International Olympic Day experienced locally at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, Chula Vista

 It was a day of inspiration, athletic movement and discovery. A partnership between the Olympic Training Center, Southbay YMCA and the City of Chula Vista brought together 125 kids for an international celebration experienced locally. International Olympic Day celebrations will occur in over 150 cities across the country and internationally, participation has grown to 200 National Olympic Organizations from Africa to Australia.

 The day started off with an Opening Ceremony.  Dan Walsh, 2008 Bronze Medalist in Rowing spoke about how sport helps to make friends from all over the world. Later he passed around his bronze medal so the kids could take pictures and begin an Olympic Dream. Hammer Thrower and 2012 Olympic Hopeful Britney Henry shared words of inspiration encouraging Kids to find a sport they love and stick with it.  

Director of the Olympic Training Center Tracy Lamb and the Director of the South Bay YMCA Tina Williams spoke about community, healthy lifestyles and building character in youth. Tracy stated, “ as we celebrate the ideals of the Olympic Movement, the partnership between the Southbay YMCA, City of Chula Vista and Olympic Training Center helps drive home locally how we can work together to inspire our youth”.

 The Mayor of Chula Vista Cheryl Cox was on hand to present a proclamation claiming June 23 Olympic Day in Chula Vista.  She stated, “we are proud to have one of only three Olympic Training Centers in our city”.

After the ceremony the Children were excited to watch a BMX exhibition and meet with world ranking BMX athlete Ariel Martin Varhaaren and Tyler Brown as well as Olympic Team Coach Mike King.  The kids were impressed by the energy and excitement of BMX  and many were interested in signing up for the BMX Club held weekly at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center Campus on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Eight year old Alec Bruce stated, “this is a day I will remember my whole life. I had a lot of fun doing all the events”.  For 9 year old Isaac Cass it was the first time to the Olympic Training Center, “I hope to be an Olympian some day”.

 The children enjoyed lunch compliments of McDonalds and concluded their day by forming “Human Olympic Rings” at the Track and Field complex.

 The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) celebrates Olympic Day annually with events at the Olympic Training Centers and official training sites, as well as coordinating activities with affiliated sport National Governing Bodies and multi-sport organizations.  Introduced in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on 23 June 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris, the goal was to promote participation in sport across the globe regardless of age, gender or athletic ability. McDonalds, worldwide sponsor of International Olympic Day makes these events possible. For organizations interested in planning an Olympic Day in their neighborhood go to teamusa.org.

Tags: Ariel Martin Varharren, Britney Henry, Dan Walsh, Mayor Cheryl Cox, Rowing, Southbay YMCA, Tyler Brown, U.S. Olympic Training Center, Chula Vista