Mayor William V. "Bill" Bell recently announced that Durham will celebrate Olympic Day on Tuesday, June 23.

In observance of the day, the I.R. Holmes, Sr. Recreation Center at Campus Hills (2000 S. Alston Avenue) along with several recreation centers will host a day of Olympic activities from 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon. Mayor Bell will officially open the games and Paralympic Soccer Player Josh McKinney will be there to support the activities.

Over 600 campers at Campus Hills and other sites will participate in Olympic activities such as soccer, tennis, track events, basketball, relays, long jump, shot-put, javelin throw, discus throw, volleyball, and softball/baseball.

At the urging of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley during the U.S. Conference of Mayors in January in Washington, D.C., Mayor Bell joined with fellow mayors across the country in a collective pledge of support for hosting the Olympic Games in Chicago in 2016.

An announcement of the site for the 2016 Olympic Games is forthcoming in October 2009.

National Olympic Committees (NOCs) throughout the world will also participate in the international celebration, with each Olympic Committee sending Olympic Day greetings to participating nations.

About Durham Parks and Recreation

Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to "Play More." The department strives to help citizens discover, explore and enjoy life through creative and challenging recreational choices that contribute to their physical, emotional and social health. For more information call (919) 560-4355