Mumbai came alive with vibrant Olympic Day celebrations as underprivileged school children from across the region gathered for a day filled with sports, fun, and educational activities. Organized by the Reliance Foundation in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as part of the Let's Move India initiative, the event aimed to instill the core Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship among the youth.
Engaging Activities and Participation
Details mentioned on Olympics' official website mentioned that over 200 volunteers from Reliance Industries enthusiastically supported the event, supervising various sports stations such as basketball, football shootouts, races, fitness sessions, and creative art activities. These engaging activities were designed not only to promote physical activity but also to encourage healthier lifestyles among the children from disadvantaged backgrounds. A significant highlight of the day was the presence of Shiva Keshavan, India's celebrated luger who represented the country in six consecutive Olympic Winter Games. Keshavan actively engaged with the children, participating in a special "move and groove" session and sharing his inspiring journey as an Olympian.
Empowering Youth Through Olympic Values
The importance of staying active and involved in sports was emphasized by Keshavan as he addressed the audience at Reliance Corporate Park, Mumbai. It was remarked by Keshavan that initiatives like Let's Move are pivotal in helping children understand the benefits of physical activity and how it positively impacts their lives. The enthusiasm shown by these children was described as truly inspiring. These values are held close to his heart as an Olympian, knowing they guide not just athletes but individuals in all walks of life. The Let’s Move India campaign by Reliance Foundation aims to reach 10,000 children from disadvantaged communities across multiple Indian cities in the coming weeks. This initiative is supported by 500 dedicated Reliance volunteers and seeks to promote inclusivity, personal development, and a culture of physical activity among young people. It aligns with the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) facilitated by the IOC.
Impact and Future Initiatives
Over 10 million schoolchildren in Assam and Odisha have been mobilized through their Let’s Move campaign by the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, founded by India's first individual Olympic gold medalist, in preparation for Olympic Day. Despite challenges like heatwaves, meaningful physical activities have been actively integrated into daily routines by schools in these regions, fostering a deeper connection with the global Olympic movement. Reflecting on the significance of such initiatives, it was stated by Abhinav Bindra that "The response to the Let’s Move campaign in India has been truly inspiring. Our young athletes and participants are connecting deeply with the global Olympic movement. Sports have the unique power to unite communities, and through initiatives like these, not only is physical activity promoted but also a sense of global solidarity and shared values is cultivated."
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