From 29th June to 3rd July, the World Rafting Federation held the World Rafting Championships in L’Argentière-La Bessée, France. Despite the restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 250 athletes from all around the world had the opportunity to compete and race together; they could meet and share an unforgettable experience through the prism of sport.

During the opening ceremony, Champion for Peace and representative of the Champions for Peace Club Marlene Harnois outlined the link between rafting and the promotion of inclusive and peaceful societies. On this occasion, athletes, officials, and members of the rafting community massively raised their White Card as a sign of support to the peace-through-sport movement.

As Charity Partner of the World Rafting Championship 2021, Peace and Sport encouraged officials, athletes, and fans to make a concrete action of solidarity. They can become change-makers by donating to Peace and Sport’s field programs. This charity initiative highlighted how sport goes beyond performances focuses on positive values that are an essential part of rafting: cooperation, respect, and inclusion.

Before the event, Champion for Peace Venuste Nyiongabo joined the WRF President Mr. Danilo Barmaz in a conversation on the Italian TV MS Channel highlighting the importance of Sport governing bodies supporting Sport for development initiatives. Venuste Nyiongabo also shared his experience as Champion for Peace and encouraged all athletes to act as role models.

Click here to see the interview replay: http://mschannel.tv/2021/06/30/focus-osservatorio-pt-7/

All the funds collected through this initiative will support the daily peace-through-sport activities benefiting disadvantaged communities worldwide, such as the «Live Together program» in the Zaatari refugee camp, in Jordan. The funds will also be used to support the «Peacemakers Project,» an international program that aims to implement the Peace and Sport’s methodology through our mobile app Peace and Sport x MyCoach in partnership with ten field organizations.

Last March, Peace, and Sport joined forces with the World Rafting Federation (WRF) to use Rafting as a tool for social inclusion and overcoming differences. As part of the cooperation agreement, Peace and Sport and the World Rafting Federation will undertake joint sport diplomacy actions and organize initiatives to raise awareness on Sport for Development and Peace among the rafting community.