International Olympic Day 2022: From themes to historical significance, here’s why we celebrate the day

The world is celebrating International Olympic Day today. It is observed to celebrate the foundation of the modern Olympic games. The occasion commemorates the goodness and health benefits of sporting activities. International Olympic Day also marks the foundation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Each year June 23 is a day when athletes and people worldwide congregate and organise various sporting events. Nations across the world have their respective Olympic committees that overlook the celebrations that take place on International Olympic Day.

Each year, Olympic Day Runs are organised across the globe to mark the occasion. Schools and institutions organise various sports, cultural and educational activities for not only students but also citizens.


The International Olympic Day has a theme every year. For 2022, the theme is 'Together for a peaceful world’. This year’s theme celebrates the power of sporting activities to unite people beyond their faith, ethnicity, and region. The theme brings out the significance of sports as a means of solidarity and peace.

International Olympic Day: History & Significance
On June 23, 1948, Canada, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, Austria, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, Belgium and Uruguay observed the first Olympic Day. According to historians, the members of the IOC presented a report commemorating the Olympic Day to doctor and athlete Josef Gruff.

The report was presented at IOC’s 41st session in Stockholm and it was approved in the subsequent session that was held in St Mortix in January 1948. The committee picked up June 23 to celebrate the occasion that commemorates the day IOC was formed in 1894.

The ancient games were organised in Olympia in Greece between 776 BC and 393 AD. However, it resumed after nearly 1503 years and the first modern Olympics were held in 1896 in Greece, Athens.