Once again in 2025, National Olympic Academies celebrated Olympic Day in Europe with a wide range of activities, bringing the Olympic values into schools, communities and public spaces. From runs and youth events to educational seminars and inclusive projects, the initiatives highlight the diversity and vitality of the Olympic spirit.
The EOA Education Commission has taken on the task of documenting these initiatives and making them visible. As already in 2023, we are pleased to present this overview, which brings together the contributions of our members and aims to inspire future projects.
The structure is simple: each activity is displayed on a card, a short description, and photos or videos. By clicking the button, you can access the full report provided by the National Olympic Academies. In this way, the Olympic Day 2025 Overview offers a vivid panorama of our members’ activities and their shared commitment to spreading and living the Olympic values.
Albania — „Olympic Days across the Country“
Across 10 cities and with over 8,000 participants, Albania marked Olympic Day with torch relays, sports demonstrations and cultural ceremonies, highlighting the values of excellence, friendship and peace.
Armenia — „Olympic Day in Yerevan“
Young athletes showcased sports from wrestling to chess in Republic Square, Yerevan. The Armenian NOA promoted Olympism, healthy lifestyles and values of solidarity, tolerance and fair competition.
Azerbaijan — „Celebrating Olympic Values“
Students, teachers and champions united through sport, education and values of excellence, friendship and respect.
Croatia — “Olympic Day Run”
Olympic Day Run Croatia 2025 united 700+ participants at Lake Jarun, celebrating sport, community and Olympic values across generations.
Germany — „Let’s Move, Let’s Talk“
At the German Sport & Olympic Museum in Cologne, 500 students explored Olympic values through sports, athlete talks and workshops. The DOA also supported further activities in Mainz, Muenster, Milan and beyond.
Hungary — „Resounding Success in Promoting Olympic Values“
In Budapest, 220 students from nine schools took part in interactive activities and workshops designed around Olympic values. Olympians Fanni Pigniczki, János Martinek and Tibor Andrásfi inspired the children with personal stories and fair play examples.
Kosovo — „Magnificent Olympic Week with the Olympic spirit“
Over 6,000 children and students took part in Olympic Week across 26 municipalities, featuring lectures, sports activities and an Olympic run in Pristina, highlighted by the aerial raising of the Olympic flag.
Lithuania — „Olympic Day in Klaipėda“
Thousands gathered at Klaipėda Castle for Lithuania’s largest Olympic Day, featuring over 100 free sports and cultural activities, athlete encounters and the symbolic Olympic Flame.
Moldova — „Olympic Lesson in Ciobanovca“
At a summer camp in Ciobanovca, 100 children learned about Olympic history, met Olympian Zalina Marghieva, and joined sports activities celebrating fair play, friendship and Olympic values.
Portugal — „Olympic June at the Primary School in Olhão“
Students in Olhão created a human Olympic Torch as part of Olympic June and the Quelfes Games, promoting Olympic values across schools in Portugal and Spain. During the Games, the Pierre de Coubertin Youth Prize was awarded to Manuel Castillo from Ayamonte for his exemplary sporting spirit.
Romania — „Olympic Month & Record Run“
From 23 May to 23 June, the ROA’s “Olympic Month” engaged ~33,000 people nationwide, highlighted by a record-setting Olympic Day Run in Pitești with over 5,000 participants and the 43rd Șirnea celebration.
Slovenia — „Olympians Return Home“
Across 18 locations, more than 5,700 students celebrated Olympic Day with inspiring visits from Olympians such as Damjan Fras and Vesna Fabjan, combining runs, oaths and joyful activities to bring Olympic values to life.
Ukraine — „Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together!
In Truskavets, 260 children from 24 regions gathered for three days of sports, cultural contests and Olympic quizzes. Supported by Olympians and the NOC President, the event culminated in the symbolic run “1,192 steps to Victory!”
Israel — „Olympic Day with the Be’eri Community“
At Kibbutz Hatzerim, 100 children from Be’eri celebrated Olympic Day with Olympic athletes, enjoying sports and activities that fostered joy, resilience, and the Olympic values of unity and hope.
Liechtenstein — „Olympic Day for Young Explorers“
In Vaduz, 900 pupils from grades 3 to 5 celebrated Olympic Day 2025 by discovering 30 sports. Guided by local clubs and Olympians, they explored the Olympic values. The celebration concluded with a festive parade, joined by members of Parliament.
Slovakia — „Olympic Day Unites 65,000 Participants““
More than 65,000 people across Slovakia joined 267 Olympic Day events organised by schools, clubs, and municipalities. Major celebrations in Kysucké Nové Mesto, Šahy, and Spišská Nová Ves highlighted inclusion projects and special activities for children with cancer, while OVEP games and torch relays brought the Olympic spirit to communities nationwide.
Olympic Days in Albania
In Albania, Olympic Days bring together schools, sports federations, athletes, and clubs from different cities across the country. The celebrations began on April 12 and continued until August 23, marking the official Olympic Day. This year, activities were held in 10 cities and involved more than 8,000 participants.
A highlight took place in Amantia on August 23, at the ancient stadium built in the 3rd century BC, with a capacity of 3,000 spectators. The event featured the participation of 15 federations and included the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic flame. Elite athletes — world and European champions — carried the torch, symbolizing excellence and unity. A variety of sports demonstrations showcasing the spirit and values of the Olympic Movement-Respect, Friendship and Excellence.
The ceremony also paid tribute to tradition, as ancient priests honored the athletes with olive crowns, a timeless emblem of victory and respect. The celebration concluded with the release of doves, a moving symbol of peace and the enduring values of the Olympic Movement.
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ARMENIAN NATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY INITIATIVES AND ACTIVITIES
On the initiative of the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport, Armenian NOA the International Olympic Day was celebrated in the Republic Square of Yerevan. The goal of the event was to spread the ideas of Olympism, sports and a healthy lifestyle.
During the event, young representatives of wrestling, chess, karate, boxing, football, gymnastics, taekwondo and other sports gave demonstration performances.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, representatives of the ministry, the rector, lecturers, employees and students of the Institute.
The National Olympic Academy of Armenia operating at the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport, as a member of the International and European Olympic Academies, closely cooperates with international Olympic structures, introducing the main Olympic ideas – the principles of solidarity, tolerance and fair competition – throughout Armenia.
International Olympic Day is celebrated on June 23, as the founding day of the modern Olympic movement.
The Armenian NOA was established in 1990 on the instructions of the NOC, which was also founded in the same year. The organizational structure of the NOA is best described as a sub-division of the NOC and is also affiliated to the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport (ASIPCS), which carries out all NOA activities.
The activities of the Armenian NOA include the regional and national propagation of the Olympic idea – which is promoted via media platforms and seminars at educational institutions – and scientific engagement with the Olympic Movement. Moreover, the Armenian NOA is active at various events, as for instance the Pan-Armenian Games, which celebrates the participation of Armenia in the ancient Greek Olympic Games.
The most ambitious project at the moment is the introduction of a special school subject called “Physical Culture” to the national curriculum. The subject will be taught to students from the 2nd to the 12th grades and topics will include the Olympic origins, sport and fair play. In NOA we have an interesting and informative Museum which includes all Armenian Olympic history and thanks to this museum the schoolchildren attending the Armenian NOA are introduced the Olympic ideas, told about the Armenian Olympic movement history, Armenians achievements in Olympic Games in a very vivid way.
This year a book named «Olympic Symbols» was written, co-author of which is the young participant of 62 Session of IOA, current coordinator.
In the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport the students are taught the discipline «Olympic movement». In the frame of this subject the themes like: The role and significance of the Olympic movement, Features of the formation of a positive attitude towards sports, Armenia and the Olympic Movement. The creation of the Armenian Olympic Committee, Peculiarities of cooperation between the IOC and NOA in the field of Olympic sports science, Analysis of current issues of the Olympic movement etc. are discussed.
NOA delegates, educators and young participants take part in the annual Sessions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As a result, they carry out their activities for the dissemination of Olympic ideas in Armenia and even sometimes are being published in the IOC journal. They have informational meetings, telling about their activities in Olympia, organize interesting games and quizzes both in Yerevan and in regions.
2022 National Olympic Delegates presented their participation to students, young ambassadors, and educators at the dissemination meeting.
Then the Young ambassadors made their dissemination activity among the students, schoolchildren in Yerevan and in regions.
Olympic Values Celebrated in Azerbaijan
To mark Olympic Day 2025, schools across Azerbaijan brought the Olympic spirit to life through a series of vibrant and meaningful activities organized within the framework of the Olympic Culture and Education Programme (OCEP). Across the country, school students participated in sports challenges, creative workshops, Olympic-themed games, and discussions on the core values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
These school-based initiatives were part of a broader national effort to promote Olympic education through the OCEP. At the heart of this effort were the OVEP training sessions, delivered under the OCEP and supported by Olympic Solidarity. From April to June 2025, the programme delivered 19 dynamic training sessions across 12 districts of Baku, engaging around 500 physical education teachers from 235 schools. These sessions introduced interactive teaching methods, emphasized child protection through a Safe Sport module, and equipped educators with tools to integrate Olympic values into daily school life.
At the national level, the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan, with the support of Olympic Solidarity and in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Education, organized a high-level OVEP/OCEP recognition ceremony on 23 June in Baku as the central event of Olympic Day 2025. The ceremony brought together Olympic champions, NOC officials, government representatives, school directors, members of the Azerbaijan Athletes’ Commission, and hundreds of educators who have driven Olympic education forward in Azerbaijan. The event honored outstanding schools, teachers, and tutors who have shown unwavering dedication to spreading Olympic values.
With each passing year, Olympic Day in Azerbaijan grows stronger—not just as a celebration, but as a movement. Through its expanding network of trained educators and inspired students, the NOC of Azerbaijan is laying the groundwork for a future where sport is not only about competition, but about character, community, and courage.
Olympic Day Run Croatia 2025: Promoting Olympic Values through Community Running
On 24 May 2025, the Croatian Olympic Academy organised the seventh edition of Olympic Day Run Croatia, reaffirming its role as a key event in promoting Olympic values through inclusive and accessible sports activities. Held at Zagreb’s popular lake Jarun, the event gathered over 700 runners of all ages and backgrounds, including 17 international participants from the Philippines and representatives of the Italian Embassy, demonstrating the unifying power of sport.
A notable innovation this year was the introduction of a children’s race over 300 meters, which engaged 64 young participants and highlighted the Academy’s commitment to inspiring future generations. The event also featured warm-up sessions led by renowned trainer Mario Mlinarić and appearances from celebrated Croatian Olympians: Valent Sinković, Barbara Matić, Matea Parlov Koštro, Matija Legović, and Vlado Šola.
A special moment was the presence of the Italian Ambassador, H.E. Paolo Trichilo, who addressed the participants, underlining the symbolic connection between Olympic Day and the upcoming Winter Olympic Games Milano–Cortina 2026. His attendance further emphasised the event’s international and educational dimension.
By combining competitive elements with a strong educational message, Olympic Day Run Croatia fosters a community spirit anchored in the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, respect, and inclusion. Participants received Olympic Day T-shirts and certificates signed by the Presidents of the Croatian and International Olympic Committees, reinforcing their connection to the global Olympic Movement.
The event was organised in partnership with embassies, sponsors such as Coca-Cola, and local sports clubs. It was prominently covered by Croatian media, ensuring wide public reach and long-term visibility. Olympic Day Run Croatia continues to grow as a platform where citizens, regardless of age or fitness level, come together to celebrate sport and its universal values.
Let’s Move, Let’s Talk – Olympic Day in Germany
On June 18, the German Olympic Academy (DOA) celebrated the founding of the IOC for the tenth consecutive time at the German Sport & Olympic Museum (DSOM) in Cologne. Under the slogan ‘Keep moving with your +1’, around 500 students from grades 2 to 6 participated in a variety of activities designed to familiarise them with the Olympic values and the historical background of the Olympic Games.
The highlight was the talks with athletes from Team D and Team D Paralympics, which gave them the opportunity to engage directly with role models from elite sports. ‘I enjoyed learning about sport and the Olympics outside of school,’ said Liah (11).
Another central part was the diverse sports program held on the roof of the museum. The young participants had the opportunity to try out various disciplines, including blind football, breaking, flag football, handball, hockey, rowing, and sprint tests, but also learn about anti-doping. These activities were met with great enthusiasm, and both teachers and instructors were happy about the students’ curiosity and motivation.
The Olympic Day in Cologne was once again supported by strong partners – Sportland.NRW, EDEKA and Netto Marken-Discount, Premium Partner of Team D, as well as the Top Partners of Team D and Team D Paralympics: Sparkasse, adidas, and Allianz.
In addition to the main event in Cologne, the DOA supported several Olympic Day events throughout Germany and beyond, including
- a torch relay at the University of Mainz,
- a marathon relay at the German School in Milan, Italy,
- a hybrid seminar at the University of Muenster in cooperation with the Willibald Gebhardt Institut, focusing on education and sustainability,
- a webinar hosted by the ICSSPE and Ludwigsburg University of Education, focusing on the ecological impact of the Olympic Games.
Olympic Day 2025: A Resounding Success in Promoting Olympic Values in Hungary
This year’s Olympic Day, held on June 23, 2025, was a highly successful and vibrant event, engaging 220 children aged 12-16 from 9 different schools. The entire program was a collaborative effort between the Hungarian Olympic Academy (HOA) and the Hungarian Olympic Committee (HOC), with the HOA providing the professional background and expertise. The program benefited greatly from the presence of 19 accompanying teachers who had previously participated in the NOC – HUSS OVEP training, ensuring a well-structured and impactful experience. The overall atmosphere was exceptionally positive, filled with enthusiastic and joyful children participating in a series of engaging activities.
A particularly impressive aspect of the day was the interactive session with esteemed Olympians, Olympic champions Fanni Pigniczki, János Martinek, and Tibor Andrásfi. They shared their personal connections to the Olympic values and spoke candidly about the emotional aspects of sports, providing invaluable inspiration and insights to the young participants. This direct interaction allowed the children to gain a deeper understanding of how Olympic values translate into real-life experiences and sporting careers.
The event featured a diverse range of stations designed to promote key Olympic values. For instance, Station 1, “The Joy of Effort and In Pursuit of Excellence,” included an “Agility and Coordination Course” where participants, blindfolded and guided by their partners, experienced the joy of overcoming challenges and the importance of trust and effective communication. Another activity at this station, “My Personal Best,” encouraged self-improvement and highlighted that excellence extends beyond competition, focusing on personal development.
Station 2, “Playing Together, Winning Together – In the Spirit of Fair Play and Friendship,” facilitated team-building games like “Swamp Crossing,” which emphasized cooperation, effective communication, and problem-solving. The “Fair Play Dilemmas” task challenged participants to consider ethical decision-making in sports scenarios, drawing upon examples such as Laura Sárosi’s remarkable act of sportsmanship. The “Collaborative Creation – Olympic Flag” activity further fostered teamwork and a sense of belonging through artistic expression of Olympic values.
Station 3, “Respect for Everyone – Acceptance and Harmony,” included a “Cultural Treasure Hunt” to promote an appreciation for cultural diversity and different sporting traditions. The “Rights and Responsibilities Card Game” helped children understand the principles of respectful and responsible behaviour within sports and the wider community. Finally, the “Relaxation and Concentration Exercises” focused on the balance between body, will, and mind, teaching stress reduction and mindful presence.
The central Station 4, “Olympic Values Workshop and Meeting with Olympians,” served as a hub for inspiration and reflection. Beyond the direct interaction with Olympians, this station also featured an “Olympic Message Board/Values Tree” where children could express their thoughts and feelings about the day and the Olympic values. Opportunities for photos and autographs with the Olympians created lasting memories, and an “Olympic Quiz” reinforced their knowledge of Olympic history and achievements.
This successful event would not have been possible without the dedication of 8 thoroughly trained volunteers who staffed the stations. Their meticulous preparation and enthusiastic guidance were crucial to the smooth execution of all activities. Furthermore, the accompanying teachers played a vital role in ensuring the children were always aware of their next steps and the program flow, contributing significantly to the day’s seamless organization and the children’s positive experience. Overall, the Olympic Day 2025 successfully delivered an engaging and educational experience, effectively conveying the core Olympic values to the next generation of athletes and citizens.
Olympic Week in Kosovo 2025: A magnificent Olympic Week with the Olympic spirit
The Kosovo Olympic Committee organized the Olympic Week from 16 to 22 June 2025, a week of educational, cultural and sports programs throughout the territory of Kosovo. The Olympic Week began with kindergarten children from all over the country. These young participants were introduced to the Olympic symbols and created drawings of the Olympic Rings.
The Olympic Academy organized lectures in primary schools, where students learned about the role of the Kosovo Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Olympic symbols and values, as well as the importance of sport in society. During the lectures, the children were also informed about Kosovo’s participation in the Summer, Winter and Youth Olympic Games, as well as the medals won to date, with the aim of promoting Olympic education and encouraging the spirit of sport among the younger generations.
On June 20, in the central square of Pristina, over 1,000 children participated in the Olympic Day celebrations, where they held an Olympic run, athletic activities and an artistic program. The event was made even more special by the aerial raising of the Olympic flag by two paragliders, who also carried the flags of Kosovo and Albania.
Olympic Week also featured outdoor activities with students at the Mountain Bajgora as well as paragliding flights organized by the Aeronautics Federation in the city Suhareka. Olympic Day was celebrated in 26 municipalities of Kosovo, thanks to close cooperation with schools, sports federations and municipalities. The Olympic Week 2025 was an inspiring example of education and the spread of the Olympic spirit and Olympism throughout the country, with over 6,000 participants taking part in the activities during this great week.
Olympic Day 2025 in Klaipėda: A Celebration of Sport, Unity, and Olympic Values
On June 7, 2025, the historic Klaipėda Castle site hosted Olympic Day 2025 – Lithuania’s largest
public sports and community celebration. The event returned to the seaside city after a six-year break
and brought together thousands of participants of all ages to celebrate the Olympic spirit.
Olympic Day in Lithuania is organized by the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee (LTOK) and
the Lithuanian Olympic Fund, in cooperation with the host municipality, national sports federations,
clubs, and other partners.
The festivities began with the lighting of the Olympic Day Flame, which was carried from the Baltic
Sea to the main stage by Olympians and Paralympians. The symbolic flame was officially lit by the
Mayor of Klaipėda, Arvydas Vaitkus, and LTOK President Daina Gudzinevičiūtė, marking the start
of the day’s events.
This year, Olympic Day offered an impressive 106 free sports and leisure activities for participants
to explore. From rowing, judo, golf, and climbing to less common activities like tricycle racing, ski
simulators, sign language in sports, and even Bavarian curling – the variety appealed to children,
youth, adults, and seniors alike. Newer and inclusive formats such as wheelchair basketball,
basketball in silence, and VR sports experiences were also featured.
While physical activity is at the core of Olympic Day, the event also included a wide range of
educational, wellness, and social initiatives. The Lithuanian Olympic Academy engaged attendees
with a fun and informative sports knowledge quiz, accessible to all age groups. Participants tested
their knowledge about sports history, disciplines, and equipment, while learning about Olympic
values in an interactive way.
Throughout the day, guests met and interacted with Olympic athletes from different generations,
providing an inspiring atmosphere and connection to Lithuania’s Olympic heritage.
Highlights of the event included:
- Running events: 10 km, 5 km, and a 400 m kids’ run. A symbolic “Lithuanian Olympic Mile” (1988 meters) commemorated the 1988 reestablishment of the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee.
- Walking tours: 8 km and 17 km routes encouraged families and sports enthusiasts to explore the city while staying active.
- Participants used the LTeam mobile app or a printed Olympic Day Passport to collect points by completing challenges and exchanging them for various prizes: t-shirts, medals, scarves, discount vouchers, and more.
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Olympic Day in Moldova 2025: An Olympic Lesson at Ciobanovca Summer Camp
Every year, on June 23, the world joyfully celebrates Olympic Day – a day that shines a spotlight on the Olympic spirit, the values of fair play, and the friendship that unites people across nations. To mark this special occasion, the National Olympic and Sports Committee of the Republic of Moldova together with the Olympic Academy organized a special Olympic Lesson at the “Viișoara – Anenii Noi” summer camp in the picturesque village of Ciobanovca.
The celebration brought together around 100 enthusiastic children. They were introduced to the fascinating history of the Olympic Games, watched inspiring films showcasing the outstanding performances of Moldovan Olympic athletes, and participated with great excitement in a variety of fun and energetic sports competitions.
Adding to the festive spirit, the event was graced by the presence of Zalina Marghieva, Secretary General of the National Olympic and Sports Committee of the Republic of Moldova and five-time Olympian, alongside Anatolie Popușoi, university lecturer, PhD in pedagogical sciences, and honored coach of the Republic of Moldova. They shared motivational stories, encouraging the young participants to pursue their dreams with determination and to embrace the power of sport in shaping strong character and values.
As part of a cherished tradition, all the children received special souvenirs from the Committee – joyful mementos of a day filled with inspiration, learning, and celebration of Olympic ideals.
Olympic Month in Portugal 2025: Olympic June at the Primary School in Olhão
On June 23rd, the celebration of the Olympic Day took place at the Primary School No. 6 in Olhão (João da Rosa School Group), as part of a wider pedagogical project called Olympic June.
The activity consisted of creating a human image of the Olympic Torch, highlighting the colors, especially orange, which allowed the Olympic flame to be evoked. The project Olympic June takes place annually in the school group and involves the contribution of several subjects from each class’ curriculum. This was a complementary initiative of a more comprehensive project, the Quelfes Games, whose main objective is to promote Olympic values and consolidate an Olympic education program among the school community, young students and their families.
The Quelfes Games are a project developed since 2010, consisting of the involvement of primary schools located in the Algarve region (south of Portugal) and, more recently, of schools from the province of Andalusia (south of Spain), in the design of educational events to show Olympic history and promote Olympic values.It involves students, parents and teachers, as well as the partnership of the National Olympic Academy of Portugal, municipalities, sports federations and clubs.
The João da Rosa School Group is a reference in the promotion of Olympic education, Olympism being a complementary subject available in some of its schools.
Manuel Castillo awarded with the Pierre de Coubertin Youth Prize
Eleven-year-old student Manuel Alanis Castillo, from the Moreno y Chacón Early Childhood and Primary School, in Ayamonte (Spain), was awarded the 2025 edition of the Pierre de Coubertin Youth Prize, established by the National Olympic Academy of Portugal (AOP), as part of the partnership with the organization of the Quelfes Games. The award was presented on June 4th, during the Once Upon a Time in Marim Gala, which closed the XVI Quelfes Games, the prize being presented by the vice-president of AOP José Esteves to Manuel’s mother, Manuela Castillo, given that the young man was unable to attend the ceremony due to school commitments.
The award was given to Manuel Castillo in recognition of his interest in the Olympic phenomenon, combined with exemplary conduct, encouraging colleagues and opponents in a sporting context. The Moreno y Chacón Early Childhood and Primary School was one of the schools participating in the XVI Quelfes Games, held in Ayamonte (Spain) and São Brás de Alportel (Portugal), in a cross-border relationship between the Spanish province of Andalusia and the Portuguese region of Algarve.
The ceremony took place in the Municipal Auditorium of Olhão (Algarve, Portugal), forming part of the gala programme which included the presentation of recognition plaques to the municipalities that hosted the Games activities, the presentation of the Olympic Class Trophy to the 3rd C class of Pedra Mourinha Basic School (Portimão, Algarve, Portugal) in the Gods’ Challenge (first part of Quelfes Games program, in Ayamonte) and short presentations by the students of the Basic School No. 1 of Marim, which gave rise to the Quelfes Games.
Olympic Day in Romania 2025: Olympic Month and Record Run
As part of this overall overview, we are pleased to share the Romanian Olympic Academy’s comprehensive report on Olympic Month 2025. It covers nationwide activities and a record-breaking Olympic Day Run in Pitești, offering a vivid look at how Olympic values are lived across Romania. Enjoy reading!
Olympians Return Home: Olympic Day 2025 Ignites Inspiration Across Slovenia
On the occasion of Olympic Day 2025, the Olympic Committee of Slovenia (OKS–ZŠZ) carried out one of its most wide-reaching Olympic Education initiatives to date. In partnership with local communities and schools, Olympic Day events took place in 18 locations across Slovenia, engaging more than 5,700 primary school students. The program was designed to actively promote Olympic values through direct interaction with Olympians and hands-on educational activities.
A highlight of the events was the return of Slovenian Olympians to their former primary schools. Athletes such as olympic medallists Damjan Fras and Vesna Fabjan inspired students with personal stories of discipline, perseverance, and the journey from early sporting dreams to Olympic competition. Through lively conversations, question-and-answer sessions, and sports demonstrations, the young participants connected with the athletes in meaningful and memorable ways.
The educational dimension of Olympic Day was emphasized through symbolic elements that brought Olympic values to life. Students took part in Olympic Runs around their schoolyards, sang the Olympic anthem, and pledged the Olympic oath. Every child received a symbolic Olympic medal to recognize their participation and effort, reinforcing the principle that taking part and doing one’s best is what truly counts.
Each event concluded with a celebration, including group photos with Olympians, autograph sessions, and small treats such as ice cream and wafers, creating joyful memories while promoting values of friendship and respect.
Olympic Day 2025 in Slovenia stood out not only for its national reach but also for its creative approach to Olympic Education—blending inspiration, fun, and values in a way that left a lasting impact on thousands of young participants.
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UKRAINIAN RESORT TRUSKAVETS WELCOMES YOUNG OLYMPIC ATHLETES
In our turbulent times of active hostilities, it is not so easy to find a safe place in Ukraine in order to hold the All-Ukrainian educational, sports and cultural event “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together!” for 260 children from 24 regions of Ukraine. Such a hospitable place has turned out a balneological resort located in the foothills of the Ukrainian Carpathians at an altitude of 400 m in 84 km south of the city of Lviv.
The young athletes, participants of the event, were surrounded by attention, affection and care of the hosts, organizers, and honorary guests of this sporting festival – the President of the NOC of Ukraine Vadim Gutsait, Olympic champions, and the leaders of the Olympic Academy of Ukraine.
For three days, following Olympic spirit of striving for excellence in competitions, the children proved their athletic prowess in sports – mini-football, swimming, curling, basketball, etc., realized their creative potential through cultural and educational contests. The program included athletic competitions in the format “Who is more accurate and agile”, as well as the Olympic quizzes and creative contests.
The winners of the competitions were awarded cups, medals, diplomas and valuable gifts from the Olympic family of Ukraine. The event reached its peak with a symbolic mass run “1,192 steps to Victory!”
These wonderful spring days will remain in the memory of the young athletes for a long time.
Olympic Day in Israel
Around 100 children from Kibbutz Be’eri took part in a festive Olympic Day celebration at Kibbutz Hatzerim. The event was organized by the Olympic Committee of Israel as part of the global Olympic Day — an international initiative of the National Olympic Committees to promote the values of sport, education, and solidarity.
In line with the International Olympic Committee’s slogan “Let’s Move”, this year’s event was dedicated to the Be’eri community. The Olympic Committee of Israel has been supporting the children with educational, experiential, and sports programs in cooperation with the kibbutz leadership.
The celebration opened with a parade of Be’eri’s children leading to the sports hall, where they enjoyed a full Olympic experience: activity stations in fencing, wrestling, archery, athletics, and basketball, led by Olympic athletes including Oren Smadja, Shira Rishony, Yuval Freilich, Shahar Kleiner, and Limor Mizrachi. The event was directed by Yarden Har Lev, VP of Education at the NOC of Israel, and was attended by NOC President Yael Arad and CEO Gili Lustig.
For the children, who continue to live in a reality of uncertainty and temporary arrangements, the event provided an opportunity for joy, resilience, and a renewed sense of belonging. Olympic Day was designed not only to encourage movement and physical activity, but also to foster connections, enable shared experiences, and bring Olympic values into everyday life.
The participation of the Be’eri community in the international Olympic Day embodies the values of inspiration, unity, and hope that sport can generate, and reflects the unique bond between the Olympic Movement and Israeli society.
Olympic Day 2025 in Liechtenstein
In June 2025, the Olympic Day took place in Liechtenstein, offering an unforgettable experience for students from grades 3 to 5. Around 900 children from across the country had the opportunity to discover and try out 30 different sports during this special event.
The various sports stations were organized and supervised by local sports clubs, giving the young participants a chance to learn directly from experienced coaches and athletes. The aim of the day was to inspire children to enjoy physical activity, discover new sports, and embrace the Olympic values of friendship, respect, and excellence.
At the end of the day, all the students gathered on Peter-Kaiser-Platz in Vaduz for a festive closing ceremony. Accompanied by Liechtenstein’s Olympians, the children proudly marched in under the Olympic flag, celebrating their achievements and the spirit of togetherness. The participants were warmly welcomed by members of the Liechtenstein Parliament (Landtag), who congratulated them on their enthusiasm and sportsmanship.
The Olympic Day 2025 was a joyful celebration of movement, community, and the Olympic spirit — a day that many young athletes will remember for a long time.
Olympic Day 2025 Supported by More Than 65,000 People in Slovakia
This year, more than 65,000 participants of various age groups actively took part in the celebrations of Olympic Day. In total, regional Olympic clubs, schools, municipalities, and various institutions organized 267 Olympic Day events. Activities commemorating Olympic Day took place throughout June. Many schools across Slovakia hosted sports competitions in various disciplines and Olympic Day Runs.
Major Olympic Day celebrations were held in the town squares of Kysucké Nové Mesto, Šahy, and Spišská Nová Ves — the latter also hosting the main national celebration of Olympism this year. The Olympic Day 2025 was supported also by the eight towns participating in the project “United in Sport”, that is aimed at fostering social inclusion of children from refugee communities into everyday life in Slovakia through regular sports activities and inclusive sporting events. The project, officially launched on Olympic Day at Kalinčiakova Elementary School in Bratislava, is initiated and coordinated by the UNHCR Slovakia in cooperation with the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee and the organization People in Peril.
The Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee, in cooperation with the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports of Comenius University in Bratislava, also organized Olympic Day celebrations for children with diagnosed cancer.
At several Olympic Day events, the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee hosted an OVEP stand featuring a variety of activities, including games, sports and Olympic quizzes, coloring sheets for children, and an athletic obstacle course. Participants in many towns also received commemorative paper medals or diplomas. Several events began with an opening ceremony featuring the Olympic anthem, the raising of the Olympic flag, and the arrival of the torch — just like at the Olympic Games.
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