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WOA Supports #WhiteCard for Peace

24 | 3 | 2016

To celebrate the third International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6, the WOA is once again supporting Peace and Sport’s #WhiteCard for Peace initiative and is urging Olympians everywhere to back the campaign.

#WhiteCard is a mass social media campaign which aims to promote the message of peace through the sport movement, providing the opportunity for all those who believe in the power of sport to show their commitment by making a symbolic gesture on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

The concept is simple:

  • Take a photograph of yourself (or as a group) holding up a white card like a referee on a playing field. Be original and creative!
  • Post the photo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the message: "Like me, post your #WhiteCard to Play your Peace on your April6 @peaceandsport? #‎IDSDP2016! (Remember to tag yourself in the photo!)

Several high-profile Olympians have already lent their names to the 2016 campaign including:

WOA Patron HRH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Olympic bronze medallist and two-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome (Great Britain, Cycling), double gold medallist Pernilla Wiberg (Sweden, Alpine Skiing), Olympic champion and three time Olympian Sergey Bubka (Ukraine, Athletics), Olympic bronze medallist and world number one tennis star Novak Djokovic (Serbia, Tennis), three-time Olympic gold medallist Tony Estanguet (France, Canoe Slalom), double gold medallist Yelena Isinbayeva (Russia, Athletics) and five-time Olympian and double Olympic gold medallist Laura Flessel (France, Fencing).

WOA President, Joël Bouzou, said:

“April 6 is a unique opportunity to promote the idea of building peace through the sport movement by using sport as a catalyst for social change. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is an increasingly important day for the global sports community, which is why we are urging all Olympians to join the #WhiteCard for Peace campaign and spread a message of hope to future generations.

“Getting involved couldn’t be easier – simply show your #WhiteCard on social media and let the world know you believe in the positive impact of sport. It is a simple but symbolic way to raise awareness and show that sport can contribute to a better world.“

Since 2014 April 6 has been observed as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) following a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly. The adoption of this Day by the UN, its member states and the Olympic Movement signifies the increasing recognition of the positive influence that sport can have on social and economic development and the advancement of human rights.

You can Tweet and share and follow the #WhiteCard for Peace campaign using the hashtags #WhiteCard and #IDSDP2016 on social media.

For more information please visit the Peace and Sport website.