History and Evolution
In Paris on June 23 1893, Pierre de Coubertin made a successful bid to revive the Olympic Games. As a commemoration of the creation of the IOC and the modern Olympic Games, Olympic Day is celebrated yearly on June 23.
The first Olympic Day celebrations were held in 1948 with the participation of 9 NOC countries. It evolved through the decades to promote the Olympic Movement.
"The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practised in accordance with Olympism and its values."
Olympic Charter, Chapter 1, Rule1.1
In 1987, the IOC established the "Sport For All Commission". They stipulated that Olympic Day be based on three pillars: "Move", "Learn", and "Discover". The popular Olympic Day Run was added to the schedule that year, increasing NOC participation from 45 to more than 100 today.
More than just a run
Olympic Day has become more than just organized events and runs to spread the "Olympic Movement" goal. With the shift towards inclusion and diversity, some of the ways NOCs celebrate Olympic Day today include:
- sports, cultural and educational activities
- events incorporated into school curriculums
- concerts and exhibitions to promote the celebration
- meetings for children and young people with top athletes
Taking advantage of the global reach of the internet and social media, the IOC has developed new websites and social media accounts in recent years, making information about organized programs more accessible than ever before.
Paris 2024
The countdown until the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 is on, and France is encouraging sports participation in the everyday life of their people, not only on Olympic Day. Since 2019 the French Ministry of Sport has actively promoted sports involvement and Olympic values with the Fête du Sport activities throughout the country. Members of the public can meet local athletes and familiarize themselves with Olympic and Paralympic sports.
French former competitive swimmer and two-time Olympic champion Yannick Agnel commented, "It's an honour to pass the torch on to others in this way and hold a party for sport, for all sports. I think it's important that we athletes are involved with this special day and get other people excited ahead of the Paris 2024 Games."
Take action!
Search "Olympic Day" on the internet, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to find globally organized events.
Nothing organized in your country? Ask yourself, "Could this be a project for me?"
History and Evolution
In Paris on June 23 1893, Pierre de Coubertin made a successful bid to revive the Olympic Games. As a commemoration of the creation of the IOC and the modern Olympic Games, Olympic Day is celebrated yearly on June 23.
The first Olympic Day celebrations were held in 1948 with the participation of 9 NOC countries. It evolved through the decades to promote the Olympic Movement.
"The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practised in accordance with Olympism and its values."
Olympic Charter, Chapter 1, Rule1.1
In 1987, the IOC established the "Sport For All Commission". They stipulated that Olympic Day be based on three pillars: "Move", "Learn", and "Discover". The popular Olympic Day Run was added to the schedule that year, increasing NOC participation from 45 to more than 100 today.
More than just a run
Olympic Day has become more than just organized events and runs to spread the "Olympic Movement" goal. With the shift towards inclusion and diversity, some of the ways NOCs celebrate Olympic Day today include:
- sports, cultural and educational activities
- events incorporated into school curriculums
- concerts and exhibitions to promote the celebration
- meetings for children and young people with top athletes
Taking advantage of the global reach of the internet and social media, the IOC has developed new websites and social media accounts in recent years, making information about organized programs more accessible than ever before.
Paris 2024
The countdown until the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 is on, and France is encouraging sports participation in the everyday life of their people, not only on Olympic Day. Since 2019 the French Ministry of Sport has actively promoted sports involvement and Olympic values with the Fête du Sport activities throughout the country. Members of the public can meet local athletes and familiarize themselves with Olympic and Paralympic sports.
French former competitive swimmer and two-time Olympic champion Yannick Agnel commented, "It's an honour to pass the torch on to others in this way and hold a party for sport, for all sports. I think it's important that we athletes are involved with this special day and get other people excited ahead of the Paris 2024 Games."
Take action!
Search "Olympic Day" on the internet, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to find globally organized events.
Nothing organized in your country? Ask yourself, "Could this be a project for me?"
