23rd June: International Olympic Day

On 23^rd June 1894, the International Olympic Committee was founded in Paris. The day 23^rd June was chosen to be celebrated as International Olympic Day to commemorate the foundation day of the International Olympic Committee.

• International Olympic Day was first celebrated in the year 1948. 
• A total of 9 countries celebrated the day in their respective countries in 1948. 
• But today with time the energy and positivity with which the Olympians have inspired millions across the globe, the celebrations for the day are truly global in nature now.
• Irrespective of any sort of discrimination based on age, gender, etc, the National Olympic Committees across the world conduct creative events on this day that are based on three pillars ‘Move, Learn, and Discover’.

Significance for 2020

• During these times of a pandemic, by sharing their home workouts, Olympians have become a source of inspiration and motivation for many across the world.  
• These efforts made by Olympians at the time of a pandemic is to make everyone realize the importance of being active for staying healthy in mind and body.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

• Summer and Winter Olympic Games are organized by the IOC. 
• It is a non-governmental sports organization headquartered at Lausanne, Switzerland. 
• It was founded by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas on 23^rd June 1894.