The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) will spearhead the country’s observance of Olympic Day on Saturday, June 28, across multiple states.
The event is part of a global initiative to mark the founding of the modern Olympic movement, which dates back to June 23, 1894, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was established in Paris.
The celebration, which has become an annual tradition, is designed to promote the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
Olympic Day also emphasizes the importance of participation in physical activity and the unifying power of sport. This year, Nigeria will join other nations around the world in organizing events to commemorate the day, with the NOC taking the lead in planning and execution.
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According to the Nigeria Olympic Committee, activities will be held simultaneously in various states, aiming to engage people of all ages in sports and fitness activities. These include Olympic Day runs, school sports programs, community outreach, and educational events. The celebrations are expected to draw wide participation from schools, sports federations, and the general public.
The NOC has expressed its commitment to using the occasion to further promote grassroots sports and create awareness about the Olympic movement in Nigeria. By spreading the message of unity and active living, the committee aims to inspire young people to embrace sporting values and healthy lifestyles.
While details about the exact locations and event schedules in each state are still being finalized, the NOC confirmed that it is working closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure a successful and inclusive celebration. States across Nigeria are expected to hold symbolic runs, school exhibitions, and workshops that educate participants about the history and goals of the Olympics.
The 2024 Olympic Day comes just weeks ahead of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, which will begin on July 26. For Nigerian athletes preparing to represent the country on the global stage, the Olympic Day events will serve as both a celebration and a reminder of the ideals they strive to uphold. It also offers an opportunity to generate public support and enthusiasm ahead of the Games.
Since its inception, Olympic Day has grown from a simple commemorative event into a global movement observed in over 150 countries. The IOC encourages each nation’s Olympic Committee to adapt the celebration to local contexts, while still upholding the principles of the Olympic Charter.
In Nigeria, the NOC views Olympic Day not just as a one-day event, but as part of a broader effort to integrate sport and education, promote healthy living, and foster peace and unity through athletic engagement. The committee has consistently emphasized the role of sport in national development and sees Olympic Day as a vital tool in achieving that goal.
As the June 28 date approaches, preparations are intensifying across the country. Organizers are mobilizing schools, youth groups, and sports associations to participate. The NOC has also called on corporate sponsors and partners to support the events, highlighting the importance of private sector involvement in sports promotion.
This year’s Olympic Day is especially significant as Nigeria continues to invest in athlete development and prepare for international competitions. The celebrations are expected to further encourage youth participation in sports and reinforce national pride in Nigeria’s Olympic legacy.
The Nigeria Olympic Committee has urged all Nigerians to take part in the activities and use the occasion to reaffirm the values of teamwork, perseverance, and fair play. With the Paris Olympics fast approaching, Olympic Day offers a timely platform to rally the nation behind its athletes and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to the global Olympic spirit.
