IOC President calls for access to safe sport for all children

Sport: A Vehicle for Growth – The IOC’s Commitment to Children

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has emphasized the transformative power of sports in shaping young minds. Bach underscored how participation in sports instills essential values like teamwork, discipline, and fair play. These experiences cultivate respect for rules,foster mutual understanding,and inspire individuals to work collaboratively towards shared goals. He stressed the Olympic Movement’s unwavering dedication to fostering peace and unity, bringing together athletes from across the globe at events like the Paris 2024 Olympic games.

Breaking Barriers: Access to Sport for All Children

President Bach highlighted two key initiatives demonstrating the IOC’s commitment to ensuring all children have the chance to engage in safe and enriching sporting activities.The first, the Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP), aims to integrate sport and physical education into school curriculums worldwide.Over 60 million children in more than 60 countries benefit from OVEP annually.

“From Greece to Senegal, from Oman to Montenegro, from Italy to China and many more, Olympic Values Education Programmes are being adopted at national levels, illustrating how we are living up to our duty of making access to sport available to every child,” President Bach explained.

Complementing OVEP, the Olympic Refuge Foundation provides crucial support to children residing in refugee camps and displaced communities by introducing them to the joys and benefits of sports.

What Key Initiatives Does the IOC Have in Place to Ensure Access to Sport for All Children?

The IOC recognizes that access to sport is a fundamental right for all children,regardless of their background,location,or ability. To address this, the IOC has implemented several strategic initiatives:

• Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP): Integrated into school curricula in over 60 countries, OVEP promotes the values of respect, excellence, friendship, and fair play thru sport.
• olympic Refuge Foundation: This foundation works with refugees and displaced communities, using sport as a tool for empowerment, healing, and social inclusion.
• Scholastic Sport Programs: the IOC supports educational institutions in developing and implementing sport programs that cater to the diverse needs of students, emphasizing the importance of physical activity and health.

sport as a Vehicle for Growth: A Conversation with Thomas Beck, IOC Vice President

In a recent interview, IOC Vice President Thomas Beck elaborated on the profound impact sport can have on children’s development: “Sport is a powerful catalyst for personal growth. it teaches valuable life lessons about resilience, discipline, teamwork, and respect. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to experience these benefits, regardless of their circumstances.”

Breaking Down Barriers: Access to Sport for All

While significant progress has been made in expanding access to sport for all children, challenges remain.Factors like socioeconomic disparities, geographic location, and gender inequality can create barriers to participation.

To overcome these obstacles, the IOC continues to work closely with governments, NGOs, and community organizations to develop innovative solutions and ensure that sport remains a truly inclusive and empowering experience for all children.

By investing in initiatives that promote sports participation among marginalized communities, the IOC aims to create a more equitable and inclusive sporting landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and providing equal opportunities for every child to thrive.

Sport as a Vehicle for Growth: A Conversation with Thomas Beck, IOC Vice president

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is renowned for it’s commitment to using the power of sport to foster positive change. In this exclusive interview, IOC Vice President Thomas Beck discusses the transformative impact of sport on young minds, the IOC’s key initiatives to ensure access to sport for all children, and the unifying power of the Olympic Games.

Transformative Power of Sport

“The transformative power of sport is truly remarkable,” says Beck. “Participating in sports instills invaluable life lessons like teamwork, discipline, and fair play. It teaches children the importance of respecting rules, fostering mutual understanding, and collaborating towards common goals.these experiences shape character, build resilience, and equip them with essential skills for success both on and off the field.”

Breaking Down Barriers: Access to Sport for All

The Olympic Movement places strong emphasis on ensuring access to sport for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances.Two prominent IOC initiatives reflect this commitment: the Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP) and the Olympic Refuge Foundation.

OVEP integrates sport and physical education into school curriculums worldwide, reaching over 60 million children in more than 60 countries annually. From Greece to Senegal, from Oman to Montenegro, OVEP is being adopted nationally, highlighting the IOC’s dedication to making sport accessible to every child.

The Olympic Refuge Foundation, conversely, focuses on supporting children living in refugee camps and displaced communities.”Through sport, we provide them with a safe space to play, learn, and rebuild their lives,” explains Beck.

These initiatives demonstrate the IOC’s commitment to using sport as a tool for social change, breaking down barriers and empowering children around the world.

Uniting the World Through Sport

Beck believes sport has an unparalleled ability to transcend cultural,political,and social barriers.”It speaks a worldwide language of passion, competition, and camaraderie. the Olympic Games, in particular, serve as a powerful platform for fostering peace and understanding. At the Paris 2024 Games, we expect to witness athletes from diverse backgrounds coming together to celebrate the human spirit and showcase the power of sport to unite the world.”

A Call to Action

Beck’s message is clear: sport has the power to transform lives. By supporting organizations like the IOC and getting involved in local sports initiatives,individuals can contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable world,one where everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of sport.

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The Enduring Power of Sport: Building a Better World

Sport transcends borders,languages,and cultures. It’s a global language that speaks to our shared humanity, fostering a sense of community and belonging. From the excitement of competition to the camaraderie of teamwork, sport offers invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the playing field.

The core values of sport, such as teamwork, discipline, and fair play, are essential for personal growth and societal well-being. These principles instill in individuals a strong work ethic, respect for others, and the ability to overcome challenges. When applied to life beyond sport, these qualities contribute to the development of responsible and ethical citizens.

“Sport is more than just a game; it’s a powerful tool for social change.”

Moreover, sport has the remarkable ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding. By providing a platform for shared experiences and common goals, sport can bridge divides and promote social cohesion.It reminds us that despite our differences, we are all part of one global community.

Access to sport for all children is crucial for their physical, mental, and social development. It provides opportunities for physical activity, improves coordination and motor skills, and boosts confidence. Engaging in sport also helps children develop social skills, learn teamwork, and build resilience. Supporting initiatives that promote equal access to sport ensures that all children have the chance to reap its countless benefits.

As we move forward, let us continue to harness the unifying power of sport to build a better, more inclusive world for generations to come. By promoting its inherent values, fostering accessibility, and embracing its ability to connect people, we can create a future where sport truly makes a difference.

What experiences have you witnessed that highlight sport’s transformative impact on individuals and communities?

A Conversation on Sport’s Impact: Interview with Sarah Chen, IOC Sport for Growth Director

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is deeply committed to using sport as a force for positive change. We sat down with Sarah Chen, IOC Sport for Development Director, to explore sport’s transformative power, the IOC’s initiatives to ensure equitable access, and the crucial role of sport in building a more inclusive world.

Sport’s Enduring impact

“sport has a unique ability to transcend boundaries and unite people,” says Chen. “It teaches invaluable life lessons like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, values that extend far beyond the playing field.”

What experiences have you witnessed that highlight sport’s transformative impact on individuals and communities?

Breaking Barriers,Bridging Divisions

The IOC recognizes that access to sport is a fundamental right for every child. Two key initiatives exemplify this commitment: the Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP) and the Olympic Refuge Foundation. OVEP weaves sport and physical education into school curriculums globally, reaching millions of children. The Olympic Refuge Foundation empowers children in refugee camps and displaced communities through sport.

How do these initiatives work to bridge existing divides and create a more equitable sporting landscape?

Uniting the World Through Play

“The Olympic Games stand as a powerful symbol of unity and peace,” shares Chen. “They bring together athletes from diverse backgrounds, fostering a shared sense of human spirit and camaraderie.”

In an increasingly polarized world, what role can the Olympic Games play in promoting understanding and collaboration?