FINA is thrilled to celebrate today two important milestones, the Olympic Day (June 23) and one month to go to Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Together with the IOC and in the build-up to the Games, FINA wants to celebrate the resilience and strength the world has shown this year, and in particular the athletes who inspired us, brought us hope and unity and showed us that we truly are #StrongerTogether, which is the hashtag of the International Olympic Committee’s campaign launched today.
On the occasion, FINA President Husain Al-Musallam said: “Today we are celebrating the Olympic Day, an important annual landmark which reminds us all about the values that sport spreads around the world. Today NOCs are encouraging people to get active, virtual challenges and online workouts are being held which demonstrates the power of sport and how it unites people.
“Looking ahead at the forthcoming Olympic Games, FINA is confident that Tokyo 2020 will be a huge success for the five aquatics disciplines represented at the Games, and the Aquatics Family will remain united in these unpreceded times as we venture to a stronger future together.
“Tokyo will of course not only be an opportunity for athletes to be back in an Olympic venue, in the pool, at the end of a diving board, on the deck, or in the open water, it will be a celebration of resilience, of solidarity, and of our shared humanity.”
On this day, IOC President Bach said: “In this extraordinary Olympic year, celebrating Olympic Day is even more special than usual,”
“On this Olympic Day, when the entire world has been facing the same struggles and fears because of the global coronavirus pandemic for far too long, the power of sport to bring hope and optimism takes on an even greater significance. Solidarity, hope and optimism – this is what the power of sport is all about. This is why on this Olympic Day, let us stand together to celebrate the precious Olympic spirit,” he concluded.
