WADA have encouraged stakeholders to participate in a digital campaign ©WADA

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have encouraged athletes, sporting organisations and anti-doping bodies to participate in Play Safe on Play True Day with an online campaign.

Play True Day has been marked in April since 2014 as part of a WADA initiative to raise awareness among athletes, the sporting public and others about the importance of protecting clean sport.

WADA said the inspiration for the day stemmed from a WADA-hosted Education Conference in 2013, which was attended by 17 Latin American countries.

The WADA digital and social media campaign last year reportedly reached over six million people.

The organisation adapted this year’s event due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has largely resulted in countries introducing strict lockdown periods to curb the spread of the virus.

Numerous sporting events have either been cancelled or postponed during the pandemic, while anti-doping activities have also been impacted.

WADA called for people to celebrate clean sport around the theme of “Play Safe on Play True Day 2020” by asking them to participate in a digital and social media campaign by sharing what they are doing and why to curb the spread of the virus.

“I wish to thank everyone who is taking part in raising awareness about the importance of Playing Safe for Play True Day 2020,” said Witold Bańka, WADA President.

“This year’s campaign is once again reaching all corners of the globe, showing how we as the clean sport community are doing our part to fight COVID-19 and protect public health.

“WADA joins the world in navigating these uncertain times and in being grateful to the healthcare workers and all others who are working selflessly to help us navigate this difficult moment in history.

“We salute this global team effort on Play True Day and remain well prepared for the day when anti-doping efforts can return to full force.”

WADA have encouraged participants to use branded frames which can be layered on to photos or video messages, as well as a Play Safe Pledge that can be either printed or personalised digitally for social media platforms.

Various GIFs have also been created for the day that can be used on Instagram.

WADA have encouraged participants to innovate by creating personalised Play True, Play Safe visuals based on their specific country, language and sport, as well as using the hashtags #PlayTrue #PlaySafe and #PlayTrueDay.

Several athletes and international federations have shown support for the day on social media.