On April 6, the United Nations recognizes the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace to celebrate the role that sports play in fostering community, building bonds between people, and sharing experiences across the world. Globally, sporting competitions have been suspended and canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 serve as a beacon of hope in these difficult times.
Through cooperation, compassion, and teamwork, athletes are finding innovative ways to support, encourage and cheer for one another as we all make sacrifices to halt the spread of COVID-19. In this way, sports can still unite us all in these trying times. Globally, the Olympic and Paralympic movements and the postponed Tokyo 2020 Games are showcasing athletes ability to meet adversity head on and overcome unforeseen challenges.
From Carlin Isles' at-home stair workout to Laurie Hernandez participating in a virtual relay, see how you can follow in your favorite athletes' footsteps by staying active while physical distancing at home.
Monica Abbott, Softball
Finding happiness in lots of small things lately, including the gift of movement. Here are a few exercises to stay active that can be done at home or in fresh air. Go slow and HAVE FUN! 😜 For more info on @UN International Day of Sport visit https://t.co/CqbAwVf7g2 pic.twitter.com/6QiNXEKk3l
— Scout Bassett (@ScoutBassett) April 1, 2020
Emma Coburn, Track and Field
Jessie Diggins, Cross-Country Skiing
Caeleb Dressel, Swimming & Grant Holloway, Track and Field
Shawn Johnson East, Gymnastics
Laurie Hernandez, Gymnastics
Carlin Isles, Rugby
That home stairs workout! pic.twitter.com/Z0iXHKxrIo
— Carlin Isles (@Carlin_Isles) April 1, 2020
Katie Ledecky, Swimming
Aquatic burpees aren’t easy😅
— Katie Ledecky (@katieledecky) April 2, 2020
...but staying home is. Isolate like an Olympian and do your part to help keep others safe. #VisaAmbassador Proud to be on #teamvisa @visa_us #stayhome pic.twitter.com/CMMdHuUmcn
Carli Lloyd, Soccer
Beautiful day ☀️ and a perfect day to complete 10 x 800s! 🤙🏼💪🏼🏃🏽♀️#grindcontinues #emptythetank pic.twitter.com/r2EkjPyVXb
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) April 5, 2020
Simone Manuel, Swimming
Now more than ever, we are one team.#playinside #playfortheworld pic.twitter.com/GTeNYD6kOY
— Simone Manuel (@swimone) March 22, 2020
Tatyana McFadden, Para Track and Field
Sometimes you just need to get outside. It’s always nice to go for a walk to get some fresh air and if your lucky find some hidden spots. Next time you go for a walk bring a band with you if you have one or this can be done at your home 🏡 #stayhealthy pic.twitter.com/fEqDRmnFhK
— Tatyana McFadden (@TatyanaMcFadden) April 3, 2020
Colleen Quigley, Track and Field
Brooke Raboutou, Climbing
Paul Weber-Ruggeri, Gymnastics