As the world celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace today, April 6, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) underscores the vital role sport plays in supporting global recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic. “ Sport is ready to contribute to building a more inclusive and human-centered society ,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “ This crisis has made it clearer than ever that sport is the ultimate low-cost, high-impact tool for all countries in their recovery efforts .”
Creating a historical link with the first modern Olympic Games, which began 125 years ago on April 6, 1896, the UN General Assembly declared in 2013 that April 6 would be the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace , which has been celebrated every year since 2014. This date is an annual celebration of the power of sport to drive social change and community development, and to foster peace and understanding.
The importance of sport to improve the effects of the pandemic
The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have demonstrated the importance of physical activity in helping countries, communities, and individuals cope with these challenging times by staying physically and mentally fit and thus becoming more resilient.
In December 2020, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus the resolution “ Sport as an enabler of sustainable development ,” which urged the inclusion of sport and physical activity in post-COVID-19 recovery plans . This call has also been echoed by the Ministers of Sport of the 27 Member States of the European Union.
“ Sport and physical activity contribute directly to physical and mental health and to the fight against communicable and non-communicable diseases ,” said the IOC President. “ This activity has great social importance as it unites communities. Sport plays a significant economic role; it creates jobs and generates business activity. Ultimately, it is contributing to the recovery from the crisis at the health, social, and economic levels .”
When will the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games take place?
With less than four months to go until the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the IOC is also continuing to work collaboratively with all its stakeholders to ensure that this year's Games can provide a powerful symbol of hope during these challenging and unprecedented times.
“ We are working at full speed with our Japanese partners and friends to make the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games a great demonstration of solidarity ,” said the IOC President. “ Together with the Japanese government, the Organizing Committee, and many others, we are preparing for the 206 National Olympic Committees to gather in a safe environment in Tokyo, thus sending a signal of hope and resilience to all of humanity. In this way, the Olympic flame can be the light at the end of the dark tunnel in which we currently find ourselves . ”