Let’s get active: Georgia celebrates global day of sport

Put on some sports shoes and get active this weekend as Georgia celebrates the annual International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

A wide range of activities, games and sporting challenges will be held at Turtle Lake in capital Tbilisi this weekend as part of a global event recognising the power of sport in promoting peace and erasing cultural barriers worldwide.

Established by the United Nations (UN) in 2013, the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is celebrated by most countries on April 6 however in Tbilisi the day will be marked on April 10.

Last year people from of all ages took part in the activities on offer, which included cycling. Photo by the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia/Facebook.

People of all ages including residents and visitors of the capital are invited to Turtle Lake and take part in the celebratory activities including streetball, rock climbing, sand volleyball, wrestling and chess.

The day will also see sport federations in Georgia stage performances for Oriental and Georgian wrestling, local martial arts, horse riding and cheerleading.

Rock climbing will be part of this year’s celebration again. Photo by the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia/Facebook.

About a dozen types of competition will be held in a short tournament style, and there will also be a special corner that will entertain and host children.

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was first marked in Georgia in 2014. Last year’s celebration was also hosted at Turtle Lake – a recreational space popular among Tbilisi locals.

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace will also involve a show performance of cheerleaders. Photo by the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia/Facebook.

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was established by the UN in 2013 and tied to the international organisation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); some of which were to end poverty and reduce social inequality.

People of all ages are encouraged to come along and enjoy the festivities this weekend. Photo by the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia/Facebook.

The UN designed the celebration to capitalise on the role of international sport in the "realisation of development and peace in its promotion of tolerance and respect" as well as its contribution to "empowerment of women and of young people".

This year's International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was preceded by people all over the world sharing their past activities in support of the UN and its Sustainable Development Goals.

See messages from participants of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace below: