NEW YORK, APRIL 6 – The Italian Permanent Mission to the United Nations joined today the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) by wearing the Sanctuary Runners’ bibs, a Solidarity-through-Sport movement, bringing together citizens, asylum seekers, and refugees. “It’s a run that we cannot lose”, said the Permanent Representative Maurizio Massari, pointing to the SDGs and global solidarity.
IDSDP takes place annually on 6 April and presents an opportunity to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and in people’s lives across the globe. Sport has the power to change the world; it is a fundamental right and a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and promote sustainable development and peace, as well as solidarity and respect for all. In recognition of sport’s broad influence, the global theme of IDSDP 2022 is “Securing a Sustainable and Peaceful Future for All: The Contribution of Sport,” which creates an opportunity for the Day’s celebrations to promote the use of sport as a tool to advance human rights and sustainable development. Under this theme, UN Headquarters in New York will recognize the role of sport in addressing the climate crisis and will highlight actions to lower greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate against climate change.
The Sanctuary Runners movement was established in Cork in February, 2018 by former feature writer and broadcaster Graham Clifford. With the support of Cork City Council, and The Tomar Trust, a team of 200 participated in the Cork City Marathon (2018) which included 51-people from across the five different Direct Provision centres in Cork – much of the success down to the help and wonderful photography of Clare Keogh. The team spanned 40 nationalities. A year later 360 Sanctuary Runners took part in the race. (@OnuItalia)
