The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a new global initiative to inspire the world to move more every day in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The campaign, dubbed Let’s Move will begin on Olympic Day, June 23.
According to recent WHO data (2022), one in four adults and more than 80 percent of young people do not meet the recommended minimum activity levels needed for optimum health. Lack of time is the most common reason cited for not being able to reach this goal, although 30 minutes of movement would already bring significant health benefits. Regular physical activity helps prevent or manage a number of diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain types of cancers. Furthermore, physical activity helps prevent hypertension and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Being active also contributes to healthy development in young people.
On June 23, the Olympic Movement will encourage and support people around the world to find the time for physical activity. This will include a digital invitation from Olympians like Allyson Felix and Pau Gasol, among others, to schedule 30 minutes to move with them and to join the Let’s Move Olympic Day digital workout from anywhere in the world; hoping this will grow into a daily habit. In addition, over 131 mass participation events and digital activations will take place in various parts of the world, organized by the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the wider Olympic Movement, to provide an opportunity for everyone to move together on Olympic Day. Details of these events can be found at Olympics.com.
Let’s Move encourages everyone to share how they are getting active on Olympic Day via social media using #LetsMove #OlympicDay and tagging @Olympics. Let’s Move on Olympic Day is the first event in a series of IOC initiatives to support and inspire the world to move, the IOC said. The initiative directly contributes to the Olympism365 priority area of “Sport, Health and Active Communities.”
