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June 21, 2024
Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has released a campaign with the World Health Organization (WHO) to encourage people to enjoy movement for better health. The ‘Let’s Move and Celebrate‘ initiative, which begins on Olympic Day (June 23), brings together sport and physical activity with social media to invite people around the globe to share their favorite iconic athlete moves for Olympians to see.
Starting your day with just 30 minutes of movement has significant health benefits for your physical and mental health. However, WHO research shows that one in four adults and over 81% of young people don’t meet the recommended levels of physical activity for optimum health. Additionally 2023 IOC and Allianz research highlights that although young people recognize the benefits of sport and physical activity for their physical and mental health, less than 20% are physically active for five or more hours a week due to barriers like having other responsibilities, lack of time and limited opportunities.
The initiative intends to reverse these low levels of activity. Fans are invited to reenact classic celebratory sporting moves, show off their originality and share their moves on social media by tagging @Olympics, the athlete and #LetsMove. “Whether it’s a triumphant dance after a goal, a legendary pose when crossing the finish line, an exchange of raw emotion with teammates or fans joining in from the stands, these moments of joy encapsulate the unique spirit of the world’s biggest sporting event,” shared the IOC. The organization states that people are more likely to exercise consistently when activities are fun and accessible. By putting moments of celebration at the center of the campaign, the Olympic movement hopes the spirit of the Games can inspire the world to connect with exercise.
“The Olympic Games are a showcase of the world’s finest athletes demonstrating what the human body is capable of,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General. “But you don’t have to be an Olympian to be active. WHO is proud to partner again with the IOC through the Let’s Move campaign to inspire people of all ages to be more physically active and healthy.”
Athletes supporting the initiative include gymnast Noemi Romero, rugby player Eduardo Lopez and Olympic legends Alistair Brownlee and Lindsey Vonn. “Let’s Move is a great initiative, as it demonstrates to everyone the joy and simplicity of movement. Movement and exercise are such an important part of everyone’s health, and it’s brilliant to see how the Olympic movement can transcend all levels of fitness to encourage everyone to move in their own way,” said Brownlee, Team Great Britain double Olympic triathlon gold medalist.
‘Let’s Move and Celebrate’ is also this year’s Olympic Day theme. Established in 1948, the day commemorates the IOC’s founding in 1894. On June 23, over 110 National Olympic Committees will come together to host events and digital activities to commemorate Olympic Day. These activations will provide more opportunities to make movement more accessible and inclusive so that everyone can move together and improve their wellbeing.
Beyond Sport is pleased to collaborate with the IOC and Women Win on the Olympism365 Innovation Hub, an exciting new initiative to promote innovation in sport for sustainable development. Click here to learn more.
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