On This Day: The first Olympic Day was celebrated

·

World Olympic Day is celebrated annually on 23 June since its inception in 1948. 

Olympic Day commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Games in 1896 and promotes the role of sport in everyday life and society. 

Thousands participate in it’s synonymous Olympic Day Run event. 

There’s no better time than just 30 days away from this year’s Tokyo Olympics for The Greek Herald to discuss World Olympic Day’s inception and meaning. 

A brief history:

Olympic Day in 2020 was unlike no other. 

It was the first digitally-exclusive Olympic workout that provided one way for thousands of people to connect for 24 hours during their lockdowns, but Olympic Day has been celebrated everyday for the past 73 years. 

73 years back, in 1948, Greece participated in the London Summer Olympics. 

Since then, Greek athletes have competed in every Summer Olympic Games: 61 competitors, 44 events and 10 different sports. 

Olympic Day has a particular significance in Greece as Greece is the birthing nation of the Ancient Olympic Games. 

Greece was one of nine National Olympic Committees (NOCs) that hosted a ceremony in 1948 for the day and it promoted sport for all generates and sent a particular message to the younger generation.  

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Vasili’s Taxidi: When Sydney Businesses Become Social Institutions – STEKI Taverna

STEKI Taverna’s history dates back to 1983 when Harry Tambakeras (and his partners) established it for university students to meet and socialise

Immigration Minister, Alex Hawke, joins with Greek community to mark Orthodox Easter

Minister for Immigration, the Honourable Alex Hawke MP, has sent a message to Greek Australians marking Orthodox Easter this week.

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney hold inaugural book club to mark Asia Minor Catastrophe centenary

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney launched its inaugural book club on Sunday, November 27 to mark the centenary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe.