More than 1,800 Olympic Day Events Planned in US this Summer

The United States Olympic Committee announced a record-setting year for the number of Olympic Day celebrations projected to be held across the United States in 2015. With 1,816 events to be hosted in 1,297 communities representing every state, an estimated 625,645 Americans will celebrate the Olympic Movement this summer.

Olympic Day, officially celebrated June 23, has been recognized each year since 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on June 23, 1894. An International Olympic Committee initiative, Olympic Day’s mission is to promote fitness, well-being, culture and education, while promoting the Olympic values – excellence, friendship and respect – and the three Olympic Day pillars – move, learn and discover – in every corner of the globe. 

“Olympic Day is a great platform to encourage people to get active while learning about the values at the core of the Olympic Movement,” said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. “The USOC is proud to take part and grow this global celebration by reaching out to youth at the grassroots level and inspiring the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians.”

In 2015, Olympic Day activities are being held on six continents with several thousand events worldwide and more than 150 participating National Olympic Committees.  

In the U.S., Olympic Day activities will feature appearances from more than 785 Team USA athletes, including Carl Lewis, nine-time Olympic champion in track and field; Joey Cheek, three-time Olympic medalist in speedskating; Jordyn Wieber, 2012 Olympic team gymnastics champion; Anna Cummins, two-time Olympic medalist in rowing; and Scott Hoggset, three-time Paralympic medalist in wheelchair rugby. Additionally, Olympic champions David Boudia (diving), Ryan Lochte (swimming), and Tina Charles (basketball), along with Paralympic champion Tatyana McFadden (wheelchair track and field) will spread the spirit of Olympic Day on social media using the #OlympicDay hashtag.  

One of the most notable Olympic Day events taking place in the U.S. this summer will be hosted by Boston 2024 at Fenway Park. A pre-game Olympic Day celebration will be held June 23 before the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles take the field. The event is expected to host 38,000 participants and feature special appearances by 21 U.S. Olympians and Paralympians, including two-time Olympic medalist in diving Mary Ellen Clark; two-time Olympic medalist in figure skating Michelle Kwan; two-time Olympic medalist in bobsled Steve Langton; two-time Olympic champion in snowboarding Seth Wescott; two-time Paralympic medalist in track and field Joseph LeMar; Paralympic skier Joseph Walsh; and more than 100 Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls.  

The U.S. Tennis Association is hosting the most Olympic Day events of any individual organization with 307 events planned at local courts across the country, followed by USA BMX, which is hosting 271 events. A record 43 National Governing Bodies and their affiliated clubs will host 787 events in honor of Olympic Day. 

Olympic Day events in the U.S. are heavily supported by members of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic family, and the following member organizations have registered to participate in 2015 Olympic Day activities:

For more information on Olympic Day celebrations in the U.S. or to find an event, visit TeamUSA.org/OlympicDay, email OlympicDay@usoc.org, or follow and join the social conversation using the #OlympicDay hashtag. Additional Olympic Day resources can be found on the International Olympic Committee’s website, Olympic.org/OlympicDay.