Online Reporter
THE President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry, has encouraged people around the world to take the first step towards living a more active life this Olympic Day.
Her words echo the message “You Can Do This”, which is the theme of this year’s IOC Let’s Move global campaign, aimed at empowering young people to turn self-doubt into self-belief through the joy of movement and sport.
In a video message marking Olympic Day today (June 23), Zimbabwean Coventry emphasised the power of movement not only to improve physical and mental well-being, but also to build confidence, strengthen connections and create a sense of belonging.
“Sport moves us. Not just our bodies, but our confidence. Our mindset. And the way we connect with each other,” Coventry said. “When we move, we feel better – it keeps our mind and body strong and healthy. And when we move together, we lift each other up.”
At the heart of the Let’s Move campaign this year is the belief that one step, one session, one breath is all it takes to start, and that through movement, self-belief can grow.
“The hardest step is always the first one,” Coventry stressed. “Self-doubt can hold us back. It can make us think we’re not ready. But you are. You can do this.”
Reflecting on the global celebrations taking place this Olympic Day, the IOC President encouraged people everywhere to find their own way to get moving.
“On Olympic Day, all around the world, in parks, schools and streets, people are coming together to move,” she said. “This is happening everywhere. So join in and be a part of it – not just on Olympic Day, but every day. Let’s move together and help each other take that first step”.
In a world where starting something new can often feel daunting, the IOC President reminds everyone that movement doesn’t require perfection — just a willingness to begin.
“There is no right way to start,” Coventry stressed. “No matter who you are, where you come from or how you choose to move – this is for you. So this Olympic Day, let’s take that first step – together. You can do this. Let’s move!”
Created by the IOC in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Let’s Move was launched in 2022 in response to growing levels of physical inactivity around the world.
Since then, it has evolved from an Olympic Day initiative into a year-round global participation campaign that helps people discover the benefits of movement through athlete-led content, community events, activations and practical resources.
Nearly one-third of adults and, notably, four out of five young people, are not meeting recommended daily physical activity levels (WHO, 2024), contributing to growing health and well-being challenges around the world.
Research also shows that young people face several barriers to participating in sport and physical activity, with self-doubt being a contributing factor. At the same time, even brief bouts of activity can provide an immediate boost to mood and energy, while sport can help develop resilience, perseverance, communication skills and self-belief.
That is why this year’s Let’s Move campaign carries the simple message, You Can Do This, aiming to empower young people to make their first move, by reminding them that feeling awkward, imperfect or uncertain is normal.
Olympic Day is celebrated each year on June 23 to mark the founding of the modern Olympic Games in 1894.
The occasion is being celebrated across the Olympic Movement, with National Olympic Committees, International Federations and Organising Committees of the Olympic Games creating opportunities for their communities to participate all over the world.
Worldwide Olympic Partners, including Alibaba, Allianz, Deloitte, JPMorganChase and TCL, are also supporting Olympic Day initiatives, while community champions across the Olympism365 network are helping inspire participation through grassroots events around the world. – olympic.com
