Joining the celebrations were Olympians (archery) Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das, alongside athletics stars Ancy Sojan, Tejas Shirse, and Sakshi Chavan. Together, they inspired young students to embrace sports and embody the core Olympic values of Excellence, Respect, and Friendship.
Deepika Kumari, who also signed a book with a chapter on her for the kids, said, “The energy here has been tremendous, and the kids are so eager to learn and adopt a lifestyle that involves sports. I was really impressed to hear that so many of them already play sports and follow the Olympics as well. I hope they incorporate key Olympic values as a way of life as well.”
Tejas Shirse urged the kids to play multiple sports and not just one sport, saying, “At a young age, it is important to enjoy sport and discover what sport gives you the most joy. It is commendable that the IOC and Reliance Foundation are introducing you to key Olympic values and the spirit of Olympism at such a young age, as such initiatives will fast-track India’s development as a sporting nation.”
In line with the ‘Let’s Move India’ theme of Move with Your Plus+1—encouraging students to participate alongside a friend, classmate, teacher, or teammate- the Olympic Day celebration saw the school come alive with Olympic colours, symbolizing unity, friendship, and the joy of movement.
Highlights of the Day Included:
• Archery Masterclass: Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das introduced children to archery, offering them hands-on experience in the sport.
• Buddy Games Booth: Students teamed up with their friends to participate in fun physical challenges alongside the athletes.
• Pledge Board Signing: Athletes and students together committed to leading an active and healthy lifestyle.
• ‘Move with the Champions’ Session: An engaging and energetic interaction with the athletes culminated in a dynamic dance workshop led by the Shiamak Davar troupe, getting every child on their feet.
This celebration forms part of the broader “Let’s Move” initiative, launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in collaboration with the World Health Organization in 2023. Supported by partners like the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and Reliance Foundation, the initiative has already reached over 20 million people in India, emphasizing the importance of daily movement and the joy of sport.
Olympic Day, celebrated each year on 23 June, commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Games in 1894. With initiatives like "Let’s Move", the Olympic Movement continues to promote health, inclusion, and active lifestyles globally.
Together, let’s move +1, India!
Join the movement at @OlympicKhel #OlympicDay #LetsMove.
About the Reliance Foundation
Reliance Foundation's sports initiatives have touched the lives of over 23 million young people since 2013 across the country from over 13,000 schools and colleges, providing an opportunity for talented children anywhere to be able to achieve their dream of a career in sport. It is especially committed to ensuring more presence and the success of girls and female athletes in India, and designs its programmes in a manner that offers them maximum opportunities. Reliance Foundation’s sports programme aims to develop the sporting ecosystem in India starting from the grassroots. Through its scholarship and athletics programmes, the foundation currently supports over 200 athletes in more than 10 Olympic sports. It also operates three world-class athletics training facilities in India, and has partnerships with the IOC, IOA, AFI and Odisha government. Reliance Foundation runs the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) football academy, which is India's highest-rated football academy, with many graduates going on to represent various ISL clubs. The Foundation's approach to developing the football ecosystem includes organising four grassroots competitions: Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, RFYC Naupang League, RFYC Coastal League and Reliance Foundation Development League. For more information, go to: https://www.rfyouthsports.com/