To mark Olympic Day this year, Alibaba rallied employees from around the world to get moving – on the ground, online, and even alongside AI-powered robots.
From a 3.5-kilometer fun run at its Hangzhou headquarters to fitness challenges across its global offices, the company honored the Olympic spirit with a series of events designed to promote movement, inclusion, and innovation.
Held annually on June 23, Olympic Day commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Games in 1894 and encourages people around the world to embrace an active lifestyle.
A Futuristic Twist on Tradition
More than 2,000 employees, friends and families, joined the mini marathon at Alibaba’s global headquarters in Hangzhou, where they were joined by a group of unusual runners – 15 robots, some powered by Alibaba’s cloud and AI technologies. These robots ran alongside employees, demonstrating how AI can inspire new forms of athleticism and interaction.
In a powerful display of inclusion, over 200 runners with disability, including individuals with visual, hearing, or physical impairments and autism, also participated. Guided by Alibaba volunteers, every participant crossed the finish line, reinforcing the day’s message of unity through sport.
Global Celebrations from Milan to Manila
Across 60 Alibaba offices worldwide, employees took part in Olympic-themed fitness challenges that ranged from push-ups and planks to table tennis tournaments and trick-shot games. In Milan, the host city of the upcoming Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, the Alibaba team welcomed special guests – Milo and Tina, mascots of Milano Cortina 2026 – alongside members of the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee for a 30-minute morning yoga session.
Bringing AI and Sport Together
Beyond physical activities, Alibaba launched a suite of online initiatives blending technology and well-being. The “AI Marathon” encouraged employees to creatively connect AI with athleticism, utilizing generative AI tools to animate personal photos — such as childhood snapshots or pet portraits — into themed short videos centered on running and movement.
The company also rolled out a public-facing “Walking Challenge” campaign. Running from June 10 to July 10, the initiative invites users to track their daily steps on digital platforms to earn virtual medals. For every step logged, participants contribute to a philanthropic effort supporting the construction of football playgrounds for children in rural China. So far, more than 2.56 million people have joined the campaign, collectively walking over 20 billion steps.
A Lasting Commitment to Olympic Values
To commemorate the occasion and extend its Olympic legacy, Alibaba unveiled a new Olympic-themed sports field at its headquarters in Hangzhou. As a worldwide partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) partner since 2017, Alibaba remains committed to helping the Olympic Movement embrace digital innovation.
Check out more stories on Alibaba’s partnership with the Olympics
