ANOC marks International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

ANOC today marked the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), reaffirming the role sport can play in connecting communities and driving meaningful social change at a time of profound global tension.

Observed every year on 6 April, IDSDP is an opportunity for the Olympic Movement to reflect on the positive impact sport has on lives and societies across the world.

This year’s theme, “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers,” speaks to sport’s capacity to foster dialogue and solidarity, and to create spaces where division gives way to shared humanity.

ANOC President Robin Mitchell said: “At a moment when so many parts of the world are torn by conflict, sport sends a powerful message of hope. We saw that at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, where 92 National Olympic Committees came together in peaceful competition, showcasing the very best of humanity. That is what sport can do, bring the world together, inspire hope, and remind us that understanding and respect are always within reach.”

As NOCs around the world mark the day with initiatives and activities in their communities, ANOC celebrates the Olympic family’s enduring commitment to a more peaceful and inclusive world and the work of NOCs who make it possible every day.