The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Whistler
Promoting Peace and Tolerance Through Sport
November 15, 2006
On Friday, November 17, join Adolf Ogi as he presents his insights on the work of the United Nations, the Olympic Truce and Canada’s opportunity to promote peace through the hosting of the 2010 Winter Games.
About Adolf Ogi
Ogi, former president of Switzerland, was appointed to the role of Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary General on Sport for Development and Peace in February 1991. A champion for peaceful participation and the right of all children to play, Ogi has represented the Secretary General at numerous international sporting events and will provide invaluable insight on the role that sports can play to improve health and education, create employment opportunities and promote tolerance and mutual understanding.
The Olympic Truce
The idea of bringing people together on common ground, where sport serves as a path to building a culture of peace and tolerance, mutual respect and understanding has its roots in Ancient Greece.
A tradition known as the Olympic Truce began in the 9th century BC.
During the Truce period, the athletes, artists and their families, as well as ordinary pilgrims, could travel in total safety to participate in or attend the Olympic Games and return afterwards to their respective countries.
Taking into account the existence of sport and the Olympic Games in today’s global politics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revived the ancient concept of the Olympic Truce. The goal: to protect, as much as possible, the interests of the athletes and sport in general and to contribute to the search for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to world conflicts.
The Olympic Ideals
Hosted by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), this event offers a unique opportunity to gain an insider’s view.
Register online at The Vancouver Board of Trade