Olympic Day marks a celebration in the joy of sport, the Olympic values and provides a great opportunity to get active – and this year also sees the International Olympic Committee’s inauguration of its new headquarters, Olympic House, in Lausanne.
Celebrated on 23 June since its introduction in 1948, Olympic Day aims to promote the first fundamental principle of Olympism: “Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind.”
Since its inception, Olympic Day has grown to include an extensive programme of activities across the globe. In 1987, 45 National Olympic Committees participated in the first Olympic Day Run. Today, almost all of the 205 NOCs participate in the event, as well as holding other activities that celebrate the joy of sport and the Olympic values, and provide a chance for their communities to get active.
In addition to the activities promoting the values of Olympism, Olympic Day in 2019 will see the inauguration of the IOC’s new Olympic House. The building has been awarded three of the most rigorous sustainable building certifications: LEED Platinum, Swiss Sustainable Construction Standard (Platinum level) and Minergie P, making it one of the most sustainable buildings in the world.
“We are proud that Olympic House, as the new home of the Olympic Movement, has received such prestigious Swiss and international certifications, recognising our strong commitment to sustainability, which is one of the three pillars of Olympic Agenda 2020,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “From the very beginning of the original architecture competition all the way through to construction, energy management and furnishings, the IOC focused very much on sustainable solutions. We are happy that our investment in sustainability has led to receiving these three certifications.”
The construction of the new Olympic House in Lausanne reused or recycled more than 95% of the former IOC headquarters. 80% of the investment in the building was spent locally. Renewable energy is provided to the building via solar panels and heat pumps using water from Lake Geneva. The building is therefore expected to use 60% less municipal water and 35% less energy than conventional new constructions. More information on the new Olympic House is available here.
Following Olympic Day on 23 June, the #OlympicDay Relay will begin on Tuesday 25 June. The IOC aims to create the biggest relay in history, with users sharing posts that show them passing a piece of sports equipment from left to right. The IOC encourage athletes and fans alike to get involved in the campaign.
Photo: IOC/Adam Mork