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INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC DAY

24th June, 2023

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Context

  • Olympic Day is celebrated on 23rd June.

Details

  • Olympic Day is celebrated on 23rd June every year as a global celebration of sport, health, and unity.
  • The day commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by Pierre de Coubertin on 23rd June 1894.

Origins of Olympic Day

  • Olympic Day celebrations date back to 1947 when Dr. Gruss, a Czech IOC member, proposed the idea at the 41st Session of the IOC in Stockholm.
  • In January 1948, the idea was approved at the 42nd IOC Session in St Moritz, Switzerland, and National Olympic Committees were assigned the responsibility of organizing the event.

Theme of Olympic Day 2023: 'Let's Move'

  • The theme for this year's Olympic Day is 'Let's Move,' emphasizing the importance of daily physical activity.
  • The goal is to inspire people worldwide to prioritize regular exercise for better mental and physical health.

Olympic Day's Impact on Health

  • Research indicates that a significant number of young people, over 80%, fail to reach the recommended daily activity levels.
  • The IOC aims to address this by promoting the positive impact of sport and physical activity on both physical and mental well-being.

Inaugural Olympic Day in 1948

  • The first Olympic Day was celebrated on 23rd June 1948.
  • Several countries, including Portugal, Greece, Austria, Canada, Switzerland, Great Britain, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Belgium, organized Olympic Day events.

Inclusion in the Olympic Charter

  • In 1978, the Olympic Charter officially recommended that all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) organize an Olympic Day to promote the Olympic Movement.
  • The current Olympic Charter suggests NOCs hold an Olympic Day or Week regularly to advance the Olympic Movement.

Worldwide Participation and Activities

  • Around five million individuals worldwide are expected to participate in Olympic Day activities.
  • Activities promote the values of Solidarity, Inclusion, and Sustainability.

Global 30-Minute Workout

  • On 23rd June 2023, a 30-minute inclusive workout will be available on Olympics.com and social media platforms.
  • People can join Olympic athletes, including Pau Gasol, Allyson Felix, Logan Martin, PV Sindhu, Yusra Mardini, and more.

Creative Initiatives by National Olympic Committees

  • National Olympic Committees (NOCs) worldwide organize various Olympic Day events to engage people of all ages and backgrounds.
  • Some countries incorporate Olympic Day into school curricula.

Olympic Day Runs

  • Olympic Day runs have become a popular activity worldwide.
  • Lausanne, the Olympic Capital and home to the IOC, hosts an Olympic Day run each year.

Growth of Olympic Day Runs

  • The Olympic Day run was first launched in 1987 to encourage NOCs to celebrate Olympic Day and promote mass sport.
  • The event has seen tremendous growth, with participation increasing from 45 NOCs in the first edition to over a hundred NOCs.

About Olympics

  • The Olympics is an international sporting event held every four years, bringing together athletes from around the world to compete in various sports disciplines.
  • The modern Olympic Games were inspired by the ancient Olympic Games held in ancient Greece from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE.

History of the Olympic Games

  • The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896, reviving the ancient tradition.
  • The Games were founded by Pierre de Coubertin, who aimed to promote international understanding and peace through sport.

Summer and Winter Olympics

  • The Olympics consist of two editions: the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics.
  • The Summer Olympics feature a wide range of sports such as athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and football.
  • The Winter Olympics focus on winter sports disciplines like skiing, ice hockey, figure skating, and snowboarding.

Host City Selection

  • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) selects a host city for each edition of the Olympics through a competitive bidding process.
  • Host cities are chosen based on factors such as infrastructure, venues, accommodation, transportation, and the ability to organize a successful event.

Olympic Values

  • The Olympics are guided by three core values: excellence, friendship, and respect.
  • Athletes are encouraged to strive for excellence in their respective sports while fostering friendships and mutual respect among competitors.

Symbolism and Traditions

  • The Olympic Rings: The iconic symbol consists of five interlocking rings representing the continents, symbolizing the unity of athletes worldwide.
  • Olympic Flame: The flame is lit at the ancient site of Olympia in Greece and carried to the host city, symbolizing the link between the ancient and modern Games.
  • Opening and Closing Ceremonies: Spectacular ceremonies showcase the culture, history, and artistic performances of the host country.

Participation and Athletes

  • Athletes from around the world participate in the Olympics, representing their respective countries.
  • The Games provide a platform for both established athletes and rising stars to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.

Sports and Events

  • The Olympics feature a wide range of sports disciplines, including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, team sports, combat sports, and more.
  • Each sport consists of multiple events, such as sprints, long jumps, relays, and individual or team competitions.

Olympic Medals and Records

  • Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to the top athletes or teams in each event.
  • Athletes strive to set new records, breaking previous best performances and achieving Olympic records or world records.

Impact and Legacy

  • The Olympics have a significant impact on host cities, promoting tourism, infrastructure development, and economic growth.
  • The Games leave a lasting legacy, including improved sports facilities, increased participation in sports, and cultural exchange among nations.

Promotion of Unity and Peace

  • The Olympics serve as a symbol of global unity, bringing together athletes and spectators from diverse backgrounds.
  • The Games provide a platform for dialogue, understanding, and peaceful competition, transcending political and cultural differences.

Paralympic Games

  • Inclusive of athletes with disabilities, the Paralympic Games follow the Olympics and showcase extraordinary athletic performances by para-athletes.
  • The Paralympics embody the same values and spirit as the Olympic Games, promoting inclusivity and inspiring individuals worldwide.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) Consider the following statements about International Olympic Day:

  1. It is celebrated on July 24th every year.
  2. The theme of International Olympic Day 2023 is ‘Let’s Move’.
  3. It was first observed in 1896 during the inaugural modern Olympic Games.

Select the correct statements using the codes below:

(a)    1 only

(b)    2 only

(c)     3 only

(d)    None

Answer: B

https://olympics.com/en/news/2023-olympic-day-what-when-theme

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