Could We Celebrate the Power of Sport to Inspire, Connect, and Uplift?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cricket's return to the Olympics marks a significant milestone.
- The ‘Let’s Move?’ campaign encourages community engagement in physical activities.
- Participation can be as simple as inviting a friend to join you.
- Cricket will be played in a temporary stadium in Southern California.
- The T20 format will be showcased during the Games.
New Delhi, June 23 (NationPress) - On Olympic Day, ICC chairman Jay Shah hailed the revival of cricket in the prestigious global event and encouraged all to take action towards a healthier and stronger India under the ‘Let’s Move?’ initiative.
The theme for this year's Olympic Day, observed annually on June 23 to celebrate the inception of the modern Olympic Games in 1894, is “Let’s Move?”.
"Cricket has always brought us together, and now, it’s an integral part of the Olympic movement! On this #OlympicDay, let’s honor the ability of sports to inspire, connect, and uplift. Invite your +1 for a walk, a run, or a game of cricket, and let’s take steps towards a healthier India together. Let’s keep progressing in our mission to bring the Olympic Games home!" Shah shared on X.
This year, individuals are encouraged to invite a “+1” to engage in activities like walking, running, dancing, or playing. Participants can simply ask a friend to join their workout, utilize specially designed “Let’s Move?” digital resources, and share their movements on social media @Olympics #LetsMove.
"The inclusion of cricket in the Olympic movement is a monumental milestone for our cherished sport! This #OlympicDay, let’s appreciate the role of sports in fostering connection and motivation. Through the #LetsMove campaign, we invite you to choose your +1 and participate in any form of movement, whether it's a walk, a run, or a cricket match. Together, we can cultivate a healthier and more unified India because when we move together, we advance better. Let’s turn our dream of hosting the Olympics in India into a reality!" BCCI announced on X.
Cricket, which appeared only once in the Olympics at the Paris Games in 1900, has been reinstated for the Los Angeles Olympics following an IOC meeting in Mumbai in October 2023. It will join five additional sports at LA28 – baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash.
The Fairgrounds in Pomona, a temporary stadium in Southern California, has been designated as the venue for cricket during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, featuring six teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
The ICC recognizes the T20 format as vital for the sport's growth, which has also been part of other multi-sport events in recent years. The Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and 2023 included both men’s and women’s T20 tournaments, while the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games showcased a women’s event.