Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

A grand celebration devoted to the establishment of the modern Olympic movement and International Olympic Committee was held in Baku on June 23.

The event was organized by the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan jointly with Coca-Cola, a worldwide partner of the Olympic Games.

The main aim of the Baku event was to call on the public, especially youth and children, to lead a healthy lifestyle by actively joining the Olympic movement. The traditional Olympic Day Run took place during the event and drew more than 1,500 people.

Staff of the National Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Coca-Cola representatives, administration of the Baku City Youth and Sports Department, winners of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, sports schools, non-governmental organizations, and the general public attended the celebration.

"Today, many young people are here to join the Olympic Day Run, and we are happy to see such great interest in sports among them," Vice President of the National Olympic Committee Chingiz Huseynzade said. "We've been cooperating with Coca-Cola in Azerbaijan since 1997, and its support of the Olympic movement in Azerbaijan cannot be overemphasized. We would also like to thank governmental and non-governmental organizations for their continued support for the movement."

An honorary guest, Azerbaijani Olympic Champion, National Olympic Ambassador Farid Mansurov, made a speech at the event. He also cited the vitality of sports to everyone's health and well-being.

Olympic Day Run is an international Olympic Movement activity promoting mass participation in sports held annually in June and organized by National Olympic Committees (NOCs).

Coca-Cola sponsors more than 280 physical activity and nutrition education programs in more than 115 countries. Olympic Day Run is one of the events of the 5-year partnership between Coca-Cola and National Olympic Committee in Azerbaijan.