Kiev, 23rd June 2014 – the Olympic Day each year recalls the constitution of the International Olympic Committee in Paris on 23rd June 1894, thanks to Baron Pierre de Coubertin. And this year too, like in the past, NOCs across Europe have celebrated the Olympic Day with various events.
Of particular significance were those organised last weekend in the Ukrainian capital, in the name of peace and unity for the country, this year’s focus being nautical sports and the three basic elements earth, water and fire, with a number of activities on the banks of the River Dnieper, which gave hundreds of youngsters an opportunity to discover water sports together with elite athletes, including Olympic medallists.

NOC President Sergey Bubka, who is also a member of the IOC Executive Board and IAAF Vice-President, attended the event and reminded youngsters and their parents that “the promotion of the Olympic Movement and concept of sport as an active way of life are an absolute priority,” adding that, “Sport is the best way to get kids to grow up healthily, strong both in mind and in body, and ready for success in the future. Make this idea and sport an integral part of your life.”
The capital aside, people were invited to join in and try all sorts of sports, as well as other Olympic activities, all over the country.