The IOC

The Olympic Values

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A Rich History
The modern Olympic Games were inaugurated in Athens in 1896, reviving the ancient Olympic tradition that originated in 776 BCE in Olympia, Greece. The first modern edition featured 241 athletes from 14 nations. Over time, the Games have evolved into the world’s foremost multi-sport event, uniting thousands of athletes from over 200 National Olympic Committees.

While the scale and global reach of the Games have grown, the fundamental principles of Olympism, as defined in the Olympic Charter, remain central to the Olympic Movement.

Summer Olympic Games

Held every four years, the Summer Olympic Games represent the highest level of international competition across sports governed by IOC-recognized International Federations. The Summer Games currently feature more than 30 sports and over 300 events, ranging from athletics, aquatics, and gymnastics to team and combat sports, as well as emerging disciplines such as skateboarding and surfing. The Games bring together athletes from all continents and engage billions of viewers worldwide.

Winter Olympic Games

The Winter Olympic Games were first held in Chamonix, France, in 1924 and focus on sports practised on snow and ice. Events include alpine skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, biathlon, snowboarding, and curling. Since 1994, the Winter Games have been held on a different four-year cycle from the Summer Games, alternating every two years.

Youth Olympic Games

Established by the IOC to engage young athletes worldwide, the Youth Olympic Games combine high-level sport with a Culture and Education Programme. Open to athletes aged 14 to 18, the Summer Youth Olympic Games began in 2010, and the Winter edition in 2012. The programme promotes Olympic values, intercultural dialogue, and education through sport, developing future athletes and leaders within the Olympic Movement.

Olympic Values and Vision

The IOC promotes sport and upholds the fundamental Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship, as defined in the Olympic Charter. Guided by the philosophy of Olympism — placing sport at the service of harmonious human development — the IOC contributes to building a peaceful and better world through sport.

Key commitments include:

• Recognising sport as a fundamental human right, accessible to all without discrimination;
• Advancing education through sport and Olympism;
• Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion while opposing discrimination;
• Supporting athletes throughout their careers, including welfare and integrity initiatives;
• Ensuring that the Olympic Games inspire societies and leave positive social, economic, and environmental legacies;
• Promoting sustainability and responsible governance in sport;
• Encouraging peace-building initiatives, notably through the Olympic Truce.

The Olympic Movement

The Olympic Movement comprises organisations, athletes, and individuals guided by the Olympic Charter under the authority of the IOC. Its principal constituents include:

National Olympic Committees (NOCs) – There are currently 206 NOCs, including the Mauritius Olympic Committee, responsible for developing, promoting, and protecting the Olympic Movement in their countries.

International Federations (IFs) – Global governing bodies for individual sports, establishing technical rules and overseeing their organisation at the Olympic Games.

Organising Committees for the Olympic Games (OCOGs) – Temporary bodies established to plan, organise, finance, and deliver each edition of the Games.

Athletes – Central to the Olympic Movement, athletes embody and promote the ideals of Olympism worldwide.

Partners and Sponsors – Organisations supporting the Olympic Movement through contributions that enable the Games and global sport development.

Olympic Charter and Governance

The Olympic Charter codifies the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, rules, and bye-laws adopted by the IOC. It governs the organisation, mission, and operation of the Olympic Movement and sets conditions for the Olympic Games.

IOC Governance – Members are elected by the IOC Session and represent the IOC in their countries. The President is elected for an eight-year term (renewable once for four years). The principal organs are:

• The Session (general meeting and supreme decision-making body)
• The Executive Board
• The President

The IOC’s governance framework is guided by independence, integrity, transparency, and good governance principles.

 

Olympic Symbols and Heritage

Olympic Rings – Five interlaced rings (blue, yellow, black, green, red) on a white background, designed by Pierre de Coubertin in 1913, symbolise the unity of the five continents. The colours were chosen because each appeared in at least one national flag at the time.

Olympic Motto – “Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communius” (“Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”), with “Communius” added in 2021 to emphasise solidarity.

Olympic Flame – Lit in Olympia, Greece, and carried by relay to the host city, the flame symbolises continuity between ancient and modern Games and the transmission of Olympic values across generations.

Olympic Solidarity

Olympic Solidarity supports NOCs and athletes worldwide, with focus on those facing the greatest challenges. It provides assistance in:

• Athlete development
• Coaching education
• Sports administration
• Infrastructure and technical support

This ensures the Olympic Movement remains accessible, universal, and supportive of athletes’ careers.

Agenda 2020+5 and the Future

Olympic Agenda 2020+5 outlines the IOC’s strategic priorities, including:

• Strengthening athletes’ rights and responsibilities
• Fostering sustainable Olympic Games
• Enhancing digital engagement
• Promoting gender equality
• Ensuring relevance to youth and society

The strategy ensures that the Olympic Games continue to inspire and unite people worldwide.