The spirit of the Olympic Movement came alive in Jos as Plateau State joined millions across the world to celebrate the 2026 International Olympic Day with a fitness walk, aerobic sessions, and renewed calls for greater participation in sports.
The celebration attracted athletes, coaches, sports administrators, students, and fitness enthusiasts, all united by the shared goal of promoting healthy lifestyles and reaffirming the values of excellence, friendship, and respect that define the Olympic Games.
Opening the event, the Director of Sports in Plateau State, Professor Ezra Gunen, welcomed participants and expressed satisfaction with the turnout. He described the celebration as an opportunity to encourage physical activity while motivating athletes to remain focused on achieving greater success.
Professor Gunen said Olympic Day is observed annually to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games and to remind people around the world of the role sports play in fostering unity, discipline, and personal development.
He noted that Plateau State has continued to distinguish itself as one of Nigeria’s foremost sporting hubs, producing athletes who consistently excel on both national and international stages.
According to him, athletes from the state have recorded remarkable performances this year, including breaking the national 5,000-metre record on two occasions while representing Nigeria in international competitions.
He expressed confidence that Plateau athletes would continue to raise the standard by setting new records in the 1,500 metres, 3,000-metre steeplechase, and 5,000 metres.
Addressing the athletes, Professor Gunen urged them to remain disciplined and committed to training.
“Your journey begins with earning a place on the Plateau State team. Stay dedicated, work hard, and your opportunities to represent Nigeria will come,” he said.
He also celebrated the achievements of athletes living with disabilities, describing their performances as proof of Plateau’s growing strength in inclusive sports. He noted that several para-athletes from the state are now national and African record holders competing for Nigeria internationally.
Representing the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the President of the International Olympic Committee, Coach Laurinda Yohanna Sati of the National Institute for Sports, Lagos, reminded participants that Olympic Day extends beyond competition.
She described the event as a celebration of movement and togetherness, stressing that regular physical activity improves physical health, mental well-being, confidence, and social connections.
Coach Sati encouraged everyone to embrace sports regardless of age, gender, or ability.
“Sport is open to everyone. Let us continue moving together every day because every step we take strengthens our communities and ourselves,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Plateau State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Kenneth Buenyen, who represented both the Executive Governor of Plateau State and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, applauded participants for making the event successful.
Speaking with journalists, Buenyen said the annual Olympic Day celebration continues to inspire athletes to pursue excellence while encouraging more people to embrace active lifestyles.
He assured athletes that the state government remains committed to supporting sports development through sponsorship for competitions and other developmental opportunities.
He also advised athletes to avoid drug abuse and maintain discipline throughout their sporting careers.
“Success in sports comes through dedication, discipline, and consistent hard work. I encourage every athlete to remain focused and continue giving their best,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Registrar of the National Institute for Sports and North Central Zonal Coordinator, Tistet Kamlong Gabriel, highlighted the health benefits of regular exercise, describing Olympic Day as an important campaign for healthier communities.
He revealed that since taking office in April, his office has introduced twice-weekly aerobic sessions for staff of the Plateau State Sports Council, an initiative that has already improved participants’ overall well-being.
Kamlong also outlined several academic and professional programmes offered by the National Institute for Sports, including National Diploma courses in Sports Coaching, Sports Management, Physiotherapy, and Security Management, as well as professional training in coaching, fitness and conditioning, and stadium management.
He announced that efforts are ongoing to extend some of these programmes to Jos, with plans to commence the training later in the year once the necessary facilities are available.
The event ended with group aerobic exercises and interactions among participants, reinforcing the message that sports remain a powerful instrument for promoting healthier lives, social inclusion, and community development.
For many who gathered in Jos, Olympic Day 2026 served as more than an annual celebration it reaffirmed the belief that through discipline, regular physical activity, and collective effort, Plateau State can continue producing champions while building a healthier society.
