President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, has enjoined all member nations to take advantage of the Olympic family principle and ensure that the world enjoys an unforgettable celebration of sport achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Olumide Oyedeji, President of the Nigerian Olympians Association (NOA) delivered the speech at the National Stadium, Lagos, while representing the NOC president, Engr Habu Gumel. The IOC president, who described this year’s Olympic Day Celebration a ‘Special One’ as it coincides with the 2024 Olympic Games year in Paris, averred that Paris 2024 offers athletes the platform to inspire the world with the Olympic motto of togetherness.
“This year’s Olympic Day is a very special one, taking place just ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. With the excitement building, the athletes, the fans, the entire Olympic community around the world – all of us- we are all looking forward to a new era of Olympic Games: younger, more inclusive, more urban, more sustainable. “The very first Olympic Games with full gender parity. The very first Olympic Games fully in line with our Olympic Agenda.
“The Olympic Games always build bridges and bring people together in peace and solidarity. “This is the beauty of sport; it inspires us to move, it brings out the best in us, it keep us healthy, and it brings us all together – as friends and as a community, wherever we are and whichever way we choose to move,” he said. Also speaking at the event, 1996 Olympic Games gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa, admitted that the Olympic Day Celebration is a great thing for lovers of sports.”