Happy Olympic Day

23 | 6 | 2019

A message from WOA President Joël Bouzou OLY

On behalf of World Olympians Association, I would like to wish a happy Olympic Day to Olympians everywhere.

Today is a day to celebrate all that is good about the Olympic Movement. A day to get out and get active and inspire others to do the same. A day when we, as Olympians, can unite behind the Olympic values and use our platform to promote peace, inclusion and respect around the world.

You are part of a very special community – as one of only 100,000 living Olympians worldwide, you have the unique opportunity to use your voice to empower others and drive change at both a local and a global level. That could be as simple as helping someone you know get fit and lead a healthy, active lifestyle, inspiring others to take up a sport, promoting sustainability and the protection of the environment or showing leadership on issues that affect society.

However you choose to celebrate Olympic Day, I am proud that so many Olympians are working to spread the spirit and practice of Olympism around the world on this day and every day.

As an Olympian, you can further amplify your status as an ambassador of the Olympic Movement by displaying the symbolic letters OLY after your name. OLY recognises your achievements on the Olympic stage and your dedication to embodying the Olympic ideals throughout your life. If you haven’t already, why not register to receive your OLY post-nominal title this Olympic Day and join more than 10,000 Olympians worldwide who have already signed up for this exclusive honour. You can use OLY on your social media, CV, business cards or anywhere you use or sign your name. 

We can help you make a difference in other ways too. The WOA Grants Programme empowers Olympians to give back to their communities. If you have a great idea for a project that serves the needs of Olympians and helps spread the spirit of Olympism, get in touch with your National Olympians Association and apply today. Last year, for instance, Olympians in Palau helped grow sport participation in the island nation with the help of a WOA Grant, while Olympian-led learn-to-swim and water safety programmes in India and Lithuania are helping to save lives.

I look forward to seeing what you have been up to for Olympic Day so don’t forget to follow and tag World Olympians Association on our Facebook and Twitter platforms or connect with us by email to share your exciting activities at info@thewoa.org.

Once again, I wish you all the best for a happy Olympic Day and every success as you harness the power of sport to help create a better world.

Joël Bouzou OLY