Public Law 83–342

JOINT RESOLUTION

To authorize the designation of October 16, 1954, as National Olympic Day.

Whereas the XVIth Olympic Games of the modern era will be held in Melbourne, Australia, November 22 to December 8, 1956, with Winter Games to be held at Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, January 26 to February 5, 1956; and

Whereas the Pan American Games will be held in Mexico City in March 1955; and

Whereas these games will afford an opportunity of bringing together young men and women representing more than seventy nations, of many races, creeds, and stations in life and possessing various habits and customs, all bound by the universal appeal of friendly athletic competition, governed by rules of sportsmanship and dedicated to the principle that the important thing is for each and every participant to do his very best to win in a manner that will reflect credit upon himself or herself, and the country represented; and

Whereas the peoples of the world in these trying times require above all else occasions for friendship and understanding, and among the most telling things which influence people of other countries are the acts of individuals and not those of governments; and

Whereas experiences afforded by the Olympic and Pan American Gaines make a unique contribution to common understanding and mutual respect among all peoples; and

Whereas previous Olympic and Pan American Games have proved that competitors and spectators alike have been imbued with ideals of friendship, chivalry, and comradeship and impressed with the fact that accomplishment is reward in itself; and

Whereas the United States Olympic Association is presently engaged in assuring maximum support for the teams representing the United States at Mexico City, Melbourne, and Cortina d’Ampezzo; and

Whereas a day set aside by this Nation for a rededication to the amateur ideal could accomplish great good in encouraging good will for these games: Therefore be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled

National Olympic Day, 1954.

,

Approved April 22, 1954.