Date
Monday
Jun
23

June 23

International Olympic Day

Get ready to cheer on your favorite athletes and countries with fierce competition and inspiring stories - it's International Olympic Day!

Yearly Date
June 23
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the spirit of athleticism and global unity on International Olympic Day on June 23! This special day was first introduced in 1948 by the International Olympic Committee as a way to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games. Since then, it has become an annual celebration of sportsmanship, perseverance, and cultural diversity. On this day, people from all around the world come together to participate in various sporting events and activities, promoting peace and understanding through friendly competition. So let's join in on the fun and honor the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship!

International Olympic Day Timeline

1894
Founding of IOC
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is founded by Pierre de Coubertin to reinstate the Olympic Games.
1896
First Modern Olympics
The first Modern Olympic Games takes place in Athens, Greece, featuring athletes from 14 countries.
1924
Inaugural Winter Olympics
The first Winter Olympic Games are held in Chamonix, France, acknowledging the popularity of winter sports.
1948
International Olympic Day Instituted
The IOC introduces International Olympic Day on June 23 to commemorate the establishment of the Modern Olympic Games.
1994
Summer and Winter Games Split
IOC decides to hold the Winter and Summer Olympics in different four year cycles, beginning in 1994 with the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.
2016
Refugee Olympic Team Introduced
The IOC creates the Refugee Olympic Team for the Rio Games, affirming the power of sport to bring people together.

How to Celebrate International Olympic Day

1

Host an Olympic-themed party

Invite some friends over and have an Olympic-themed party! Decorate with the five Olympic rings, serve foods from different countries, and have your own mini Olympics with games like "pin the medal on the athlete" and a relay race.

2

Watch old Olympic footage

Gather some friends or family and watch old footage of past Olympic games. This is a great way to relive some of the most iconic moments in Olympic history and get excited for future games.

3

Try a new sport

In the spirit of the Olympics, challenge yourself to try a new sport or physical activity. It could be something as simple as playing a game of basketball with friends or taking a dance class. Get out of your comfort zone and have fun!

4

Learn about a different culture

The Olympics bring together athletes and cultures from all over the world. Take this opportunity to learn about a different country's customs, traditions, and history. You can even try cooking a dish from that country to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

5

Volunteer for a sports event

Get involved in your local sports community by volunteering for a sports event. You could help set up for a marathon, assist with a youth sports tournament, or be a timer at a swim meet. This is a great way to support athletes and feel connected to the Olympic spirit.

Why We Love International Olympic Day

A

It celebrates the spirit of competition and sportsmanship

International Olympic Day is a celebration of the Olympic values of friendship, respect, and excellence. It's a day to recognize and honor the athletes who inspire us with their dedication and determination, as well as the importance of fair play and goodwill among nations.

B

It promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles

The Olympics are a global symbol of athleticism, encouraging people of all ages to get active and pursue their physical goals. By celebrating International Olympic Day, we are reminded of the importance of staying active and leading healthy lifestyles.

C

It brings the world together in unity

The Olympics bring together different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs in peaceful competition. International Olympic Day reminds us that despite our differences, we can come together through the universal language of sports to celebrate our shared humanity.

International Olympic Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jun 22
Thursday
2024
Jun 22
Saturday
2025
Jun 22
Sunday
2026
Jun 22
Monday
2027
Jun 22
Tuesday