Thomas Bach appeals on International Day of Peace: 'There is no peace without solidarity, we have to stand together'

The theme of this year’s International Day of Peace: “End Racism. Build Peace.” carries with it particular resonance for the IOC and the Olympic Movement. The fundamental idea behind the Olympic Games is to unite the entire world in peaceful competition.

Peace is at the very heart of this mission. Ad At the Olympic Games, the athletes embody this peace mission when they set aside the differences that divide the world. They compete fiercely against each other for the highest prize, while living peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village.

This makes the Olympic Games a powerful symbol of peace. London 2012‘Total surprise’ – Bach remembers Queen’s cameo appearance in London 2012 Opening CeremonyYESTERDAY AT 12:01 But peace is about much more than setting aside differences. It is about creating a better world where everyone is able to flourish, in which people are treated equally, and where racism and all forms of discrimination have no place.

Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympic Games to make a contribution to peace through sport. He said: “We shall not have peace until the prejudices that now separate the different races are outlived.” Non-discrimination is therefore in the DNA of the IOC and the Olympic Games. At the Games, everyone is equal, irrespective of race, social background, gender, sexual orientation or political belief.

The principle of non-discrimination is enshrined in the Olympic Charter. The athletes bring this principle to life during the Olympic Games, inspiring billions of people around the world. When it comes to building lasting peace, non-discrimination alone is not enough.