One of the legacies organisers of the 2^nd European Games Minsk 2019 hope to leave with the people of Belarus long after the Games are over is an increase in physical activity and participation in sport.

Educational programmes and the mere fact that some 4,000 of Europe’s best athletes are in Minsk putting in world-class performances are expected to inspire the population here to lead healthier lifestyles.

That is also the goal of Olympic Day, June 23, which commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Games on the same day back in 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris.

Founded on three pillars, “Learn, Move, Discover,” the global Olympic celebration aims to promote participation in sport regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability. It also strives to get as many people as possible active and to learn about health awareness and the benefits of physical activity.

If the response from local spectators at the Dynamic New Athletics (DNA) competition today at Dinamo Stadium is any indication, the European Games are already hitting the mark.

Twenty-four-year-old Belarusian Anna Zalevskaya said she has become so inspired watching the athletes give their best at the Games that she is determined to become more physically fit.

“It’s so motivating to see the athletes compete that I’ve started running in the park recently, because I want to get in shape,” she said.

In line with the Olympic Day pillar “Discover,” the European Games Minsk 2019 also offer an exciting opportunity to ignite people’s interest in trying new sports and activities. Furthermore, based on the motto of uniting nations through sport, the European Games Minsk 2019 have helped solidify the Olympic values of friendship and respect.

According to 27-year-old spectator Yulia Sych, the Games have helped her realise how sport can increase cultural diversity.

“I am very proud of my country, Belarus, but seeing the athletes here in Minsk, I am in awe of all them, because they had so much courage to compete here,” she said. “I am not only proud of Belarus, I am proud of all the participating athletes.”

Over the last 20 years, Olympic Day has been linked to Olympic Day Runs taking place worldwide. Launched in 1987, the goal of the run was to encourage all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to further the practice of sport. Starting with 45 participating NOCs in 1987, the numbers have grown since then to well over 100.

In recent years, the rapid development of social media has helped boost participation in the Olympic Day celebrations beyond NOC activities. Those who do not have the possibility to cheer on their favourite teams in Minsk have shared their experiences throughout the day with the world online, posting photos of themselves doing sports on Instagram using the hashtag #olympicday.

This year’s Olympic Day also coincided with the official opening of the new Olympic House for the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne.