WorldWiseAthlete.com | Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2016

Olympic Milestones

Olympic Peace

"For the Olympic Movement in general, and for the IOC in particular, sport is more than competition," Rene Fasel, an IOC Executive Board member, said. "Sport unites the principles that the Olympic Movement holds dear: education, sustainability, non-discrimination, universality, humanism and solidarity. These are the principles that drive far-reaching social change."

The IOC encourages the use of sport as a tool for human development, particularly among young people. One initiative was the founding of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). In addition to competing, the young athletes participate in a Culture and Education Program designed to educate them about the Olympic values, different cultures and topics ranging from sustainability and first aid, to training regimens. "It is hoped that as the athletes return to their communities after the YOG, they will act as ambassadors in the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles and the values of excellence, friendship and respect."

In 2003, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) began working with the Red Cross in order to promote international solidarity and human and sustainable developments. The IOC pledge to support the efforts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent as they use sport and the arts to advocate humanitarian values and encourage youth to lead healthy and productive lifestyles.

According to Olympics.org – Olympism in Action – Peace through sport – IOC Teams up with Red Cross movement to promote peace and your engagement in communities:

"The pledge calls for:

1. Promoting physical education, healthy lifestyles and avenues for voluntary service as part of the formal school curriculum, in particular at the primary and secondary levels
2. Promoting access for children and youth to community–based activities such as sports, arts, music and theatre, which foster dialogue, mutual understanding and non–violence
3. Supporting and promoting initiatives empowering youth to take up leadership roles in the promotion of a culture of non–violence and peace, such as the Olympic Truce, the IFRC YABC Youth as Agents of Behavioral Change and other youth–led initiatives"

In 2011, the IOC again teamed with the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies to promote a culture of non–violence and peace through sport. The partnership outlines the continued commitment to the values of the Olympic Movement, the development of youth and sport, and peace.

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