24 June
ON Olympic Day, 23 June 2020, the International Olympic Committee and WHO launched a partnership with the United Nations to encourage individuals and communities around the world to be #HEALTHY Together. The three fellow and Olympic athletes will highlight the global collaboration needed to stay healthy and reduce the prevalence and impact of COVID-19.
Olympic athletes will help deliver important public health information, motivate people to adopt or continue behavious that will cover the epidemic and provide information that promotes physical and mental health. During this time the partnership with Olympians around the world performing various exercises to stay healthy came to a close today.
A WHO survey showed that many people who had a severe disease of COVID-19 were already living with or at risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The results emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including being physically active, taking a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
“We are pleased to partner with the International Olympic Committee to spread important health messages that will save lives. Olympians will help us advocate for a healthy population to ensure that people are as essential to fighting COVID-19 as our health is, ”Dr Said Tedros Adnom Ghebayeius, Director General, WHO.
In the last six months, the COVID-19 epidemic has affected every corner of the world and every aspect of people's lives. The world is searching for global institutions that can work together to deliver reliable, credible information from trusted sources. Olympic athletes are a symbol of strength who can act as reliable messengers for this information.
IOC President Thomas Bach Said, "Sports can save lives. We have seen in the last few months how important sports and physical activities are for health and well-being. And by working closely with the WHO and the United Nations, we can take another step. We will ask our Olympic athletes to help share the information that the world needs right now. "
Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, added, "During this time of unprecedented challenges and change – from the COVID-19 epidemic to the ongoing struggle for racial and social justice, the climate crisis – there has never been a greater need for global solidarity and hope. The Olympic Movement and its athletes have always done the best in humanity, and the United Nations is pleased to work with the International Olympic Committee and the World Health Organization to unite people everywhere and be #HEALTHY Together. "
Global participation will act locally through the voices of Olympic athletes – voices that symbolize perseverance, dedication and endurance – all individuals need to have qualities during this public health challenge. WHO will work with athletes to bring health messages tailored to people going through various stages of the epidemic through digital platforms.
As COVID-19 changes our daily routines and lives – how we interact with others, how we move and exercise – we need to focus on our mental and physical health and that of others Help those who need extra help. By working together, Olympic Day and every day partnerships aim to be healthy together.
SOURCE: WHO
