As a perfect illustration ahead of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, judo united together Russians, Ukrainians, Americans, Israelis, Iranians and Arabic countries to exemplify its efforts towards peace in sport.

The IJF has now called for all Continental Unions, National Federations, clubs, and judo players from around the world, to organise a special celebration on April 6 to mark the inaugural day - with each participant asked to send pictures and a short description of their event to the IJF for it to display on its website.

The judo family joined together at the Tbilisi Sports Palace in Georgia to symbolise their effort for peace and unity in sport ©IJF



The peace and sport organisation is also launching a new initiative known as, "Carton Blanc - Sporting Gesture for Peace".

Taking its name from "Carton Blanc" (White Card), a travelling exhibition by Maud Bernos dedicated to children at the centre of Peace and Sport's actions, this initiative will enable the public to join a viral campaign on Facebook aimed at demonstrating the involvement of actors for development and peace through sport.

The idea is to combine a universal symbol for sport, holding up a card, with a symbol for peace, the colour white.

The International Day of Sports for Development and Peace was first declared by the United Nations General Assembly in August 2013, with April 6 the agreed date.

The adoption of this day signifies the increasing recognition by the United Nations of the positive influence sport can have on the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development.

Celebrities have united together to take part in the "Carton Blanc - Sporting Gesture for Peace" initiative to demonstrate their efforts for development and peace through sport
©Sport and Peace



"Sport has become a world language, a common denominator that breaks down all the walls, all the barriers," UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon declared.

"It is a worldwide industry whose practices can have widespread impact.

"Most of all, it is a powerful tool for progress and for development."

Wilfried Lemke, special adviser to the UN secretary general on Sport for Development and Peace, added: "Sport has the capacity to empower individuals and bring one's moral values to the forefront.

"It can play a strategic role in transferring life skills and communicating useful and encouraging messages on important issues, thus driving social change.

"This new commemoration on the international calendar will further promote the value of sport as a catalyst for development and peace."

The IJF has asked all those looking to participate in the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace to send their event descriptions, prior to the day, and pictures to [email protected].

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