International Olympic Day (June 23): History, Significance, Theme and Celebrations

The International Olympic Day is a day dedicated to sports and fitness. Every year on June 23, the day is commemorated as a call to action for people all around the world. Learn more about the International Olympic Day 2020 in this article.

International Olympic Day 2021 – History

While tracing the history, we see the roots of the Olympics in 8th century BC Greece. Greece promoted the tradition of sports and athletes. They encourage the participation of games and conducted many from ancient times. Baron Pierre de Coubertin was motivated by the ancient Olympic games and later resulted in the creation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and conducted the first modern Olympic games.

The modern Olympic sports did hold in 1894 following the reconstruction of the old Olympic games. Thus, to remember and celebrate the birth of modern Olympic games, on the 23rd June in 1984 in Paris, the international Olympic games are managed to be held every year.

As a historical record, women were permitted to play in the Olympics only since 1900. The winter and summer Olympics were held on the same dates from 1924 to 1992. Later, changes took over. The Olympic day was first observed on June 23 in 1948 and some countries like Greece, Canada, Great Britain and Uruguay established the Olympic day in their countries.

During the 41st Session in the year 1947, the International Olympic Committee in Stockholm, an International Olympic Committee member, Doctor Gruss, in Czechoslovakia, bestowed a report about the celebration of Olympic Day. In January 1948 the plan was selected one year later on the occurrence of the 42nd IOC Session in St. Moritz.

The National Olympic Committee was in charge of planning the arrangements for this day and asked to choose between 17th and 24th June. The organizing committee ultimately concluded that the International Olympic Day will be celebrated on 23rd June annually. The first Olympic Day was observed on 23rd June in the year 1948.

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International Olympic Day 2021 – Significance

Olympians from all around the world have inspired the world with their enthusiasm and positivity at this historic period. Athletes have been assisting fans in coping with the crisis by sharing their daily training routines as well as suggestions for remaining healthy in body and mind throughout the lockdown. The Olympic Movement commemorated Olympic Day 2020 by producing the world's largest 24-hour digital-first Olympic workout, building on this incredible momentum.

International Olympic Day (June 23): History, Significance, Theme and Celebrations
Photo: African Sports Monthly

The Olympic Channel created a brand new home exercise video featuring Olympic competitors in the run-up to Olympic Day. Olympic athletes Laurie Hernandez of the United States, Martin Fourcade of Canada, Lutalo Muhammad of Taekwondo, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, and Tongan Pita Taufatofua, to mention a few, competed.

What Do the Olympic Rings Symbolize?

One unifying flag staying flown overall in games and sports activities is the iconic five-ring Olympic flag. Have you ever thought of its meaning? Let me explain how the Flag looks in detail. The Olympic flag has a white framework, with five intertwined rings in the centre with the colors blue, yellow, black, green, and red. This design is symbolic and it describes the five continents of the world, united by Olympism, while the six colours are those that appear on all the national flags of the world at present.

International Olympic Day 2021 – Theme

The International Olympic Day 2020 theme was Move, learn and discover. Generally, the Olympic day themes includes the inspiration and motivation to be included in the games and sports. It encourages people to include a healthy life styles and energetic routines.

International Olympic Day 2021 – Celebrations

During this unprecedented time, the world has been inspired by Olympians around the globe with their energy and positivity. Athletes have been helping fans get through this crisis by sharing their daily workouts as well as tips for staying healthy in body and mind during lockdown. Building on this extraordinary momentum, the Olympic Movement celebrated Olympic Day 2020 by creating the world’s largest 24 hour digital-first Olympic workout.

In the lead-up to Olympic Day, the Olympic Channel prepared a brand new home workout video made by Olympic athletes. Taking part were Olympic stars like USA gymnast Laurie Hernandez, brilliant biathlete Martin Fourcade, taekwondo supremo Lutalo Muhammad, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, and Tongan Pita Taufatofua to name just a few!

Don't forget to #StayHealthy, #StayStrong, and #StayActive!

Random Facts about Olympic

1. The six colours – blue, yellow, black, green, red, and white background – were taken because all nation’s flag includes at least one of them.

2. In the 2012 London Games, all participating countries sent female athletes.

3. The first Olympic Games held in the 8th century B.C. in Olympia, Greece. They were held all four years for 12 ages.

4. The first modern Olympics were held in 1896 in Greece.

5. In ancient Greece, athletes didn’t bother about sponsorship, protection, or fashion – they played without any protection

6. In ancient times, the games lasted five or six months.

7. Women were not allowed to compete initially, later began their incredible emergence in the Olympics from 1900.

8. The Winter and the Summer Olympics took place in the same year, from 1924-1992,

9. Only four players have accomplished medals in both the Olympics. In which only Christa Ludinger-Rothenburger, won medals in the same year.

10. During the 2012 London Games, the Olympic Village needed 165,000 towels for a bit more than two weeks of action.

11. From 1912-1948, artisans engaged in the Olympics: Painters, sculptors, architects, writers, and musicians played for medals in their corresponding fields.

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