Nigerian States Gear Up for Olympic Day Celebrations

This year’s Olympic Day celebrations are set to take place on June 29, 2024, across 16 states in Nigeria and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. The states participating include Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Gombe, Kogi, Ebonyi, Taraba, Plateau, Adamawa, Osun, Enugu, and Imo.

According to Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee NOC, Lagos will host various physical fitness and recreational activities, including aerobic exercises and other attractions. The events in Lagos will be centred around the NOC Secretariat.

Dr. Abdul Ibrahim, Chairman of the NOC Sport For All Commission, highlighted that Olympic Day is focused on promoting health through sports rather than competition. He encouraged participants to engage in the activities at their own pace, underscoring the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

The Olympic Day, commemorating the birth of the Olympic Movement, will feature energetic aerobic exercise sessions, and sports demonstrations by local athletes, and sports clubs. Young athletes will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and potentially be scouted by sports development experts. Participants will also receive diplomas recognizing their enthusiasm and participation, aimed at inspiring continued engagement with sports and Olympic ideals.

This year’s celebrations come just before the opening of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The event will be inaugurated by Engr. Habu Gumel, president of the NOC.

Editorial

We are thrilled to witness the enthusiasm surrounding this year’s Olympic Day celebrations across Nigeria. The participation of 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of health and fitness in our society. The decision to host events in Lagos, known for its vibrant sports culture, will undoubtedly elevate the significance of this day.

Olympic Day is a unique opportunity to unite communities through the spirit of sportsmanship and health awareness. The emphasis on non competitive physical activities aligns perfectly with the broader goals of promoting overall well being. By encouraging citizens to partake in these activities, we are fostering a culture that values health and fitness.

The initiative to recognize participants with diplomas is particularly commendable. This gesture not only acknowledges their efforts but also motivates them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The inclusion of talent hunts offers young athletes a platform to shine, potentially shaping the future of Nigerian sports.

As we look forward to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, events like these serve as a crucial reminder of the foundational values of the Olympic Movement. It is about more than just competition  it is about bringing people together, inspiring the younger generation, and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

We are hopeful that these celebrations will leave a lasting impact, encouraging more Nigerians to embrace physical activities as part of their daily lives. The health benefits of regular exercise are well documented, and by making fitness accessible and enjoyable, we are paving the way for a healthier future.

Let us celebrate Olympic Day with vigour and enthusiasm, knowing that we are part of a global movement towards better health and unity through sports.

Did You Know?

• The Olympic Day was first celebrated on June 23, 1948.
• The idea of an Olympic Day was proposed by Dr. Josef Gruss, a member of the International Olympic Committee IOC.
• The Olympic Day Run, a popular event, was introduced in 1987 to encourage mass participation in sports.
• The official Olympic Day date, June 23, commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee in 1894.
• Each year, Olympic Day activities vary but commonly include runs, exhibitions, and educational seminars to promote the Olympic values.