The yearly commemoration is marked by the world governing body of badminton, which joins other organisations from across the world. Now in its ninth year, the day honours sport’s good and constructive ideas, as well as its unique capacity to build a more peaceful and inclusive society.
BWF has empowered its athletes to join in the campaign over recent years.
Through 2022’s #WhiteCard campaign, each of us can use sport as an answer to peace and thus send a message of unity and global solidarity.
In recent years, COVID-19 has greatly affected badminton community activities, but in 2019, BWF hosted a charity coaching clinic with two homes for underprivileged children in Kuala Lumpur to coincide with the #WhiteCard campaign.
To participate, take a picture of yourself holding up a white card and share it on your social networks using the hashtag #WhiteCard tagging @peaceandsport.
BWF renewed its support and commitment to Peace and Sport in 2018, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok.
2022’s core message is: “Securing a Sustainable and Peaceful Future for All: The Contribution of Sport,” and promotes the use of sport as a tool to advance human rights and sustainable development. It seeks to highlight and draw attention to the stories of individuals and beneficiaries who have been positively impacted by sport all around the globe.
The Swiss Badminton will host a special ‘It’s Shuttle Time For Peace’ project starting on 7 April which open up free and regular badminton training for Ukrainian children who have fled their country due to the ongoing conflict. Over a period of two weeks, the training project aims to help up to 40% of Ukrainian refugees under 18-years-old that are now based in Switzerland.
Following training, Swiss Badminton will organise a ‘It’s Shuttle Time For Peace’ tournament on 30 April for those on the project, supporting the notion of using sport to positively impact those across the globe. We will bring you updates on the project when we can.
BWF Chair – Development & Sport For All Committee, David Cabello said: “April 6 is the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and this is an activity that we tied in as a contribution from badminton.
“We wanted to continue the BWF CSR project this year as part of our April 6 activities but unfortunately, we have had to postpone that due to COVID-19.
“The Swiss Badminton has gone above and beyond to ensure the core message of using sport to secure a peaceful future for all. This echoes BWF’s values.
“Badminton provides a really simple introduction to sport, and because it can be played everywhere, indoors and outdoors, we see it as a great way to create opportunities for children, from all backgrounds.”