Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The President of the Olympic Council of Asia, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, believes Olympic Day has never been more important than this year.

“The Olympic Movement in Asia, and around the world, always looks forward to celebrating Olympic Day on June 23,” said Sheikh Ahmad.

“This year is no different. In fact we feel it is even more important to celebrate this year because it will bring the Olympic sports movement together at a difficult time.

“Even though sport is beginning to emerge from the dark tunnel of COVID-19, some countries are still struggling to contain the spread of the pandemic.

“By celebrating Olympic Day we will display our unity and our solidarity with athletes and our friends and colleagues in National Olympic Committees around the world.”

Olympic Day is marked annually on June 23 and celebrates the founding of the International Olympic Committee at the Sorbonne, Paris, on June 23, 1894, and the revival of the modern Olympic Games.

The first Olympic Day was held on June 23, 1948 and the activities are based on the three pillars of move, learn and discover.

Sheikh Ahmad added: “With community restrictions in place, National Olympic Committees will have to be creative and adapt to the current conditions.

“I have already noted National Olympic Committees in Asia organising sports, art and literature competitions on line, tree-planting projects to protect the environment and other initiatives.

“Although it will not be possible to hold the traditional Olympic Day Run this year, our NOCs are showing a willingness to be part of the movement and celebrate this important day in the sports calendar with true Olympic spirit.”