Local nonprofit Soccer2Unite, partly sponsored by Mercer Island FC, is celebrating the United Nations’ International Day of Sports for Development and Peace on April 6.

The event recognizes the power of sport to drive social change, community development and to foster peace and understanding, according to a press release.

“Soccer2Unite is dedicated to inspiring and empowering the children, especially the girls of East Africa, through soccer,” the release states. “We believe that every child has the right and be given the opportunity to be educated and play sport. Sport has the power to create positive outcomes in lives both socially and economically.”

Soccer creates a sense of unity, community, companionship, leadership, teamwork, discipline, tenacity, perseverance and dedication that crosses cultures.

“No language is needed when you show up to the pitch with a soccer ball,” according to the Soccer2Unite press release.

For more, see www.soccer2unite.org.