Large-scale International Olympic Day do to raise awareness for Paris 2024 - Norza

KUALA LUMPUR - The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) will celebrate the International Olympic Day on June 23 in a big way, to ramp up the excitement ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games from July 26 to Aug 11.

OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said a large-scale celebration can raise the awareness of the populace to provide strong support for the Malaysian contingent at the world's biggest Games, especially in their mission to win the country's first Olympic gold medal.

Apart from the capital, this year’s celebration will also be held at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Tanjung Malim.

"We will hold a large-scale programme at UPSI, namely running (event) and introducing the OCM educational fund, which will provide opportunities for our young athletes to continue their studies at the diploma level and beyond.

"We usually hold small-scale collaborations, but this time we are holding a large-scale one. Previously, we held the Olympic Day celebration in Penang, (and) the Bukit Jalil Sports School (here), but this time will be more meaningful because it coincides with the Paris 2024 Olympic celebration," he said after launching the Paris 2024 Games 50-Day Countdown in a ceremony here today.

So far, 18 national athletes have qualified for the Olympics this time, while several more are expected to grab slots by next month.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Norza reiterated his position that all parties should reduce concerns regarding the capability of national athletes.

"They have achieved the first mission to qualify, the next mission is to fight for medals, which requires support from all parties because they realise they are not just mere passengers after getting there.

"Medals for the country can come from any athlete, that’s why we have to reduce anxiety, as well as give strong backing in terms of support service, for what is lacking, and most importantly, (we need) prayers from everyone,” he said. - BERNAMA