Spanish
Starting in 2025, every May 19th will be celebrated for the first time as World Fair Play Day, a new commemoration proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly. This initiative, driven by several member states, recognizes the transformative role of sport as a tool to build a more peaceful, inclusive, and just society.
Why a World Fair Play Day?
Sport and physical activity not only promote health, discipline, and effort, but also have the power to unite people beyond their differences. Throughout history, sport has been a powerful force for social cohesion and reconciliation in times of conflict or political tension.
An emblematic example is that of South Africa in 1995. After the end of apartheid, then-President Nelson Mandela used the Rugby World Cup as a symbol of national unity. By supporting the Springboks team, traditionally associated with the country's white past, Mandela sent a message of reconciliation that had a profound impact on the reconstruction of South African social fabric.
World Fair Play Day was established in a very significant context: it was officially approved in 2024 (Olympic year), through resolution A/78/L.85 of the General Assembly of the UN. This resolution highlights the role of sport and fair play as fundamental pillars for promoting cooperation, mutual respect, inclusion, and the fight against all types of violence, discrimination, or doping in the sporting arena.
Furthermore, the UN recognizes the efforts of the International Committee for Fair Play, an organization committed to promoting fair play at all levels of sport, from the professional elite to everyday practice.
At the heart of this commemoration lies an ambitious vision: to use the values of fair play —such as honesty, respect, equal opportunities, and adherence to the rules— as a means of contributing to global sustainable development goals, such as the eradication of hunger, the reduction of poverty, gender equality, and world peace.
