The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) has organised a wide range of activities to mark the celebration of the anniversary of the International Olympic Committee created on 23 June 1894, which is the Olympic Day.

The Olympics Day Run, to be held on 4 July 2009, will be preceded by five days  of activities to be hosted in Lusaka and Kitwe from 29 June to 3 July 2009. Hundreds of pupils from various schools, youth and members of the public are expected to take part in the event.

Announcing the event in Lusaka today, NOCZ President, Miriam Moyo, said
"Olympic Day, 23 June, is a unique, global event held every year. National Olympic Committees (NOC) around the world share this universal festivity with their respective communities, making it the most celebrated Olympic event after the Olympic Games.

"The purpose of the Olympic Day is to get as many people as possible across the globe moving and experiencing the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. The event will also help inculcate a spirit of sport and encourage people to discover new sports."

And British Deputy High Commissioner, Paula Walsh said the British High Commission was pleased to provide over  £5,000as sponsorship for  the event which is part of the UK's vision to see millions more young people participating in sport, and improving their lives as a result of that participation. Ms Walsh said:

"As the UK is host of the 2012 Olympics, the British High Commission is pleased to be associated with this week of events.  This is part of a far wider commitment by Britain to the development of sport in Zambia and around the world. Part of our promise in hosting the 2012 Olympic Games in London was that we would ensure that the legacy of the London Games would not just be limited to the UK.

"Through the International Inspiration programme, which brings together the British Council, UK Sport and UNICEF, we promised to reach young people all around the world, to connect them with the inspirational power of the Games.  It is great to see that vision becoming reality here in Zambia – for example, through the work the British Council are doing with the Zambian Ministry of Education on school PE curriculum and through the Dreams and Teams programme which brings together schools in Zambia and the UK."

The Deputy High Commissioner said the event comes just after a visit by one of the UK's top swimmers, Melanie Marshall, who is the new International Ambassador for Sport in Action. She said her visit has inspired many young people and further strengthens the sporting ties between UK and Zambia.

Notes for Editors

• Since 1948, Olympic Day has served to celebrate the anniversary of the International Olympic Committee, created on 23 June 1894, and the revival of the Olympic Games. In 1987, the Olympic Day Run was introduced to build a programme of sporting and educational actions around this anniversary, with the objective of getting as many people as possible across the globe moving and experiencing the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. The number of participating countries has grown from only nine in 1948 to 205 member countries of the Olympic Movement.
• The Olympic Week activities in Zambia will start on 29 June 2009 and continue through the week to culminate in the Olympic day Run on Saturday 4 July 2009. Activities will include tree planting. This will culminate with a 10km fun run on 4 July through Lusaka 
• 75 schools will participate in the event in both Lusaka and Kitwe. In Lusaka the activities will be hosted at Libala, Nyumba Yanga, Matero East, New MandevuBasic schools as well as  Chelstone High School.
• 15 sports associations will participate in the Olympic Week activities. 10 resident Development Committees will also participate in Kitwe and Lusaka
• Melanie holds the record as the most prolific medal winner at a single Commonwealth Games, winning 6 medals at the 2006 Games.  Melanie has represented Britain at the Athens and Beijing Olympics as well as World and European Championships.

For further information contact:

National Olympic Committee of Zambia on telephone +260-211-845641; Fax +260-211-845640; email: nocz@microlink.zm

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