ATHLETES from around the world are being urged to be active as the world celebrates UN International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, amidst the battle of COVID-19.

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is an annual celebration of the power of sport to drive social change, community development and to foster peace and understanding.

On April 6, the IDSDP was stated as a moment when the International Olympic Committee and the whole Olympic Movement joined the global effort to encourage everyone to be active and stay healthy at a time when the world is fighting an unprecedented health crisis, and when populations are being asked to stay at home to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Sport and physical activity are essential to stay fit and healthy, especially in this time of uncertainty and social distancing. Physical activity improves mental health, helps beat negative thoughts, lowers stress and depression, and strengthens the immune system.

The COVID-19 pandemic is spreading to more countries, territories and regions of the world at an alarming rate and physical and social-distancing practices are becoming commonplace to stop the spread of the disease.

The closure of gyms, sport facilities and stadiums, public pools, and playgrounds mean that many of us are not able to actively participate in individual or group sporting or physical activities, nor watch live sporting events. As a result, the global sporting community is facing serious challenges due to measures imposed in countless countries around the world.

But that does not mean we should stop being physically active, nor should we disconnect from the coaches, teammates, instructors and fellow fans who not only help us to stay physically fit but also socially active.

The World Health Organisation recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both.

There is an abundance of free and accessible online and digital tools targeted at encouraging people of all ages and abilities to stay active and mobile while remaining at home.

Bach said the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace presents many reasons to stay focus and healthy as they look forward to the Olympic Games next year.

Sport has the power to change the world; it is a fundamental right, a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and promote sustainable development and peace as well as solidarity, and respect.

Through our unique individual skills and collective power, we can come together and share creative ways to improve our health and well-being through sport and physical activity – even from the confines of our own homes.

Here at Chronicle Sport, we are asking everyone to be active, to stay healthy and demonstrate solidarity during this period of physical- and social-distancing.

This team spirit will help us all get through the current challenges together.