GOA plans activities for Olympic Day celebration 

Olympic Day was first celebrated on June 23, 1948 with the goal of celebrating the Olympic movement and the Olympic ideals.  It continues to be celebrated on June 23rd of each year and all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have been encouraged to organise Olympic Day activities.  Olympic Day Runs were introduced in 1987 and are now organised by over a hundred NOCs.

Over the past few years, Olympic Day has been celebrated under the three pillars – Move, Learn and Discover.  Move encourages persons of all ages and abilities to be involved in some form of physical activity; Learn involves the teaching of Olympic Values and providing information on the positive effects of sport on society; Discover encourages persons to attempt sports which they have not previously tried.

Each year, the Guyana Olympic Association invited affiliates to organise Olympic Day activities.  This year, the following activities will be held:

1. Badminton – Open Tournament – June 20 to 26 – National Gymnasium

2. Taekwondo – Tournament (Poomse and Gyrugi) – June 22 to 24 at 17:00 hrs – Guyana Teachers’ Union Hall

3. Cycling – Youth competition – June 25 at 10:00 hrs – National Park Circuit

4. Rugby – Men’s 15’s and Women’s 7’s games – June 26 from11:00 – 16:00 hrs – National Park

5. Tennis – Olympiad – June 26 from 09:00 – 17:00 hrs – Racquet Centre

6. Volleyball – Women’s Tournament – June 26 from 10:00 – 16:00 hrs – National Park

7. GOA – Triathlon – July 2 from 06:00 – 8:00hrs – National Aquatic Centre

8. Swimming – Open-Water Swim – July 3 from 07:00 – 08:00 hrs – Linden

9. Karate – Youth Tournament (Kata and Kumite) – July 3 from13:00 – 18:00 hrs – YMCA

10. Weightlifting – Tournament and Fitness Exhibition – July 3; from 15:00 – 17:00 hrs – St. Rose’s Basketball Court As always, the highlight will be the Olympic Day Run/Walk/Jog.  This will be held on June 26, starting at the YMCA, Thomas Lands at 06:00 hrs and all are invited to participate.  For more information contact the Guyana Olympic Association on 223-6376 or visit “Olympic House” 76 High Street, Kingston or website: http://www.olympic.org/olympic-day. Participants will receive an Olympic Day t-shirt and a Certificate signed by the President of the International Olympic Committee.  Monetary prizes and trophies will be awarded for the Team Run.