Every April 6th, the world celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, a day that recognizes the power of sport as a tool to promote inclusion, equality, and social development. At the Rafa Nadal Foundation, this day holds a special meaning, as sport is the essence of our mission and the foundation of all our projects.
Through our initiatives, we work to ensure that children and young people in vulnerable situations find in sport a way to grow, learn, and overcome obstacles. At our Rafa Nadal Foundation Centers, we promote values such as effort, discipline, teamwork, and resilience—key tools for their personal and social development.
Celebrating Sport and Health with Aauri Bokesa
To commemorate this day, we had the honor of welcoming Olympic athlete Aauri Bokesa to the Rafa Nadal Foundation Center in Palma de Mallorca. During her visit, she shared her inspiring story with the children, talking about the challenges she has faced throughout her athletic career.
From her beginnings in basketball to her transition to athletics—which led her to compete in the Olympic Games—Aauri highlighted the importance of adapting and finding what each person excels at. She spoke about the significance of effort, perseverance, and self-confidence, values that we also promote in our programs.
Additionally, she shared her experience as a racialized person in the world of sports, facing racism while representing her country. With courage, she explained how she has confronted these challenges and turned them into motivation to move forward and fight for her dreams.
Another crucial topic she addressed was the impact of sport on mental health, emphasizing how physical activity helps manage pressure, anxiety, and life’s difficulties. With her story, she inspired the children to never give up, to keep fighting for their goals, and to discover what makes them unique.
April 7th also marks World Health Day, a date that reminds us of the importance of physical and mental well-being. At the Rafa Nadal Foundation, we strongly believe that sport is essential for a healthy life. Sports practice not only improves physical condition but is also fundamental for the emotional and social development of children.
Through our initiatives, we continue to advocate for education based on sport and the comprehensive support of children, ensuring they have a future full of opportunities.
Celebrating the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and World Health Day means reaffirming our commitment to children and youth. We continue to work to make sport a tool for inclusion, resilience, and personal growth—because every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
