Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace – April 6, 2024

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is celebrated each year on April 6 by the United Nations. The day acknowledges the role that sports play in driving social change. It helps make the world a better place by bringing together people to play sports and practice athletics. The day also acknowledges the importance that physical activities play in building cooperative and healthy communities. Sports not only ensure cooperation and peace among those who play but also take care of our health and guarantee a long life. Each year the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace has a specific theme that participants abide by.

History of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace recognizes the power of sport in promoting peace and overcoming cultural barriers. The International Olympic Committee and the United Nations are committed to using sport as a tool for social change. Both organizations have used sports to bridge cultural gaps and improve standards of education, health, and economic and social development around the world.

On August 23, 2013, the U.N. declared that the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace will be celebrated on April 6 each year. Coincidentally, it is also the day that marks the opening of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace encourages active lifestyles and finding ways to make sport accessible to all. There’s also a special focus on getting more children to participate in sports.

Sports offer us a unique position to show leadership, take responsibility, act against injustice, and amplify the causes that need urgent attention. Sports can also help communicate important ideas to as wide an audience as possible. Today we battle generational challenges of poverty and hunger, climate change, and illnesses. We must find ways to overcome our differences and unite to tackle these obstacles. Sports can help us create a safer, peaceful, and sustainable future for all. In recognition of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the U.N. has said, “We recognize the growing contribution of sport to the realization of development and peace in its promotion of tolerance and respect and the contributions it makes to the empowerment of women and young people, individuals and communities as well as to health, education, and social inclusion objectives.”

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace timeline

1894
International Olympic Committee

The International Olympic Committee is founded in France.

1896
Modern Olympic Games

The first modern Olympic game is held in Athens, Greece.

1945
United Nations

The United Nations is founded in California, U.S.A.

1959
Philip Noel-Baker Wins the Nobel Peace Prize

He is the only sportsperson to have won an Olympic medal and a Nobel Prize.

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace FAQs

Why is the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace celebrated?

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace recognizes the positive role sport and physical activity play in people’s lives across the globe.

Why is International Sports Day celebrated on April 6?

International Sports Day for Development and Peace is celebrated on April 6 to commemorate the first modern Olympic Games that began on April 6, 1896.

What is the importance of sports?

Sports teach us a lot of important life skills while also keeping us physically and mentally healthy.

How to Observe International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

  1. Play a sport

    Celebrate International Day of Sport for Development and Peace by playing your favorite sports. Revisit a sport that you haven’t played in years or pick up a sport that you have always wanted to try.

  2. Share your story

    On International Day of Sport for Development and Peace share stories of how sports have changed your life for the better. You can also talk about all the positive impacts that sports have had on your community.

  3. Donate

    You can donate sports equipment or raise funds for sportspersons in need on International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. This way you will be doing your bit for the sporting community.

5 Interesting Facts About Sports

  1. Golf balls have dimples

    The number is between 300 and 500, and usually 336.

  2. Olympic gold medals aren’t made of gold

    They are made of sterling silver and contain a tiny amount of gold.

  3. Sports have been played on the moon

    Golf and javelin throwing have been played on the moon.

  4. A baseball has a short lifespan

    A baseball’s average lifespan is five to seven pitches.

  5. Kite flying is a sport too

    It’s a professional sport in Thailand.

Why International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is Important

  1. It’s a noble celebration

    The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is a noble celebration aimed to make the world a better place through sports. With sports, we can bring communities closer and make them cooperate.

  2. It’s celebrated for a better future

    International Day of Sport for Development and Peace envisions a future where people are at peace with each other and mother nature. The celebrations focus on sustainability and cooperation between all.

  3. It’s a celebration of sports

    Sports are a great way to stay active, and they also bring us joy and pride. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace celebrates the multifaceted nature of sports.

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace dates

YearDateDay
2024April 6Saturday
2025April 6Sunday
2026April 6Monday
2027April 6Tuesday
2028April 6Thursday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.