On June 23rd, the world celebrated Olympic Day, a day dedicated to honouring the unifying power of sports and the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
Since its inception in 1948, Olympic Day has grown into a global celebration that transcends borders, ages, and abilities, promoting a healthier and more united world.
This year, Olympic Day 2024 witnessed a massive gathering of over 3,000 students from Hormisdallen Nursery and Primary School and other participating schools in Uganda.
The vibrant event was hosted at Hormisdallen Nursery and Primary School in Gayaza, Wakiso district, where students came together to celebrate the Olympic spirit and learn about the ideals behind the movement.
Lydia Gloria Dhamuzungu, an executive committee member of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), led a team of UOC officials to launch the celebrations at the school’s playground.
The children, clad in branded Olympic Day T-shirts, began the day with a warm-up session and stretching exercises, followed by an informative briefing on the significance and spirit of Olympic Day.
“We are here to celebrate Olympic Day, which is celebrated globally. Uganda is among the countries that have joined the others to celebrate such a day. The pupils have been taught about the Olympic values of teamwork, excellence, and other principles,” said Lydia Gloria Dhamuzungu, UOC executive member.
The highlight of the day was a 2KM run/walk, where pupils enthusiastically engaged in demonstrations of various Olympic sports, including football, rowing, fencing, badminton, shooting, weightlifting, dancesport, and modern pentathlon. Some students also showed interest in netball, a non-Olympic sport.
Godfrey Nickson Kalyango, the head teacher at Hormisdallen Nursery and Primary School, expressed his delight at hosting the Olympic Day celebrations. He emphasized the event’s role in promoting sports development within the school, stating, “We are excited to host Olympic Day at Hormisdallen Nursery and Primary School. The school is spacious with enough facilities, and the pupils were all willing to take part in the different games. We look forward to training the pupils in the different games as they aspire to become future Olympians.”
Olympic Day has evolved into a comprehensive celebration that extends beyond a single run or sports event, encompassing a broader cultural and educational experience.
