IOC/Olympic Movement

The Olympic Movement

The Olympic Movement was revived by Pierre de Coubertin through the re-establishment of the Olympic Games and the foundation of the IOC in1894. It is based on the Greek philosophy that competitive sport is not simply a means of developing a healthy body and providing entertainment but also of educating. Learn more about Coubertin on the Olympic Museum Site.

It is the classic concept of a healthy mind in a healthy body. Coubertin's intentions were to make sport play a vital role in the educational process and that this philosophy should apply to the world as a whole.

The Olympic Movement is the philosophy that sport can teach humans as a whole "fair play" by observing the rules of combat, treating the losers with honor and respecting the winners. This approach forms noble sentiments that can be used in other aspects of life.

The Olympic Movement is also a belief that sport can break down barriers of language, culture, nationality, age and sex and build bridges between people all over the world as a means of promoting world peace.

The primary source of the Olympic Movement is the Olympic Games, which is the most manifest activity of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Olympic Movement is also identified through its many other activities such as:

• Promotion of sport and competitions through international and national sports institutions all over the world.

• Cooperation with public and private organizations to place sport at the service of humanity.

• Encouragement of the development of "Sport for All".

• Promotion of women in sport at all levels and structures to obtain equality between men and women.

• Opposition to any commercial abuse of sport and athletes.

• Leading the fight against doping.

• Promotion of sports ethics and the spirit of fair play.

• Raising environmental consciousness.

• Financial and educational support for developing countries through the IOC-institution Olympic Solidarity.