Inspired by the message shared on 6th April by International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer, on the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the Eskişehir Judo Sports Club has embraced the global #WhiteCard campaign with creativity and conviction.
In a world facing increasing challenges, where children are often the most vulnerable members of society, the message is clear: sport has the power to protect, to educate and to unite. For the young athletes of Eskişehir, this message is not just heard, it is lived.
To give it a unique and meaningful expression, the club chose to combine the global #WhiteCard initiative with one of Türkiye’s most symbolic celebrations: National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on 23rd April. Established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, this special day is dedicated to children around the world, celebrating their role as the builders of tomorrow.
For the club, the connection between these two initiatives is natural. Just as judo promotes the principle of Jita Kyoei, mutual welfare and benefit, 23rd April represents a shared future built on peace, respect and co-operation.
In a short video and a series of photographs, the young judoka stand together, raising their white cards high. In unison, they deliver a simple yet powerful message, “Peace to children, a white card to the future, long live April 23rd! #WhiteCard”
Behind these words lies a profound belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, to grow and to live in peace. This initiative reflects the broader mission of the International Judo Federation, which for many years has promoted education, inclusion and social development through programmes such as Judo for Peace and Judo for Children. Through these efforts, thousands of young people around the world are given the tools to build confidence, develop respect and become active members of their communities.
At club level, Eskişehir Judo Sports Club demonstrates how global values can take root locally. By encouraging young athletes to engage with meaningful causes, the club is helping them understand that judo extends far beyond competition. It becomes a language of unity, a pathway to responsibility, a force for good.
As the #WhiteCard campaign continues to grow worldwide, initiatives like this remind us that change often begins with simple gestures, raised hands, shared voices and a collective commitment to a better future. In Eskişehir, those hands belong to children and through judo, they are already shaping the world they will inherit.