 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach opened the 144th IOC Session today at the International Olympic Academy (IOA) in Greece. Poignantly located by the site of ancient Olympia where the Games were first born, Bach urged the protection of peace and the Olympic values.
The session, taking place at a resort near Pylos, Messinia in Greece's Peloponnese region will welcome a new era for the Olympic movement with Bach's successor set to be voted on by IOC members on Thursday. Seven different candidates are vying to become the IOC's 10th president at what has been called "the most significant Olympic election in nearly half a century" and take over from the 71-year-old German after 12 years in charge.
"Greece and the Greek civilisation have given the world two wonderful gifts: democracy and the Olympic games," began Bach, addressing a limited audience of accredited delegates including Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas. "Greece is the birthplace of democracy, in ancient Athens democratic principles were first put into practice. They continue to shape the modern society to this very day. Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Over 2800 years ago, Greece created this unique gift to all humankind. Right here in this sacred place, the Olympic games were first celebrated."
"The ancient Olympic games were built on values as exemplified by the tradition of the Olympic truce. The 'ekecheria'," he continued. "This sacred truce allowed the participation of all athletes and spectators from the Greek city-states who were otherwise almost constantly engaged in wars and conflict. Already then there was this inseparable link between the Olympic games and peace. We are forever grateful to Greece and to our Greek friends for these two so precious gifts Mr President."
Bach then paid tribute to "the father of the modern Olympic Games" Pierre de Coubertin saying that the IOC's duty is to protect these values. "Right next to the first-ever Olympic stadium holds an even deeper significance because we are also very close to the spirit of our founder Pierre de Coubertin. Just a short walk from here is the stele where, in accordance with his wishes, his heart rests for eternity," he said. "In this way, the timeless Olympic spirit – ancient and modern – surrounds us, urging us to reflect and act on our shared responsibility as guardians of this historic Olympic heritage. This peace mission is the legacy that he has entrusted us with. It is these values that make the Olympic Games unique. As guardians, it is our duty to unite around these values. These values should always remind us that we are part of something greater than ourselves."
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