The International Olympic Committee
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the supreme governing body of the Olympic Games. It decides on the rules, enforces the Olympic Charter, selects the events included in the Games, decides on the affiliation of sports federations, establishes the committees, and promotes the core values of the Games, among other obligations.
The IOC is a non-governmental organisation. Founded by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894, it is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Since 1999, its President is elected by secret ballot for a term of eight years. He was previously elected for life.
The IOC commissions National Olympic Committees, whose objective is to represent the IOC and the Olympic values in their respective countries.
The Olympic Values
The three core values of the Olympic Games are Friendship, Respect and Excellence. These values are represented by the symbols of the Olympic Movement, which are :
- The Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger), which symbolises sporting excellence and surpassing oneself.
- The Olympic flame, symbol of Friendship between Peoples.
- The Olympic rings, symbol of Respect and Unity of Peoples through Sport.
