(Editor’s Note. The following press release was issued on October 17 concerning calls for every nation in the global community to observe a truce during the Summer 2012 Olympic Games in London. The Sport Digest supports the efforts of the UN and IOC to use the platform of sport to pursue the elusive dream of world peace).
NEW YORK, 17 October 2011
Today the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution urging the nations of the world to observe the Olympic Truce during the Games of the XXX Olympiad in London.
The Olympic Truce, central to the first Olympic Games held in 776BC, was first revived for the modern era in 1992. In 2000, the IOC, in close cooperation with Greece, established the International Olympic Truce Centre which is committed to uphold the Olympic Truce and to serve peace, friendship and international understanding, It promotes a Culture of Peace, through a combination of global and local initiatives, mobilizing leaders, athletes and young people of the world behind the cause of sport and peace.
The United Kingdom and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and the Paralympics (LOCOG) have shown their dedication to the ideals of the Olympic Truce, building the foundation for the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games to be held in peace and friendship.
Dr. Constantine Filis, Director of the IOTC, made the following statement:
“On behalf of the IOTC, I would like to extend my warm thanks and appreciation to the United Kingdom, the LOCOG, and to all the UN State Members who have contributed substantially in developing and encouraging the adoption of a UN resolution that reflects the true spirit of the ancient tradition of the Olympic Truce, allowing the nations of the world, even in times of conflict, to meet together in friendly athletic competition.
Today we are sending an inspiring message to the world that the cessation of conflict and hostility is indeed possible; and that the nations of the world can come together in peace.
Sport will not impose peace. But it might inspire it, encouraging humanity to imagine peace ….”
The International Olympic Truce Centre is an international non-governmental organization that operates within the framework of the Olympic Movement. Its mission is to promote the Olympic Ideal, to serve peace, friendship and international understanding, and to uphold the Olympic Truce.
It promotes a global Culture of Peace through a combination of local and global initiatives, mobilizing leaders, athletes and young people of the world behind the cause of sport and peace.
For further information please contact: Eleni Pavlou press@olympictruce.org. Or visit www.olympictruce.org. Images are available for download at www.olympictruce.org/media