Fiji was the first country to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace yesterday in Suva

The day was marked with a run-a-thon was organised by the French Embassy together with Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) and Fiji Association of Sport & National Olympic Committee (FASANOC).

A 24-hour Terre De Jeux 2024 relay linked the world in a 24-hour celebration of sport globally.

French Ambassador François-Xavier Léger said this was the beginning of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games journey.

“This is a global relay and Fiji is the first country to kick start before the other 45 French embassies around the world begin theirs,” he said.

“On the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Paris 2024 and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs organised a 24-hour worldwide sports relay, mobilising the world of sport through the “Terre De Jeux 2024”.

April 6 was proclaimed in 2013 by the Unites National General Assembly to be the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

“It makes a historical link to the opening date of the first Olympic Games in 1896. Since 2014, this day has been celebrated every year.

In 2015, in historic move for the Olympic and Paralympics movement, the United Nations’ report on the sustainable development goals officially mentioned sport as an important partner in sustainable development.

“In this context, today is an excellent platform for advocating to the international community for increased investment in sport.

ONOC president, Robin Mitchell said: “Sport is a core element of culture; our ability to play together removes barriers and fosters peace that can lead to better societies.

“Sstrong societies that value respect, fair play and integrity are better placed to work together to advance solutions to problems that arise from time to time.

“Our celebration of today’s Terre De Jeux 2024 Relay, our commemoration of Pierre de Coubertin and his legacy to sport, culture and humanity, our recognition of our friendship, and our working together towards Paris 2024 is a celebration of our contribution to our joint human development.”