Message of the President of the International Olympic Committee

Olympic Day is a moment to stop and reflect on the great gifts that sport gives us all.
And it’s a day to celebrate a dream: the dream of one young man that began on 23 June 1894 at the Sorbonne University in Paris.
That young man was Pierre de Coubertin. He wanted to teach the world the basic human values – embodied in sport –that would enable us all to lead better lives AND to build better communities.
His vision – celebrated today – on Olympic Day, was for everyone – regardless of age or ability.
And it was a vision – the Olympic Vision –that today brings together millions of people from all around the world.
This day gives us all a chance not just to celebrate that vision, but to do so by joining together in activities in every corner of the world.
Sport teaches us how to strive for excellence in all that we do:
How to live in friendship and peace;
How to respect ourselves and our neighbours; And how to strive for excellence in everything we do.
Above all it reminds us of sport’s ability to bring out the best in us all.
But let’s not forget that sport is also about enjoyment.
So celebrate the vision, but above all have a great Olympic Day!
Jacques ROGGE
IOC President