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WOA appeals for Olympians to support #WhiteCard campaign

23 | 3 | 2015

The WOA has pledged its full support to #WhiteCard, the mass social media campaign launched by Peace and Sport in support of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace [IDSDP] – an initiative run by UN Member States and other partner organisations which takes place on 6 April.

The WOA will encourage the 100,000 Olympians worldwide to support the campaign which celebrates the role that sport plays in society by encouraging healthier lifestyles, making sport more widely accessible and using sport as a vehicle for development in areas made vulnerable by conflict, poverty and inequality. 

Olympians can get involved in the #WhiteCard campaign by taking an individual or group photo while holding up a plain white card – a symbol of peace. The photo should then be uploaded and shared on social media using the hashtags #WhiteCard and #IDSDP.

Joël Bouzou, WOA President and President and Founder of Peace and Sport, said:

“Taking part in the Olympic Games is a unique experience which changes an athlete’s life forever. Every Olympian knows what sport has given them and what it can give to future generations. This is why I’m calling on all Olympians to support the #WhiteCard campaign in order to pass down this legacy and raise awareness among leaders and the general public about the major role that sport plays in society.

“The #WhiteCard campaign led by Peace and Sport is a simple and symbolic way of taking part in what matters. It is essential that sports champions and in particular, Olympians, take part. They are role models for younger generations. It’s with them that we’ll make peace through sport triumph.”

The 2014 IDSDP was a resounding success with more than 345 sports and cultural projects delivered in over 90 countries across five continents. The 2014 #WhiteCard social media campaign was also exposed to 6 million social media users worldwide.