The Olympic Federation of Ireland today marked Olympic Day 2026 with a celebration of movement, community and Olympic spirit on the Sport Ireland Campus.
This year’s global theme, Let’s Move, focuses on challenging the self‑doubt that often holds young people back. The message this year is simple: ‘You can do this. One breath. One step. One imperfect start.’
Olympic Day is celebrated around the world on 23 June, and each year, activities are held to celebrate the Olympic Movement. Team Ireland’s gathering brought Olympians, National Federation staff and members of the wider Olympic community together for a day that embodied the theme through movement and connection.
A 3x3 basketball tournament formed the centrepiece of the event, with Basketball Ireland hosting a mixed-team tournament featuring Olympians and participants from Olympic sports, taking part in a fun and energetic competition. A coffee truck on site created a relaxed space for conversation, with Olympians spanning decades of Olympiads attending alongside members of the performance and support teams that keep the Olympic movement alive in Ireland.
As part of the celebrations, the Irish Olympians Association planted a symbolic tree on campus, named The Olympic Flame. The tree represents belief, resilience and the enduring values of the Olympic Movement. Led by President of the Irish Olympians Association, Róisín McGettigan-Dumas, the planting ceremony brought everyone together in a moment of reflection and shared purpose, reinforcing the message that movement begins with confidence and courage.
Throughout the day, the Let’s Move theme is being amplified across Team Ireland’s social media channels, with Olympians invited to share images and stories that reflect the message of keeping on moving, highlighting the message that every Olympian started somewhere.
Speaking at the event, Lochlann Walsh, President of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, said,
“Olympic Day is a celebration of movement, belief and the people who make the Olympic Movement in Ireland so special. The theme Let’s Move reminds us that readiness is not a feeling; it is an action. Taking that first step, even when you doubt yourself, is what sport teaches us. Seeing Olympians, colleagues and friends come together today shows the power of sport to inspire confidence, connection and joy.”
Olympic Day continues to be celebrated around the world on 23 June, marking the anniversary of the founding of the modern Olympic Movement. This year’s activities in Ireland reflected the global call, encouraging us to embrace movement as a source of joy, well-being, and confidence.
