Today is the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, and it’s also the 120th anniversary of the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece, in 1896!

The United Nations created this holiday to celebrate the power of sport in sustainable process and change. Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations, said, “Sport has become a world language, a common denominator that breaks down all the wall, all the barriers. It is a worldwide industry whose practices can have widespread impact. Most of all, it is a powerful tool for progress and for development.”

Started in 2014, the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is the annual celebration of what the International Olympic Committee, National and International Sports Federation, sports clubs, governmental and non-governmental organizations, neighborhood associations and everything else is doing to use sport to help create social change.

To celebrate the day, artist Maud Bernos created the “Carton Blanc” or “White Card” project. Referees give players red cards if they are too violent (it’s the most serious offense a player can commit), so a white card symbolizes peace. It’s a worldwide project, so everyone is encouraged to participate. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Take a photo of yourself holding a white card.
2. Post the photo on social media with the status, “Post your #WhiteCard to play for peace on April 6! @peaceandsport #IDSDP #sport4abetterworld”

Here’s mine!

Have fun celebrating sport today!