`Olympic Day Run’ is of greater importance than usual-Rogge
…Guyana joins rest of the world today
Guyana Chronicle
June 20, 2004
THE Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) will join with the rest of the world today in hosting the annual ‘Olympic Day Run’ in observance of the 2004 International Olympic Day, which will be celebrated on Wednesday June 23 in commemoration of the creation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894.
And in a message to mark the occasion, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge says with only a few months to go until we celebrate the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad in Athens, marking the return of the Olympic Games to their birthplace, the Olympic Day Run is of even greater importance than usual.
The full text of Rogge’s message reads:
With only a few months to go until we celebrate the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad in Athens, marking the return of the Olympic Games to their birthplace, the Olympic Day Run is of even greater importance than usual.
Thousands of men, women and children; senior citizens, athletes and disabled people, representing all backgrounds and social classes, will be taking part in Runs all over the world commemorating in their own way the creation of the IOC by Pierre de Coubertin on 23rd June 1984.
More than ever, this annual event testifies to the important place that sport occupies in society. Mc Donald’s, a long time partner and sponsor of this event is working closely with the IOC to promote the values of Olympism worldwide, and to further encourage the practice of sport through programmes aimed at developing a healthier lifestyle.
May the 2004 Olympic Day Run be a success for the organisers and an exceptional event for all the participants. (End of text)
Meanwhile, there will be two ‘Fun Runs’ in Guyana today-one in Georgetown at 6:00 hrs and the other in Linden at 7:00 hrs.
The 10km run in Georgetown will start outside the Thomas Lands YMCA and will follow the South American 10km Road Classic Route used October last, while in Linden the run will start outside the Palm Tree Cinema in Wismar, to cross the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge, down Washerpan Road in Greenheart Street to finish at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground-a distance of 5km.
Invitations are extended to all affiliates of the GOA, other national sports federations and schools.
The GOA emphasised that the two activities are open to the general public and are not races, but rather just ‘FUN RUNS’ where persons can run, jog or just walk the courses.
All participants who complete the respective courses will be issued with an IOC certificate.