On April 6, the global community observes the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), emphasizing sport’s pivotal role in fostering social inclusion, equality, and harmony. The 2025 theme, “Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion,” underscores sport’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its capacity to build more inclusive societies.
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), as an integral part of the Olympic Movement, is dedicated to leveraging weightlifting to drive societal change and empower communities. Beyond elite competitions, weightlifting serves as a unifying force, engaging individuals across various levels.
IWF President Mohammed Jalood highlighted the transformative impact of the sport:
“Sport has the power to change lives, and weightlifting is no exception. Both on and off the competition platform, we strengthen individuals and communities; providing opportunities for empowerment, enjoyment, and personal growth.”
Athletes are central to promoting these values. Two-time Olympic weightlifting medalist Emily Campbell expressed her aspiration to utilize her platform for youth development:
“I would love to open my own gym for, predominately, youth and development. But I want anyone to be able to walk into my gym, to be able to have that community space to learn weightlifting, to learn physical literacy and to be comfortable and to live a healthy lifestyle.”
Such initiatives underscore weightlifting’s role in instilling confidence and skills, enabling individuals to forge better futures and be part of a cohesive community.
As the journey toward the Olympic Games LA2028 continues, the IWF reaffirms its commitment to positioning weightlifting as a medium for social inclusion, empowerment, and peace, ensuring accessibility for all, irrespective of background.