With just a little over a year until the 2016 Olympics in Rio, the excitement is growing. Olympic Day, held annually on June 23, is celebrated by millions of people in more than 160 countries. Olympic Day was created in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games. Its mission is to promote fitness, wellbeing, 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. In the United States, Olympic Day events range from small gatherings to large, citywide events that feature athlete appearances, family-friendly activities and interactive learning experiences. 

 

From May 31-June 30, communities across the United States will celebrate Olympic Day 2015 through educational programming and other activities. Let us know how you plan on celebrating in the comments below. 

 

To celebrate Olympic Day and promote the 2015 P&G Gymnastics Championships, USA Gymnastics and Indiana Sports Corp, along with USA Track and Field, are planning a host of fun activities from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 23, including a world record attempt for the most handstands at one time and a dynamic representation of the Olympic rings. Olympic champions Shannon Miller and Jaycie Phelps (1996, gymnastics), Quinn Buckner (1976, basketball) and Jackie Joyner-Kersee (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, athletics) will be on hand, along with Olympians Stephanie Arnold (2004, archery) and Ron Galimore (1980, gymnastics). 2014 Youth Olympic bronze-medalist and 2016 Olympic hopeful Alec Yoder of Indianapolis is also expected to attend the festivities. Via usagym.com 

 

Kids will have the chance to participate in the USA Gymnastics Fitness Zone, interactive activities staged by USA Track and Field and Indiana Sports Corp, and hear from the Olympians about their experiences and get autographs. Music and food trucks will also be on hand, as well as other booths and activities with local organizations. 

 

The scheduled program that includes questions-and-answers with the Olympic champions in attendance begins at noon with local area gymnasts, Girl Scouts and youth groups attempting to set the World record at 12:45 p.m. Following the world record attempt, the world record participants will be organized into a human replica of the Olympic rings. 

Indianapolis’ celebration is among the more than 1,000 Olympic Day events taking place across the USA from May 31-June 30 to celebrate Olympic Day in 2015.