Paris: Today, June 23rd, marks International Olympic Day, a global celebration of sport and physical activity. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach emphasized the significance of this year’s celebration, falling just weeks before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Bach highlighted the Games’ potential to inspire global physical activity and encouraged everyone to join the IOC’s “Let’s Move” campaign, a partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) promoting daily movement.
Unique Celebration
Bach highlighted the unique nature of this year’s Olympic Day, taking place just weeks before the Paris Games. He emphasized the Games’ inclusivity, urban setting, and sustainability, marking milestones like full gender parity and complete alignment with Olympic Agenda reforms. He said, “This year’s Olympic Day is a very special one, taking place just ahead of Paris 2024. The celebrations will set the tone for some exceptional Olympic Games in the City of Light this summer.”
Olympic Day Legacy
Olympic Day honors the IOC’s founding by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894. With Paris being Coubertin’s birthplace, this year’s celebration holds special significance. Bach reiterated the unifying power of the Games, emphasizing their ability to foster peace and build connections through sport. “The Olympic Games always build bridges, never erect walls,” Bach stated. “They unite people in peace and solidarity. This is the beauty of sport.”
Let’s Move and Celebrate
This year’s Olympic Day theme, “Let’s Move and Celebrate,” aims to ignite excitement for the Paris Games by encouraging global participation in physical activity. Since its 2023 launch, the Let’s Move campaign, advocating for 30 minutes of daily exercise, has already inspired over 15 million people.
Worldwide Celebrations
Olympic Day celebrations are taking place worldwide today, with National Olympic Committees organizing events and digital activations. Olympians, including those preparing for Paris 2024, are participating, and iconic landmarks are being illuminated in Olympic colors.
Enjoyable Sport
Given research indicating 81% of adolescents lack sufficient physical activity, the Let’s Move initiative aims to make sport more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable. The IOC encourages everyone to share their celebratory moves on social media using @Olympics and #LetsMove to show support for athletes in the Games.
About IOC
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is a non-profit, independent international organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Established on June 23, 1894, the IOC is the governing body of the Olympic Movement and the supreme authority of the Olympic Games. The IOC redistributes over 90% of its income to support athletes and sports organizations worldwide, amounting to roughly USD 4.2 million daily investment in sports development.
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