Today, Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and Anna Tibaijuka, UN-HABITAT Executive Director, met in Lausanne to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between their two organisations.

 

In future, the IOC and UN-HABITAT will form synergies in using sport to mobilise and prepare young people for active participation in urban life and to promote poverty alleviation. Advocacy and field-level activities will be driven in close cooperation between the UN-HABITAT’s offices and the 205 National Olympic Committees. For a start, common projects will be implemented in the following three fields:

 

- youth empowerment through sport

- community-based sport activation in secondary towns, and

- slum dwellers’ activation through sport.  

 

Sport for UN Millennium Development Goals     

Encouraging young people to participate in sports activities will help meet UN targets set by the Millennium Development Goals. The new partnership builds on the important ongoing work of other specialised UN agencies that have already teamed up with the IOC to place sport on their development agendas. 

 

“The IOC is working closely with a number of UN agencies. Through this collaboration, the IOC and UN Habitat will focus on the urban poor: millions of people, particularly children in the slums, for whom sport can bring escapism and hope”, said IOC President Jacques Rogge after the meeting. 

 

Reaching out to young people in slums   

“We must not forget that over 50 per cent of slum populations are made up of young people and there is no better way to give direction and motivation than encouraging them to participate in sports” added Mrs Anna Tibaijuka.

 

To guarantee the successful implementation of this new cooperation agreement, a follow-up committee will be established. It will meet annually to further define, develop, and maintain a programme of common interest.

Representatives of the Olympic Movement, led by the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, today met with Ján Figel’, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, and his delegation at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne. The meeting came as a follow-up on the action points specified in the recent European Council Declaration on Sport, which was presented in the Conclusions of the French Presidency of the European Union (EU) in mid-December 2008. In the Declaration, the heads of state call on the European Commission to strengthen its dialogue with the IOC, besides underlining the values of sport and its specific characteristics above its economic dimension. The promotion of the autonomy of the Olympic and Sports Movement as well as the protection of the integrity and fairness of the competitions has been high on the IOC’s agenda over the years.



Topics of today’s discussions included:

- the specificity and autonomy of sport,

- the financing of sport and betting,

- the application of EU competition law and of free movement principles in the field of sport,

- and the fight against doping.



During the meeting, Ján Figel’ confirmed his respect for the autonomous and self-regulatory character of sports organisations. He also recognised that sport is organised internationally and built on a worldwide pyramid system, which was to be considered in the future dialogue between the EU and the sports world. The Olympic Movement representatives stressed the need to safeguard the existing mechanisms of financial solidarity towards grassroots sport – a principle for which the European Commissioner expressed his full support. Looking into the future, Figel’ stated that his team is currently preparing for the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, which still has to be ratified and contains a reference to sport. He considered the Olympic Movement’s input as crucial in that regard.



After the meeting, the IOC President said: "The EU benefits from sport and its values. Organised sport is one of the biggest social movements in society, and its social, educational and health-promoting role is significant. At the same time sports organisations also need the support of the EU to tackle challenges like doping, irregular betting, racism and violence and to safeguard the specificity of sports structures and sporting rules. It is vital that we work closer together to tap the full potential of sport, and today’s meeting was an important step."



Commissioner Figel’ said: "I am pleased that the profile of sport has increased in the minds of government policy makers and stakeholders. Last November’s informal Sports Ministerial Meeting and EU Sport Forum gave sports an additional strong boost, and it is important that we maintain this momentum. There are important issues at stake. That is why we in the Commission welcome the new approach of having a regular, structured dialogue with the IOC. Today’s meeting is a tangible outcome of the new approach. "



List of participants in the meeting:

European Commission

Ján Figel’, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth       

Bernd Biervert, Member of the Cabinet of Ján Figel’          

Pierre Mairesse, Director of Sport           

Michal Krejza, Head of the Sport Unit



Olympic Movement

Jacques Rogge, IOC President

Mario Pescante, IOC Executive Board member and Chairman of the IOC International Relations Commission

Patrick Hickey, IOC member and EOC President

Joseph S. Blatter, IOC member and FIFA President

Jérôme Champagne, FIFA Director of International Relations

Marco Villiger, FIFA Legal Director

Denis Oswald, IOC member and ASOIF President

René Fasel, IOC Executive Board member and AIOWF President

Patrick Baumann, IOC member and GAISF representative

Guy Drut, IOC member

Henri Sérandour, CNOSF President

Yves Vonlanthen, IIHF Administration and Legal Manager

Jean-Paul Clémençon, CNOSF Chief of Staff

The Host City Contract for the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck in 2012 was signed in the Tyrolean capital by IOC President Jacques Rogge, the Host City and the Austrian National Olympic Committee (NOC) authorities.  President Rogge, accompanied by an IOC delegation including IOC administration representatives, visited several competition venues where the events will be held in 2012. He also met a group of young students who appeared on the promotional video clip for the Innsbruck bid. “We are glad to be back in Innsbruck where the extraordinary 1964 and 1976 Olympic Winter Games were staged”, said the IOC President at the press conference.



Given the short preparation time (three years), the IOC President underlined that Innsbruck was a strong partner, in terms of already existing first-class venues; Innsbruck’s high degree of competence in organising international sports events; the enthusiastic population that has an excellent understanding of winter sports; and the full support of the local, regional and national authorities.

 

Moreover, the Innsbruck 2012 bid excelled through its good understanding of the cultural and educational component of the Youth Olympic Games. The event will thus offer an excellent platform to create a true community between the youth of the world and the participants by learning and sharing experiences. Specific cultural and on line activities will spread the fever beyond the Austrian borders. “Innsbruck can count on the IOC and particularly on the Coordination Commission under the leadership of IOC member Gian-Franco Kasper,” added President Rogge.

 

 

 See more photos





The 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games will encompass all seven Olympic winter sports: bobsleigh (bobsleigh, skeleton), biathlon, curling, ice hockey, luge, skating (short-track, speed skating, figure skating) and skiing. The latter will feature Alpine, cross-country, freestyle, Nordic combined, ski jumping and snowboarding. Details of the events and qualification systems will be elaborated in close relationship with the International Olympic Winter Sports Federations in the near future.

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For further information, please contact the IOC Communications Department, Tel: +41 21 621 60 00, email: pressoffice@olympic.org

A new emblem is born. On Saturday, Singapore 2010 launched its official emblem for the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games. “The emblem embodies the spirit of the Youth Olympic Games and represents the blending of the IOC’s and Singapore Organising Committee’s vision to bring the youth of the world together,” said IOC President Jacques Rogge in his message.



Colourful and vibrant

The emblem illustrates in a colourful and vibrant way the passion of sport with the champions in its centre. It will be a strong ambassador for Singapore 2010.



An event in itself

The emblem launching ceremony was accompanied by sports demonstrations based on the new disciplines of the 2010 Games sports programme (like basketball 3 on 3) and a 2010m run with many Singaporean youngsters participating.



Sport, Culture and Education

Some 3,594 athletes from all 205 National Olympic Committees will compete in Singapore in 26 sports comprising 201 events. Besides the sports competitions programme, the YOG will feature an extensive Cultural and Educational Programme (CEP), which aims to introduce, in a fun and festive spirit, the young athletes to Olympism and the Olympic values, and to raise awareness of important issues such as the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, the fight against doping and their role as sports ambassadors in their communities.





 Official Website of Singapore 2010

 Discover the video 

 

 

 

A month after the election by the IOC members of Innsbruck as the host city of the first Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2012, the IOC President today announced the appointment of Mr Gian-Franco Kasper, an IOC member and President of the International Ski Federation (FIS), as the Chairman of the Coordination Commission for the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games, the group of representatives from the IOC and the Olympic Movement who will be monitoring the Youth Olympic Games preparations and guiding the Innsbruck Organising Committee over the next three years.



Mr Kasper has great experience of Games coordination as a member of the Coordination Commissions for the XIX Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City in 2002 (1999-2002), XX Olympic Winter Games in Turin in 2006 (2000-2006), XXI Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver in 2010 (since 2003) and the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi in 2014 (since 2007).



Gian-Franco Kasper will accompany IOC President Jacques Rogge during the inaugural IOC visit to Innsbruck this week on 14 and 15 January.

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For further information, please contact the IOC Communications Department, Tel: +41 21 621 60 00, e-mail: pressoffice@olympic.org

Looking back at a year dominated for the IOC and the Olympic Movement by the Beijing Olympic Games, it’s natural to reflect not only on the success of the Games, but also on the new challenges and opportunities which all of us who care about the Olympic ideal must face in 2009, and which the past 12 months have brought into stark relief.

 

Beijing was an amazing success. More countries than ever before competed. More countries – 87 – won medals; more women participated; and 132 Olympic records and 32 world records were set. We witnessed incredible performances by athletes like Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt, and saw the kinds of moments which happen only at the Olympic Games, such as the embrace between Russian and Georgian athletes on the podium.

 

However, Beijing’s achievement mustn’t overshadow the Games to come in Vancouver, London and Sochi, or the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and Innsbruck. 2009 will also be an important year in its own right. In October, Copenhagen will host the 13th Olympic Congress. This will be an important milestone and a chance for the entire Olympic family to discuss and debate some major issues around the role of the Olympic Movement in society.

 

How can we use digital technologies to communicate the values of Olympism? How do we better connect with young people? What can we all do to encourage people to lead active, healthy lifestyles? These are just some of the questions we will grapple with at the Congress. Getting at some answers won’t be easy, but is very necessary.

 

The creation of exciting new initiatives, such as the Youth Olympic Games, is part of our response, but it’s only by getting as many people as possible to provide their energy and ideas that we can learn what we need to harness the tremendous transformative power of the Games. This is the challenge of the coming year.

 

Given their role as a vehicle for public and private investment in lasting infrastructure and facilities, I believe there is no better time than the present for the Olympic Games. They provide the ultimate goal for athletes; a vision to inspire young people; an opportunity for volunteers to gain new skills and experience; and a fantastic chance to imagine a better world.

 

I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season, and a great 2009.

 

Jacques Rogge

IOC President

While the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games broke records in terms of participation and performances, they also beat the records in terms of worldwide television coverage, with broadcasts in more territories than ever before (over 220) and record viewership audiences in many territories. As the first Olympic Games to benefit from 100 percent high definition surround sound digital coverage, the Beijing Games were the most followed and watched in Olympic history. This participation of the world of television in the success of the Games was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last night at the “Olympic Golden Rings” ceremony.

This year, 27 films were watched by an international jury, chaired by IOC Honorary President Juan Antonio Samaranch. The winners received their prizes at The Olympic Museum in Lausanne in the presence of the IOC President, Jacques Rogge, members of the IOC Radio & TV Commission, numerous representatives from the various rights-holding broadcasters, Organising Committees for the Games in Beijing, Vancouver, London and Sochi, International Federations, the City of Lausanne and the Canton of Vaud.

Gold, silver and bronze trophies were awarded in four categories. NBC Olympics won gold in The Best Olympic Feature with “The clock of their lives”. Eurosport won The Best Athletes’ Profile for an inspiring story on Thai/German fencer Wiradech Kothny. Seven Network Australia collected gold for The Best Olympic Programme, while The Best Sports Coverage by the Host Broadcaster “BOB” was awarded to the coverage of sailing.

During this ceremony, President Rogge paid tribute to two personalities from the world of television who, throughout their respective careers, have made media coverage of the Games a priority. The first, Fernando Pardo, has covered the Games since Montreal 1976, through both Spanish TV (TVE) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which he leaves this year after having occupied the role of Head of Sports Operations Group. As for Manolo Romero, in 2008 he celebrates his 40th year in the field of Olympic broadcasting. From Mexico City 1968 to Beijing 2008, he has been the key man in broadcasting all the editions of the Summer and Winter Games. Since 2001, he has been Chief Executive Officer of Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS).

 

Created in 1976, the Olympic Golden Rings is a prestigious international contest through which the IOC seeks to promote and recognise the best TV images of the Olympic Games. This contest is organised every two years, on the occasion of the Summer and Winter Games, under the aegis of the IOC Radio & TV Commission.

Gold: Sailing. Producer: Gary Milkis, BOB. Director: Christopher Lincoln, BOB. Coordinating Producer: Henry Mok, BOB

Silver: Table Tennis. Director: Xue Zhaohui, China Central Television (CCTV). Coordinating Producer: Bai Li, BOB

Bronze: Equestrian. Producer: Geoff Johnson, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).  Directors: Christopher Elias, Lawrence Isaac, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Coordinating Producer: Ted Ayling, BOB

Gold: NBC Olympics, "The Clock of their Lives". Executive Producers: Dick Ebersol. Producers: David Neal, Mark Levy, Phil Parrish, Brian Brown

Silver: ZDF German Television, "The Drama of Liu Xiang". Producer: Peter Leissl. Director: Eike Schulz

Bronze: BBC SPORT, "China and Table Tennis". Producer: BBC Sport. Director: Richard Gort

                                   

Gold: Eurosport, Olympic Magazine - "Profile on Wiradech Kothny". Producer: Christian Seychal. Director: Eveline Jandrisits

Silver: ZDF German Television, "Profile of Liu Xiang". Producer: Peter Leissl. Director: Eike Schulz

Bronze: NBC Olympics, "Profile on Natalie Du Toit". Producers: Dick Ebersol, David Neal, Mark Levy, Brian Brown, Phil Parrish

             

Gold: Seven Network Australia. Producer: Andy Kay, Director: Saul Shtein

Silver: NBC Olympics. Producers: Dick Ebersol, David Neal, Tommy Roy, Sam Flood. Directors: Bucky Gunts, Andy Rosenberg, Drew Esocoff

Bronze: BBC Sport. Producer: Alastair McIntyre, BBC Sport. Director: Richard Carr, BBC Sport



Special mention

Gold: Production of Opening and Closing Ceremonies by BOB (Manolo Romero, Ma Guoli, Yiannis Exarchos, Pedro Rozas). Producer: Jose Ramon Diez, BOB. Directors: Tapani Parm, Kalevi Uusivuori, YLE Finnish Broadcasting Company



 Discover the photo gallery

Innsbruck will host the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2012. The result was unveiled today by IOC President Jacques Rogge at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne.  Innsbruck (Austria) beat Kuopio (Finland) in the final by 84 votes to 15. “We had two outstanding finalists which were both able to stage the Youth Olympic Games, according to the IOC’s requirements and Innsbruck has won”, declared IOC President Jacques Rogge after the announcement.  

Following the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010, Innsbruck will be responsible for staging the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games, with approximately 1,000 athletes, aged 14 to 18.

The competition schedule will be based on the seven sports included in the Vancouver 2010 programme (biathlon, bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, luge, skating and skiing) with a limited number of disciplines and events.

As a next step, a Coordination Commission will be designated by the IOC President to accompany Innsbruck throughout the three years of preparation. “We are fully aware that this is a very short period, but we are extremely confident that Innsbruck can match the expectations of both the IOC and the athletes, including an attractive Culture and Education Programme, which is an integral part of the Youth Olympic Games experience”, underlined Jacques Rogge.

The Youth Olympic Games are the flagship of the IOC’s determination to reach out to young people. These Games will not only be about competition, they will also be the platform through which youngsters will learn about the Olympic values and the benefits of sport, and share their experiences with other communities around the globe. “We are looking forward to joining in the celebration in Innsbruck in 2012,” Jacques Rogge added.

 

 Relive the announcement

IOC President Jacques Rogge gave this year’s annual de Coubertin lecture in London in front of an assembled audience of leading figures from the worlds of sport, arts and culture. Presented by London 2012 in conjunction with the Royal Society of Arts and the British Olympic Foundation, the de Coubertin lecture is a landmark opportunity to promote the role of Olympism in society.

 

 

Entitled “Advancing the Games: the IOC, London 2012 and the future of de Coubertin’s Olympic Movement”, Rogge’s presentation spoke of, among other topics, the role of the Olympic Movement in getting young people to lead physically active, healthy lifestyles, and the impact of the global credit crunch on the Olympic Games. He also discussed the UK’s proud Olympic history with the opportunity the 2012 Games provide to address inequalities in society.

IOC President Jacques Rogge has spoken in London on the role of the Olympic Movement in getting young people to lead physically active, healthy lifestyles, and the impact of the global credit crunch on the Olympic Games.



Giving the second annual de Coubertin Lecture to an audience of leading figures from the worlds of sport, arts and culture, the President said that it was “vital” that the Olympic Movement focuses on getting young people around the world into sport: “I believe that catching the sports bug simply helps you cope with life better. It encourages you to value yourself, and your body. It equips you for learning, and improves your ability to think and create.”



Hooking young people on sport

Presented by London 2012 in conjunction with the Royal Society of Arts and the British Olympic Foundation, the de Coubertin lecture is a landmark opportunity to promote the role of Olympism in society. The President used the event, on the eve of the Beijing Debrief, to link the UK’s proud Olympic history with the chance the 2012 Games provides to address inequalities in society.



Increased physical activity was vital if younger generations were to avoid the health consequences of a “sitting down” lifestyle said the President. “British children spend 5 hours and 20 minutes a day glued to a screen. Young people are playing sport less, they are spending more time in cars, and the consequence is more obesity and greater problems.”



Technology’s challenge and opportunity

It was vital to use the digital revolution to inspire more young people to take up sport and become active. “New technologies present a challenge, but they also give us new opportunities to engage and interact. On the internet today, people don’t simply sit passively watching content – they create it and share it.”



London’s imaginative logo and adventurous cultural and sporting initiatives showed that they understood this, said the President. “London’s vision places sport and athletes at the heart of the Games,” said the President, but puts a strong focus on “engaging young people, culture and education.”



Credit crunch

The President added that the world was going through “difficult times” economically, but that the Olympic Games “had survived difficult times before. They have survived and thrived because of what they mean to people all over the world.” The success of Beijing put the Olympic Movement on a sound footing to deal with the challenges of the coming years, and future organisers were well prepared, he added.



 Discover President Rogge’s speech (PDF)