The first-ever United Nations (UN’s) World Fair Play Day was observed on 19 May 2025 to promote sportsmanship rooted in the spirit of friendship, solidarity, tolerance, inclusion, and non-discrimination.
- The day is observed globally to uphold the values of honesty, respect, and fairness in all sporting events. It encourages athletes, teams, coaches, and spectators to prioritize integrity over the pursuit of victory, thereby honoring the true essence of sporting competition.
About Fair Play:
i.Fair play refers to a set of guiding principles that promote ethical conduct, respect, and integrity in both sports and everyday life. It goes beyond simply following the rules, it encourages a spirit of honesty, cooperation, and equality among all participants.
ii.It is recognized as a fundamental element in promoting social cohesion and peace, and it aligns with global efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of health, education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, and peaceful societies.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA), during its 78th session, adopted Resolution A/RES/78/310 on 1 July 2024, officially designating 19 May as World Fair Play Day.
ii.The initiative to recognize World Fair Play Day was spearheaded by Hungary and garnered co-sponsorship from 92 Member States.
iii.The resolution acknowledges the spirit of fair play inherent in the Olympic ideal and emphasizes the importance of sports, including for persons with disabilities, in promoting peace, development, and community cohesion.
History:
i.Prior to its UN recognition, the concept of World Fair Play Day was championed by Panathlon Wallonie-Bruxelles in Brussels (Belgium), which, since 2013, organized a week of fair play activities in September, including the “Relay du Fair-Play”.
ii.The first global celebration occurred on 7 September 2020 in Brussels City Hall in Brussels, organized by the International Committee for Fair Play (CIFP).
iii.Since then, Brussels has annually hosted the official ceremony, supported by local authorities.
2025 Events:
In conjunction with World Fair Play Day, the 30th European Fair Play Congress and the General Assembly of the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM) were held from 16 May to 20 May 2025 at the International Olympic Academy in Ancient Olympia, Greece.
International Committee for Fair Play (CIFP) Awards 2025:
- The award honored individuals who exemplified the values of honesty, respect, and integrity in sports.
- Awardees
1.Victoria Pazos, The Paraguayan umpire received the World Fair Play Diploma in the “Jean Borotra – Career of Fair Play” category.
2.Sander Skotheim: The Norwegian decathlete was honored with the International Fair Play Award as part of the World Athletics Awards 2024.
About International Committee for Fair Play (CIFP):
President – Dr Jenö Kamuti
Headquarters – Paris, France
Established -1963
