"Fair play is the vital heartbeat of sport, and its promotion is more critical than ever as the sporting ecosystem navigates complex challenges from the grassroots to the institutional level," said Sabharwal.

"On this World Fair Play Day, we reflect on a year of immense growth and activation, from the Olympic Museum to the peaks of Milano Cortina. But our work is just beginning. Today, we are scaling our capabilities, by welcoming two legendary Olympians to our Council and launching a dedicated philosophical engine, CIFP is building its position as a vital center of knowledge and champion for sporting ethics.”

Global Sports Icons Join CIFP Council

To strengthen its leadership and global perspective, CIFP has appointed two legendary Olympians to its governing Council, diversifying and enhancing its expertise, and expanding its global reach:

Emma Terho (Finland): A three-time Olympic ice hockey medalist and former Chair of the IOC Athletes' Commission.

"Having spent years advocating for athletes within the IOC, I know that victory without integrity is hollow. I am honored to join the CIFP Council to ensure that fairness, respect, and the fundamental values of Olympism remain central to the athlete experience globally," said Terho.

Paul Tergat (Kenya): Iconic long-distance runner, multi-time Olympic silver medalist, former world record-holder and IOC Member:

"Fair play is a universal language, and I am incredibly proud to bring the voice of African athletes to the CIFP Council on World Fair Play Day. Together, we will champion clean, ethical sport and inspire the next generation across all continents," said Tergat.

Launching the Fair Play Academic Circle ("F-PAC")

In a major step to deepen the intellectual and educational framework of sportsmanship, CIFP has officially launched the Fair Play Academic Circle ("F-PAC"). Composed of the world’s leading sports philosophers and ethicists, F-PAC's mission is to analyze contemporary ethical challenges and serve as a dedicated research and educational resource for the international sporting community.

The newly formed Circle will be led by Dr. Sigmund Loland, Professor and former Rector of the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, who steps in as the inaugural Academic Chair. A globally renowned authority on the philosophy of sport, Dr. Loland will guide F-PAC’s research agenda, bridging advanced ethical theory with practical guidance to preserve the spirit of fair play.

A Global Celebration of Integrity

To mark the global impact of this UN observance, commemorative World Fair Play Day events and activations are taking place around the world today. From flagship initiatives in Belgium, China, India, Hungary, Mexico, Poland, and stretching far beyond, the international sporting community stands united today in its commitment to a fairer, more ethical future for sport.