The Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA) will join the rest of the world in celebrating the 65th annual Olympic Day on June 23.

Marked by a series of activities worldwide, Olympic Day commemorates the birth of the Olympic Movement and the Olympic Games. In 2012 over 4 million people and over 150 National Olympic Committees (NOC’s) participated. This year the numbers are expected to increase with many countries using social media to spread the word.

In Barbados, the BOA is gearing up for a special event to be held at Brandons Beach on June 23. From 12 noon to 5:00pm the National Federations will converge to provide members of the public with an opportunity to watch or participate in sports including football, gymnastics, judo, beach volleyball, netball, badminton, rugby, tennis, taekwondo and table tennis among others. There will also be special demonstrations of blind cricket, goal ball, cheerleading and a Cross-fit Corner.

The theme of Olympic Day 2013 is Move, Learn, Discover, a message that the BOA finds particularly relevant given the rising incidence of obesity in Barbados. Dave Farmer, Director, National Olympic Academy of Barbados, spoke about the upcoming celebrations at Brandons Beach, citing the many health and social benefits to be derived from physical activity. “This year’s theme encourages everyone to celebrate movement, learn a new sport or discover a new activity. We look forward to a great turnout and we encourage everyone to have fun, engage in some exercise and celebrate Olympic Day.”

Plans for the event are well underway and the BOA will be utilising its Facebook page to share information, videos and pictures while raising awareness about the significance of Olympic Day in promoting the Olympic Values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect.