IN SHORT
- Date: 23 June
- Occasion: Global celebration of sports and getting active
- History: Founded in 1948, commemorates the revival of the modern Olympics in 1894
- Theme 2024: “Let’s Move and Celebrate”
- Values: Excellence, respect, and friendship
- Motto: “Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter”
- Symbol: Five interlinked rings representing the five inhabited continents
Background to the Olympic Day
Olympic Day has been observed worldwide on 23 June to promote the Olympic spirit and encourage people to engage in sports and physical activities. Dr. Josef Gruss, a Czechoslovak, presented the idea of Olympic Day during the 41st International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1947. The concept was accepted during the 42nd session of the IOC in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in 1948, and the initial Olympic Day was celebrated on 23 June 1948.
Significance of 23 June for the Olympic Day
The International Olympic Committee was founded in Paris, France, on this date in 1894, which is why June 23rd is significant. Reviving the Olympic Games was made possible in a significant way by Pierre de Coubertin, who is acknowledged as the founder of the modern Olympics. Greece’s Athens hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896.
Theme of the 2024 Olympic Day
Olympic Day 2024 has “Let’s Move and Celebrate” as its theme. The International Olympic Committee encourages this concept, which aims to inspire people to take part in sports and feel linked to one another. The “Let’s Move” campaign, which was started last year by the IOC and the World Health Organization (WHO), promotes at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity each day to maintain fitness and health.
Values of the Olympic Movement
The Olympic movement’s ideals have changed over time. The Olympic Charter’s original goals were to “develop harmony,” “preserve human dignity,” and “encourage effort.” These days, the Olympic movement is based on the principles of friendship, respect, and excellence. These values seek to improve society by promoting culture, sports, and education.
Motto of the Olympics
“Citius, Altius, Fortius,” which means “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” was the original Olympic motto, and it was originally used by the Dominican priest Henri Didon. The term “Communiter” (Together) was added to the motto in 2021, changing it to “Citius, Altius, Fortius—Communicator,” meaning “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together.”
Rings of Olympics
The Olympic rings are five connected rings in the colors blue, yellow, black, green, and red set on a white backdrop. Pierre de Coubertin created this emblem in 1913. The five inhabited continents—Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania—are symbolized by these rings. The links show how inclusive the Olympic movement is.
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