The annual scheme recognises the importance of the United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which is held annually on April 6.

Officially declared by the UN in 2013 and supported by the International Olympic Committee, the day celebrates the power of sport to drive social change and community development, foster peace and promote understanding and falls on the anniversary of the first Modern Olympic Games in 1896.

As part of the #WhiteCard campaign, which was launched in Monaco last week, Olympians, members of the Olympic family and the wider sports community are invited to share a photo of themselves on social media using the hashtag and holding up a symbolic white card to show their commitment to peace efforts worldwide.

This year, Peace and Sport is encouraging people to add a location in the post or to take their photo against identifiable and iconic backgrounds such as the Eiffel Tower, Copacabana Beach, the Statue of Liberty, Tokyo Tower or Sydney Harbour Bridge.

They are doing so in the hope that the shared images tell the story of the universal nature of the campaign and demonstrate the connectedness of the global community on peace through sport movement.

"Olympians are a source of inspiration for young people everywhere, putting them in a unique position to act as leaders within their communities, drive awareness around social issues and help create a more harmonious world," Joël Bouzou, the WOA President and President and founder of Peace and Sport, said.

"By coming together and sharing the Olympic values, we can utilise the power of sport to promote tolerance and understanding.

"With the fourth year of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace nearly upon us, I call on all Olympians to get behind the #WhiteCard campaign and demonstrate our shared commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation through sport around the world."

Olympians can also upload details of their planned activities and events to Peace and Sport’s April 6 website, a platform dedicated to promoting initiatives that celebrate International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

"From the high plateaus of Kenya to the banks of the Thames, sport is a source of inspiration and motivation for young people," British cyclist Chris Froome, a three-time Tour de France winner and a Peace and Sport "Champion for Peace", said. 

"I hope that #WhiteCard will encourage more people to develop sports projects for peace around the world."

Joining Bouzou at last week’s campaign launch was Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Former long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe, who like fellow Briton Froome is a Champion for Peace, was also present.