Assembly designated April 6th as IDSDP, acknowledging sports' crucial role in advancing human rights, social progress, and economic development.

The celebration of IDSDP 2024 kicked off with an event titled 'Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies' held on April 4th at the UN headquarters in New York. The gathering showcased innovative initiatives leveraging sports for positive social change and sustainable development. Athletes like Sasha DiGiulian and Bea Kim highlighted sports' role in climate action through organizations like Protect Our Winters (POW), while former NFL player Anquan Boldin emphasized sports' capacity to advocate for social justice. Representatives from UEFA and the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee shared insights on using sports events to promote sustainability and social impact. The presence of dignitaries from international organizations, UN Member States, and officials reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging sports for global development and peace. FIAS representatives attended the meeting online.

In essence, the celebration of IDSDP 2024 underscores the universal recognition of sports as a catalyst for promoting peace, inclusion, and sustainable development. Through collaborative efforts, the world continues to harness the power of sports to build a better and more harmonious future for all.

P.S. Also, if you want to participate, please publish a photo with the white card on social media using the following hashtags #WHITECARD #PEACEANDSPORT #IDSDP2024 #SAMBO #FIAS and tagging the official @SAMBO_FIAS account and @FIASATHLETES.