February 18

On February 18, 1906, sports administrator Édouard de Laveleye founded the Belgian Olympic Committee in Brussels. The new organization aimed to prepare and send Belgian athletes to the Olympic Games and promote physical culture nationwide. De Laveleye’s initiative followed the revival of the modern Olympics by Pierre de Coubertin and reflected growing international interest in amateur sports. Under the committee’s guidance, Belgium participated in subsequent Games and achieved early successes in athletics, gymnastics, and fencing. The establishment of the committee helped institutionalize sports governance in Belgium and fostered national pride. Today, the Belgian Olympic Committee remains the central body for Olympic sport in Belgium.

The Daytona 500 is NASCAR's most prestigious race and the centerpiece of the annual series. In 1979, it was broadcast live flag-to-flag for the first time in history. On the final lap, leaders Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough collided in the third turn. Richard Petty, trailing behind, slowed to avoid the wreck and crossed the finish line first. The dramatic finish and live coverage captivated a national audience and propelled NASCAR's surge in popularity. Petty's sixth triumph set a new benchmark in stock car racing lore.