International Olympic Day 2025: June 23, 2025
on June 23, 2025, the world celebrates International Olympic Day, a day dedicated to the spirit of sport, unity, and the joy of movement. This annual event commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Games and inspires people of all ages and abilities to get active and embrace the values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
This year, the celebration continues under the successful banner of the “Let’s Move” initiative. This global movement, launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), aims to address the issue of physical inactivity by encouraging everyone to make time for daily physical activity. It’s a call to action to move more, learn about the Olympic values, and discover new sports.
The Story Behind Olympic Day
International Olympic Day is celebrated on June 23 because on this date in 1894, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded in Paris, France. This historic event, led by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, paved the way for the revival of the Olympic Games, with the first modern edition taking place in Athens, Greece, in 1896.
The idea of an annual “Olympic Day” was proposed in 1947 and officially launched in 1948. The goal was to promote the Olympic idea and encourage National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to organize events celebrating the movement.
The Three Pillars of International Olympic Day
The celebration is built on three main pillars, encouraging people everywhere to:
- Move: To engage in physical activity and lead an active lifestyle. This is the cornerstone of the “Let’s Move” campaign.
- Learn: To understand the Olympic Values of excellence, friendship, and respect. It’s also about learning the history of the games and their role in promoting peace and cultural understanding.
- Discover: To try new sports and activities, pushing personal boundaries and finding new passions.
How is the Day Celebrated?
Around the world, National Olympic Committees (NOCs) organize a wide range of events. These often include:
- Olympic Day Runs: Mass runs that are open to the public, from children to seniors.
- Sports Demonstrations: Opportunities to try new sports with guidance from local athletes and coaches.
- Exhibitions: Displays on the history of the Olympic Games and the achievements of national athletes.
- Talks and Seminars: Sessions with Olympians who share their journeys and inspire the next generation.
India and the Olympic Movement
India has a deep and growing connection with the Olympic Games.
- Growing Participation: India has consistently sent athletes to the Olympics, with recent games seeing record medal hauls and inspiring performances in sports like athletics, wrestling, badminton, and shooting.
- Hosting Aspirations: India has expressed strong interest in hosting a future edition of the Olympic Games, with a bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics being actively considered. This reflects the nation’s rising status as a global sports power.
- “Let’s Move” in India: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and various sports federations actively participate in the “Let’s Move” initiative, organizing events across the country to promote fitness and the Olympic spirit.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- Key Dates:
- June 23, 1894: Founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
- June 23, 1948: First International Olympic Day was celebrated.
- Key Personalities: Baron Pierre de Coubertin is credited as the father of the modern Olympic Games.
- IOC Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Olympic Motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter (Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”).
- Recent and Upcoming Games:
- Summer Olympics: Paris 2024
- Winter Olympics: Milan-Cortina 2026
Summary Table
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