The Olympics officially begin today, July 26, bringing together the most determined athletes from around the world as they compete for their countries.
More than 10,000 athletes worldwide will gather in Paris, France, for intense competition across 329 events in 39 sports. As the world’s top athletes compete for gold over the next two weeks, enthusiastic fans are joining the celebration— including a special group of babies in the NICU.
Before the opening ceremony, babies in the neonatal intensive care units at Advocate Children’s Hospital’s Oak Lawn and Park Ridge campuses in Illinois were dressed in their best Olympic-inspired outfits to show their resilience and strength as well.
“The babies and families in our NICUs have courage and strength that rivals what we see on the Olympic stage,” said Dr. Michael Cappello, vice-chair of pediatrics and neonatologist at Advocate Children’s Hospital.
“We are cheering them on day in and day out and celebrating all their wins no matter how small. We also know that supporting these families is about more than medications or procedures. Helping them root for our country’s athletes is one way that we can bring the joy that they deserve.”
Decked out in red, white, and blue attire, the NICU even had its own heavyweight champion: a baby boy named Nathan.
“Nathan is our champ!,” his mother told Good Morning America. “Over the past eight months in the NICU, he’s gone from lightweight to heavyweight. We were so excited to put him in his Olympic gear and show off his strength and resilience. We are beyond proud of all the victories he has already had.”
Check out more of these adorable Olympic fans below:
The opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics will take place today, Friday, July 26, and the event will run until the closing ceremony on Sunday, August 11.