Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate today unanimously passed a resolution authored by Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado, designating June 23 as Olympic Day. Colorado is the home of the U.S. Olympic Committee and training center as well as numerous athletes of all abilities.
Along with Bennet, the resolution was authored by U.S. Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.). June 23 marks the anniversary of the founding of the modern Olympic movement in Paris in 1894.
“As a Coloradan, the Olympics are particularly special to me,” Bennet said. “I am proud to join thousands of current and former Olympians to recognize the Olympic movement, mark the birthday of the modern day Olympics, and honor their commitment to excellence, sportsmanship and international friendship.
Earlier this year, the senators announced the formation of the Congressional Olympic and Paralympic Caucus. The informal, bipartisan group will be dedicated to educating Congress about the goals and spirit of the Olympic Games, promoting clean and fair competition, expanding youth sports, and helping athletes realize their Olympic and Paralympic dreams.
Additionally, the caucus will highlight the benefits of Paralympic sports for individuals with disabilities, including injured military and veterans, many of whom have continued to live full and active lives through athletic events and competition.
The full text of the resolution follows:
Resolution
Designating June 23, 2010, as “Olympic Day.”
- Whereas Olympic Day celebrates the Olympic ideal of developing peace through sport;
- Whereas June 23 marks the date on which the Congress of Paris approved the proposal of Pierre de Coubertin to found the modern Olympics;
- Whereas thousands of people in more than 170 countries will celebrate the ideals of the Olympic spirit on June 23, 2010;
- Whereas for more than a century, the Olympic movement has built a more peaceful and better world by-
o educating young people through amateur athletics
o bringing together athletes from many countries in friendly competition; and
o forging new relationships bound by friendship, solidarity, and fair play;
- Whereas the United States Olympians and Paralympians continue to achieve competitive excellence, preserve the Olympic ideals, and inspire all people of the United States;
- Whereas community celebrations of Olympic Day improve the communities of the United States and inspire the Olympic and Paralympic champions of tomorrow;
- Whereas Olympic Day encourages the development of Olympic and Paralympic sport in the United States;
- Whereas Olympic Day encourages the youth of the United States to participate in and support Olympic and Paralympic sport; and
- Whereas, as of the date of approval of this resolution, enthusiasm for Olympic and Paralympic sport is at an all-time high: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
1. designates June 23, 2010, as “Olympic Day”;
2. supports the goals and ideals of Olympic Day; and
3. promotes—
- a. the fitness and well-being of all people of the United States; and
- b. the Olympic ideals of fair play, perseverance, respect, and sportsmanship.
