IOC president and Zimbabwe's double Olympic swimming champion Kirsty Coventry has used Olympic Day to deliver a heartfelt message of inclusion and empowerment, urging people across the world to embrace sport as a tool for building confidence, community and connection.
Coventry, who made history earlier this year as the first woman and first African elected as IOC president, spoke passionately about the universal power of movement and what sport truly gives to those who participate in it.
"Sport moves us, not just our bodies, but our confidence, our mindset, and the way we connect with each other. When we move, we feel better, it keeps our mind and body strong and healthy, and when we move together, we lift each other up," she said.
The Zimbabwean champion was emphatic that sport belongs to everyone, regardless of ability or background. "Sport is for all of us, whether you're a mom, a daughter, a teammate, an Olympic champion, or just starting out. We all begin at the same place, because the truth is, the hardest step is always the first one. Self-doubt can hold us back, it can make us think we're not ready, but you are. You can do this."
Coventry also spoke about what sport gives beyond physical health, describing it as a source of belonging and community that comes to life in parks, schools and streets around the world every time people choose to move together.
"Every time you choose to move, you build confidence, you start to believe in yourself, and you realise you are not alone. That's what sport really gives us, not just health, but community, a sense of belonging," she said.