The International Olympic Committee is the organizer of the International Olympic Day on the 23rd of June. And the National Olympic Committees of all participating nations help in its execution.
The decision to host an event to popularize the the concept of Olympic Games came from Doctor Gruss, International Olympic Committee member from Czechoslovakia. In the 41st Session of the International Olympic Committee in 1947, Stockholm , he gave a report suggesting the celebration of an International Olympic Day.
It was was formally accepted in the 42nd International Olympic Committee Session in St Moritz in 1948. The date was chosen as the foundation day of the International Olympic Committee 23 June. Pierre de Coubertin obtained the revival of the Olympics in Sorbonne, Paris, on 23 June 1894, forming the IOC .
The first event was celebrated on 23 June 1948. Sigfrid Edström, International Olympic Committee President at that time, conveyed a message to all youth of the world. National Olympic Committees of Portugal, Greece, Austria, Canada, Switzerland, Great Britain, Uruguay, Venezuela and Belgium organised it in their own nations.
Many sports events are organised by the National Olympic Committees in their own countries on this occasion. One of the most important is the Olympic Day Run. National and local authorities have conducted the run for over 20 years to engage more and more people in the events.
The International Olympic Committee has developed this event based on three pillars namely Move , Learn and Discover .Modern day celebrations go well beyond just run and sporting events. Physical activities , culture and educational systems are utilized regardless age, gender, social background or sporting ability.
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, social media and online platforms are also used to promote the event . One can record their own sports activities and post them online in order to gather more momentum .
Don’t forget to #StayHealthy, #StayStrong, and #StayActive !!
Here is a list of activities to be kept in mind for prevention of Covid- 19 infection.
