INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 7th JOINT - IOA

OLYMPIC SOLIDARITY
Mrs Nicole GIRARD-SAVOY (SUI)
As described in one of the fundamental principles of the Olympic
charter, Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a
balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport
with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life
based on the joy found in effort, the education, value of good example
and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.
Olympic Solidarity reflects the Olympic ethic of which the basic
notions are generosity, understanding and international cooperation,
cultural exchanges, the development of sport and its education aspects
and the promotion of a society concerned with human dignity and
peace.
The main focus for the current quadrennial was the
decentralisation process, which had already begun in the previous plan
but has now been stepped up with the full co-operation between the
continental bodies. Five continental programmes have been developed
which are specific to each continent and provide an important
complement to the world programmes. They are managed by the
Continental Associations in accordance with individual agreements
concluded with Olympic Solidarity. Since the situation is different in
each continent and for each Association, the level of responsibility of
these programmes and their management varies according to these
agreements. The five programmes are; Continental administration,
Continental meetings, Continental activities, Continental and Regional
games (organisation) and NOC activities.
The initiatives undertaken by the NOCs in recent years have
shown the range of needs in all areas, the variety of actions
implemented, the priorities and the different levels of development
resulting from the specific character of each NOC. This continual
evolution has led Olympic Solidarity to adapt its programmes to meet
the expectations and needs of the NOCs. The 21 world programmes,
which are managed in Lausanne, were revised in order to strengthen
all areas and take these requirements into account. Divided into four
areas, the Olympic Solidarity programmes are both numerous and
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