LOS ANGELES, June 23 (Xinhua) -- More than 300 cities across the United States on Thursday observed the 2011 Olympic Day, which falls annually on June 23 around the world to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games.

More than 350 registered events, representing 312 cities in every state in the U.S., will celebrate Olympic Day, making this the most successful Olympic Day effort ever in the nation, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) said.

More than a celebration, Olympic Day is an international effort to promote fitness and well-being in addition to the Olympic Ideals of fair play, perseverance, respect and sportsmanship. Sponsored internationally by McDonald's, thousands of people of all ages in more than 160 countries will participate in Olympic Day events in 2011.

"Olympic Day is such an important tool for introducing young people to sport in the United States and around the world, and I'm proud to say that with this year's efforts, the Olympic Movement has reached more communities in the U.S. than ever before," said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. "The U.S. Olympic Committee is grateful to all Olympic Family members for their support in either hosting an event or connecting a young person to an Olympian or Paralympian in their local community. We look forward to being a part of the continued growth of this International Olympic Committee initiative in the U.S. and around the world."

Since June 17, communities across the U.S. have been celebrating Olympic Day through educational programming and other activities, and the celebrations will continue through June 26.

The USOC will host its Olympic Day celebration June 25 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend the community celebration event, which will feature Team USA prize giveaways, live music, sport demonstrations and various booths. In addition, more than 20 Olympians, Paralympians and/or hopefuls representing various Olympic, Paralympic and Pan American sports will be signing autographs and interacting with fans.

Olympic Day events are heavily supported by members of the U.S. Olympic Family, including Community Olympic Development Programs, Multi-Sport Organizations, National Governing Bodies, Olympic and Paralympic Training Sites, Paralympic Sport Clubs and the U.S. Olympians Association.

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