Releasing a video message with the support of celebrities from the sports world, UNDP Turkey invited everyone to be active at home and to foster team spirit on April the 6th, the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

5 April 2020 – Coach of the Turkey women's national volleyball team Giovanni Guidetti, national volleyball player Bahar Toksoy, world record holder free-diver Şahika Ercümen, national football players Nuri Şahin and Yusuf Yazıcı, basketball player Sinan Güler, national archer Yasemin Ecem Anagöz and presenter Burcu Esmersoy contributed to the video message from their homes.

“Sport has the power to change the world,” said Claudio Tomasi, UNDP Turkey’s Resident Representative, “On this year’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, we invite everyone to be active and foster the team spirit. Stay at home, stay healthy.” 

The COVID-19 pandemic is spreading to more countries, territories and regions of the world at an alarming rate and physical and social distancing practices are becoming commonplace to stop the spread of the disease. The closure of gyms, sports facilities and stadiums, public pools, dance studios, and playgrounds mean that many of us are not able to actively participate in individual or group sporting or physical activities, nor watch live sporting events. As a result, the global sporting community is facing serious challenges due to measures imposed in countless countries around the world.

But that does not mean we should stop being physically active, nor should we disconnect from the coaches, teammates, instructors and fellow fans who not only help us to stay physically fit but also socially active.

The World Health Organization recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both. WHO also have some tips on how to achieve this with no equipment and with limited space. 

There is an abundance of free and accessible online and digital tools targeted at encouraging people of all ages and abilities to stay active and mobile while remaining at home. 

For the International Day of Sport this year, UN agencies invite people to #BeActive and healthy to beat #COVID19.

Sport and Sustainable Development

Sport has proven to be a cost-effective and flexible tool in promoting peace and development objectives. In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sport’s role for social progress is further acknowledged: "Sport is also an important enabler of sustainable development. 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 of young people, individuals and communities as well as to health, education and social inclusion objectives."

General tips for staying active and latest information of COVID-19.  

Video link: youtu.be/XV9yWqo4Q9Y

More info: Faik Uyanık, UNDP Turkey  faik.uyanik@undp.org

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.