By Samuel Ahmadu

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), in collaboration with its Sport For All Commission, has announced preparations for this year’s Olympic Day celebration, scheduled for June 28, and is appealing for support from corporate sponsors and philanthropic individuals.

This year’s event aims to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, while encouraging Nigerians of all ages and abilities to embrace physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

A series of fitness-based events are planned for Lagos, including aerobic sessions, jogging, recreational exhibitions, and demonstration sports. Participants will also receive Olympic Day diplomas, endorsed by the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as part of the official commemoration.

NOC spokesperson Tony Nezianya noted that the committee is calling on both private and public sector donors to support the event through financial assistance or in-kind contributions, such as fitness products and refreshments.

Past editions of Nigeria’s Olympic Day have included demonstrations of various Olympic sports, youth talent identification programs, and public engagement activities. The celebration continues the momentum built by the Gateway Games in Ogun State, held last month, which drew over 16,000 athletes and officials from across Nigeria’s 36 states.

Young athletes who stood out during the National Youth Games were invited to the Gateway Games as guests, further strengthening efforts to discover Nigeria’s next generation of Olympians.

The Olympic Day platform will also be used to promote athlete safety and education. As part of the day’s activities, the NOC will reintroduce its SAFE SPACE initiative and Safeguarding Handbook, designed to protect athletes and promote welfare in sports. The handbook provides essential guidance for athletes, coaches, and sports organisations on preventing abuse and recognising harm.

Olympic Day is observed globally on June 23 to commemorate the founding of the International Olympic Committee in 1894 and the birth of the modern Olympic Games. However, Nigeria will mark the celebration on June 28 to allow broader participation and coordination across states.

Chairman of the NOC Sport For All Commission, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim, has urged state governments and their sports councils to fully participate in the mass fitness programme. He emphasised its potential to promote physical wellness and foster community spirit.

“Sport has the power to unite people, and this event is an opportunity for everyone to come together in a celebration of health, inclusion, and Olympic values,” Dr. Ibrahim said.

Several states have already confirmed their participation, as the NOC prepares for what it hopes will be the most inclusive and impactful Olympic Day celebration yet.