Fundamental Principles of Olympism
1 Modern Olympism was conceived by Pierre de Coubertin, on whose initiative
the International Athletic Congress of Paris was held in June 1894. The
International Olympic Committee (IOC) constituted itself on 23rd June 1894. In
August 1994, the XII Congress, Centennial Olympic Congress, which was entitled
“Congress of Unity”, was held in Paris.
2 Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole
the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education,
Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the
educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical
principles.
3 The goal of Olympism is to place everywhere sport at the service of the
harmonious development of man, with a view to encouraging the establishment of a
peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity. To this
effect, the Olympic Movement engages, alone or in cooperation with other
organizations and within the limits of its means, in actions to promote peace.
4 The Olympic Movement, led by the IOC, stems from modern Olympism.
5 Under the supreme Authority of the IOC, the Olympic Movement encompasses
organizations, athletes and other persons who agree to be guided by the Olympic
Charter. The criterion for belonging to the Olympic Movement is recognition by
the IOC. The organization and management of sport must be controlled by the
independent sport organizations recognized as such.
6 The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and
better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination
of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with
a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.
7 The activity of the Olympic movement, symbolized by five interlaced rings, is
universal and permanent. It covers the five continents. It reaches its peak with
the bringing together of athletes of the world at the great sports festival, the
Olympic Games.
8 The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the
possibility of practising sport in accordance with his or her needs.
9 The Olympic Charter is the codification of the Fundamental Principles, Rules
and Bye-laws adopted by the IOC. It governs the organization and operation of
the Olympic Movement and stipulates the conditions for the celebration of the
Olympic Games.
The 1920 Summer Olympics, was the first time the Olympic Flag was flown
