Every year on June 23, the world unites to celebrate Olympics Day, a day dedicated to promoting the Olympic ideals and values. While the Olympic Games themselves occur every four years, Olympics Day serves as a reminder of the profound impact that sports and the Olympic movement have on societies worldwide. In this blog, we will delve into the history and significance of June 23 as Olympics Day.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC DAY
In 1947, a member of the International Olympics Committee in Czechoslovakia, Dr. Josef Gruss, presented a report about World Olympic Day in Stockholm. Later in the 42nd I.O.C. Session at St Moritz in January 1948, the idea for Olympic Day was adopted. With mutual consultation, June 23 was chosen to celebrate the foundation of the I.O.C. Its motivation was to convey a message to young people by promoting the idea of sports among them.
In ancient Greece, in honor of Zeus, the father of all Greek gods, a religious festival was held each year. The Olympic Games were part of that festival. It began in 776 B.C. when a cook from the city of Elis won a 600-foot-long foot race. For the first 13 years, it was the only athletic event of the games. Later from 776 B.C., the Olympics were held every four years for about 12 centuries.
The day is celebrated to promote and spread awareness about the Olympic Movement, and to encourage more and more people to take part in the Olympic Games. Athletes and sportsmen from almost all nations participate in sports activities, such as runs, music, exhibitions, different sports, games, and educational seminars on the day. The Olympics Day has three pillars — Move, Learn, and Detect. The National Olympic Committee encourage the participation of all regardless of their gender, age, social background, etc.
WHY IS OLYMPIC DAY CELEBRATED?
Olympic Day is celebrated to commemorate the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on June 23, 1894, and to promote the Olympic ideals and values. It encourages global participation in sports, especially among youth, and highlights the importance of physical activity, inclusivity, and fair play. The celebration aims to inspire individuals, foster unity, and honor the legacy of the Olympic Movement while promoting social impact and building global solidarity through the shared love for sports and the Olympic values.
On June 23rd 2023, Olympic Day, you have the unique opportunity to join Olympic athletes and people from all corners of the world in a fun, inclusive 30-minute workout which will be available on Olympics.com and across the social channels of the Olympics. (@Olympics)
Get your Olympic Invite and move your body alongside Pau Gasol, Allyson Felix, Logan Martin, PV Sindhu, Yusra Mardini, and many more on June 23rd, wherever you are, whatever your fitness level.
#OlympicDay
#LetsMove
#June23
PC: Malawi Olympic Committee
“Citius, Altius, Fortius”
“Faster, Higher, Stronger”
THE OLYMPIC MOTTO
Featured Image: Current Affairs Adda 247
