Olympic Day sparks nationwide fitness fever

Seventeen Nigerian states have confirmed their participation in the 2025 Olympic Day celebrations, which will take place across the country on June 28, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The annual event, which promotes the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, has gained momentum in recent years, with organisers expanding activities to encourage wider public participation.

This year, states including Edo, Plateau, Ondo, Taraba, Enugu, Delta, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, Anambra, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Kogi, Gombe, Osun, Imo and Lagos, home to the secretariat of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, will host a series of community-based events aimed at promoting health and fitness.

The celebration will feature a variety of non-competitive sporting activities such as jogging and walking, designed to encourage calorie burning, muscle toning, and overall well-being

In previous editions, Olympic Day was marked by structured races of 10 and 5 kilometres, but organisers say the format has been revised in response to public feedback.

The new approach includes a broader mix of demonstration sports tailored to individual and group interests, making it more accessible and inclusive.

Austin Odigie, coordinating officer of the NOC’s Sport for All Commission, described the event as a growing national movement dedicated to fitness for all.

Chairman of the commission and President of the Weightlifting Federation of Nigeria, Dr Abdul Ibrahim, urged participating states to maximise the opportunity to mobilise their communities and build a culture of fitness through sport.

He also encouraged states not taking part this year to begin preparations for future editions, describing Olympic Day as a vital platform to engage the public in health-focused recreation.

The President of the NOC, Engr Habu Gumel, is expected to flag off this year’s celebration in Abuja, which is hosting the event for the first time in several years.