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IOC

SPORT LAUDED BY UN FOR ITS POWER TO SPUR SOCIAL CHANGE

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THE UNITED NATIONS (UN) REITERATED TODAY ITS RECOGNITION OF THE AUTONOMY OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC) AND SPORT AS “AN IMPORTANT ENABLER OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”.

The Resolution on sport at the service of the promotion of education, health and development has been adopted by the 71st Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, and followed up on the resolution initially adopted in 2014. It obtained a consensus from all the Member States, transcending political divisions to uphold the values of sports.

This resulted in a resolution that highlights once again the main areas of sport’s contribution to social development and peace, while underlining certain challenges that the world of sport and governments have ahead of them and to which the IOC is determined to respond.

It affirmed “the invaluable contribution of the Olympic and Paralympic movements in establishing sport as a unique means for the promotion of peace and development, in particular through the ideal of the Olympic Truce, acknowledging the opportunities provided by past Olympic and Paralympic Games, including those held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016, which, inter alia, inspired youth by the potential presented by sport for social inclusion, as well as the Youth Olympic Games, held in Lillehammer, Norway, in February 2016”.

In addition, the resolution calls “ upon future hosts of such Games and other Member States to include sport, as appropriate, in conflict-prevention activities and to ensure the effective implementation of the Olympic Truce during the Games.”

THE RESOLUTION IS ANOTHER EXPRESSION OF THE CLOSE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE IOC AND THE UN, BASED ON OUR SHARED VALUES OF CONTRIBUTING TO A BETTER AND MORE PEACEFUL WORLD THROUGH SPORT.Thomas BachIOC PRESIDENT

“The IOC welcomes the resolution and thanks the United Nations and all its Member States for the confidence in the power of sport to bring about social change,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “The resolution is another expression of the close cooperation between the IOC and the UN, based on our shared values of contributing to a better and more peaceful world through sport.”

The IOC welcomes the renewed recognition of the independence and autonomy of sports organisations, and the role of the IOC and the Olympic Movement more generally. It also acknowledges the strengthening of the text regarding gender equality, an issue that the IOC is keen to see move forward. Its Executive Board recently decided to promote a minimum target of 30 per cent female representation on governing bodies within the Olympic Movement – one measure among numerous IOC initiatives in this area.

The sports movement is undergoing a period of major challenges, which calls for closer cooperation between all entitles concerned, as well as governments, international institutions and civil society as a whole. This new resolution of the General Assembly is fully in line with this approach.

The IOC has enjoyed UN Observer Status since 2009.

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2016 GETTY IMAGES

GANGNEUNG ICE ARENA DECLARED UP TO SPEED

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THE PRESIDENT OF THE PYEONGCHANG 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS ORGANISING COMMITTEE, LEE HEE-BEOM HAILED THE GANGNEUNG ICE ARENA TEST EVENT A TOTAL SUCCESS FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SKATING UNION (ISU) SHORT TRACK WORLD CUP EVENT ON 16-18 DECEMBER.

Over the course of the three days, over 29,000 spectators came to see the action at the arena which will host the short track and figure skating competitions at PyeongChang 2018.

On the ice, there was joy for Great Britain’s Elise Christie who completed her second double golden weekend in a row as she topped the podium again in both of the women’s 1,000 metres competitions.

Christie’s second win of the weekend saw her move into second place in the overall women’s 1,000m rankings on 21,678 points, with the gap between her and leader Choi Min-jeong standing at 6,322.

IOC

Choi gave her home crowd something to celebrate as she won the women’s 500m ahead of China’s Kexin Fan and Poland’s Natalia Maliszewska. Fan’s second place finish saw her close in on the World Cup top spot, which is still held by Christie, who chose not to take part in this weekend’s 500m race.

Choi was also part of the victorious Korean women’s 3,000m relay team, who maintained their perfect record in this season, beating the Netherlands and Canada into second and third respectively.

The men’s 5,000m relay was won by Hungary, with Canada and the USA completing the podium. In the overall World Cup standings, Hungary are now top of the table on 27,741, with China moving into second ahead of The Netherlands.

Canadian Charles Hamelin claimed the men’s 1,000m gold, with Semem Elistratov of Russia getting silver. Bronze went to Hamelin’s compatriot Charles Cournoyer.

China’s Wu Dajing put behind him the disappointment of being penalised in the men’s 1,000m heats on Friday by winning the 500m gold to increase his overall World Cup lead. Russia’s Denis Nikisha took silver while the Republic of Korea’s Han Seung-soo, got the bronze.

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“There are 418 days left until the Pyeongchang Games, but as far as we’re concerned, the Olympics has already begun with this test event," said Lee Hee-beom. “We’ve identified some areas that need improvements, but the ISU has told us our overall preparation has been perfect.”

“We’ll listen carefully to all suggestions and make sure the actual Olympics will be absolutely flawless," Lee added. “Next week, the Organising Committee, international officials and volunteers will meet to go over what we did well and what we could have done better at this event.”

MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORT AND TOURISM, REPUBLIC OF KOREA

During the test event, IOC Coordination Commission Chair Gunilla Lindberg met with the Acting President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Hwang Kyo-ahn.

TAGSPYEONGCHANG 2018 , IOC NEWS , SHORT TRACK SPEED SKATING

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IOC / UBALD RUTAR

SEVEN TIMES THE YOG LEAD THE WAY!

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FROM THE INTERNATIONAL DEBUT OF 3X3 BASKETBALL TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SPORTS LAB, WE PICK OUT SIX EXAMPLES OF HOW THE YOG ARE LEADING THE WAY IN SPORTING INNOVATION.

MIXED EVENTS

The first YOG in Singapore in 2010 made their mark in numerous ways, most notably with the introduction of events featuring mixed-gender and mixed-NOC teams. These included triathlon and swimming relays, and archery, table tennis and fencing events, to name but a few, adding a completely new element to the sporting competitions, which proved particularly popular with athletes.

IOC / ARNAUD MEYLAN

SPORTS LAB

As if the 28 sports on the Youth Olympic programme didn’t provide enough entertainment, visitors to the 2014 YOG in Nanjing were also given the opportunity to enjoy world-class displays of roller sports, skateboarding, sports climbing and wushu, at the innovative Sports Lab. Throughout the Games, large crowds flocked to the facility to view the two-hour showcases that were held for each sport, with top Chinese and international athletes displaying their skills before offering fans the chance to try out the sports for themselves. The concept proved so popular that it was further developed during the 2016 Winter YOG in Lillehammer, where fans were given the opportunity to have a go at all 15 Winter Olympic disciplines when visiting the YOG venues during the Games.

IOC / UBALD RUTAR

THE OLYMPIC RETURN OF GOLF AND RUGBY

Golf and rugby returned to the Olympic Games for the first time in 112 and 92 years respectively during Rio 2016, but both sports actually made their Olympic comebacks during the 2014 YOG in Nanjing. The rugby sevens competition provided plenty of highlights, with Australia winning the girls’ competition, and France beating Argentina in an epic final to secure gold in the boys’ event. The golf competitions, meanwhile, saw Italy’s Renato Paratore and Korea’s Lee Soyoung celebrate gold medals in the men’s and women’s events respectively, with Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult and Linnea Strom combining to win the mixed team event.

IOC / UBALD RUTAR

3X3 BASKETBALL

All eyes were on the basketball courts in Singapore during the 2010 YOG, with the action-packed 3x3 format making its international debut. The fast-paced games saw two teams of just three players compete on half a court. Games were played over two five-minute periods, although teams could win sooner by being the first to reach 33 points. Serbia won the boys’ event while China took gold in the girls’ competition. The successful debut of 3x3 basketball was followed by an innovative dunk contest for boys and shootout event for girls at the 2014 YOG in Nanjing.

IOC / IAN JONES

HOCKEY 5S

The Nanjing 2014 YOG also featured an exciting new hockey format, with matches reduced to high-intensity five-a-side games of three 12-minute periods played on half-pitches. The faster games proved a hit with fans, featuring more shots on goal and less play in midfield, with Australia winning gold in the men’s event and China claiming the women’s title.

IOC / IAN JONES

MONOBOB

A unique new bobsleigh format guaranteed exciting and closely contested competitions at the Lillehammer 2016 Winter YOG, with the introduction of the monobob event. By featuring one-athlete teams, the event created the opportunity for more countries to participate. The new format ensured that the outcome of both the women’s and the men’s competitions were  decided only when the last competitors crossed the line at the end of their second and final runs, with Germany’s Laura Nolte and Jonas Jannusch topping the podiums respectively.

IOC / UBALD RUTAR

GENDER EQUALITY

The 2018 YOG in Buenos Aires are also set to break new ground when, for the first time in Olympic history, there will be complete gender equality on the Olympic sports programme. In total, 1,893 women and 1,893 men are set to compete in the YOG, which will also include new youth-oriented events such as BMX freestyle, kiteboarding, beach handball and cross-country running.

IOC / UBALD RUTAR

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JR: “I HAD THE IMPRESSION OF SEEING A HUMAN MAP OF THE WORLD!”

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©JR-ART.NET

IN RIO, CONTEMPORARY FRENCH ARTIST JR LEFT HIS MARK WITH TWO PROJECTS: THE GIANTS, GIGANTIC IMAGES OF ATHLETES MOUNTED ON SCAFFOLDING IN THE HEART OF THE CITY; AND INSIDE OUT, A PHOTO TRUCK WHICH CAPTURED THE FACES OF ORDINARY PEOPLE, WHOSE PHOTOS WERE THEN DISPLAYED AROUND THE CITY. HERE ARE HIS IMPRESSIONS FROM HIS EXPERIENCE AS ARTIST IN RESIDENCE.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WHAT YOU DID IN RIO?

The Rio project was a key moment in my artistic career, as I’ve been working there for more than 10 years, in the favelas, in the city, with museums; and I was always scared of going back with a large work which could link all the different worlds in which I’ve worked. These Giants were an ideal way to return, as they combined all these worlds, museum installations taking pride of place in the heart of the city, visible to everyone. The important thing for me in a city like that, and in the current context, was to make these works as non-elitist as possible, and as they were in the public domain, everyone had the same chance to see them.

©JR-ART.NET

DO YOU THINK THE OLYMPIC GAMES PROVIDE INTERESTING SUBJECT MATTER FOR ARTISTS?

For me, the subject matter was amazing. I had never imagined that, and I hope to be back there again in the future! There are so many layers in human terms, not just sporting, with everything that happens behind the scenes. And there are links to my work, which is to place the human being at the forefront, regardless of background or colour. 

DO YOU THINK THERE IS A PLACE FOR ART AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES?

Of course, there is always a place for art when there is room to express yourself, and the framework has not already been invaded by brands and sponsors. In my case, I chose the city in order to be totally free.

©JR-ART.NET

WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY OF THE GAMES? YOUR BEST IMAGE FROM THE GAMES?

My best memory is of the Maracanãzinho, the little stadium next to the famous Maracanã, where my team and I sat to watch the whole world’s athletes arrive, without photographers or cameras, before going into the Opening Ceremony. I had the impression of seeing a human map of the world.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THESE THREE GIANTS?

The majority of my works are ephemeral; they make an impact on people and continue to exist through photographs that people share, or which I myself do. But the physical object gradually disappears. I imagine that the scaffolding is now being used to build the Brazil of tomorrow, at least I hope so.

©JR-ART.NET

HAVE YOU HAD ANY FEEDBACK FROM THE ATHLETES WHO WERE PHOTOGRAPHED, EITHER FOR THE GIANTS PROJECT OR FOR INSIDEOUT, AT THE VILLAGE IN PARTICULAR?

I had feedback from three athletes who weren’t able to compete at the Games this time, but who were very proud to be represented there symbolically. I have stayed in touch with many of the athletes who took part in Inside Out or followed the project. It was great to meet them and discover a world I previously knew only from watching television.

WHAT ABOUT THE GENERAL PUBLIC’S PARTICIPATION IN THE INSIDE OUT RIO PROJECT?

The participation was amazing everywhere, whether in the city centre or the favelas or the Olympic Village. The truck was operating all the time. For years, I had dreamed of taking this project to Brazil, on this scale; and I hope it will carry on, as the truck is still there.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT? 

I’m finishing a film with director Agnès Varda and starting a new project that I look forward to unveiling next year. And perhaps lots of other Giants? The best way to follow my projects is via social media.


Find out more about the artists in residence programme

See all the faces from the Inside Out Rio 2016 project

Keep up to date with the artist’s news on Facebook and Instagram

Recommendation 26 of Olympic Agenda 2020, the strategic roadmap for the Olympic Movement, calls on the IOC to “further strengthen the blending of sport and culture at the Olympic Games and in-between.” The implementation of an artists-in-residence programme during the Games was one of the first measures linked to this recommendation.

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IOC MAKES THE ECOLOGICAL CHOICE THANKS TO WORLDWIDE OLYMPIC PARTNER TOYOTA

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IOC / ARNAUD MEYLAN

LAST YEAR, THE IOC ANNOUNCED A GROUND-BREAKING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH TOYOTA TO PROVIDE INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT IN LINE WITH OLYMPIC AGENDA 2020, THE STRATEGIC ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE OF THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT, WHICH HAS SUSTAINABILITY AS ONE OF ITS THREE KEY PILLARS.

Beginning in 2017, Toyota will work with the IOC, organisers of the Olympic Games, and National Olympic Committees around the world to deliver sustainable mobility solutions. 

Today, the newest Worldwide TOP Partner delivered a new fleet of hybrid cars for the IOC administration. The vehicles use Toyota’s latest hybrid technology, combining the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors to provide sustainable mobility solutions.

IOC President Thomas Bach received the cars from Mr Philippe Rhomberg, CEO of Toyota Switzerland AG, at the IOC’s Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

IOC

After receiving the cars IOC President Thomas Bach said: “This is another step in this exciting partnership, and I am particularly delighted about the new hybrid cars, which is another clear demonstration of the IOC’s commitment towards sustainability. I would like to thank Mr Akio Toyoda for his great personal commitment and Mr Rhomberg and his team here in Switzerland, as well as the fleet team in Toyota Motor Europe based in Brussels, for their support in implementing this programme.” 

THIS IS ANOTHER STEP IN THIS EXCITING PARTNERSHIP, AND I AM PARTICULARLY DELIGHTED ABOUT THE NEW HYBRID CARS, WHICH IS ANOTHER CLEAR DEMONSTRATION OF THE IOC’S COMMITMENT TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY.Thomas BachIOC PRESIDENT

Toyota Switzerland’s CEO Mr Philippe Rhomberg confirmed: “We are very proud of the partnership with the IOC, and I would personally like to thank IOC President Thomas Bach and his team in bringing the start of this journey to life. Their vision of creating a better world through sport is a perfect match for Toyota's philosophy. Every day, we make every effort to provide even better mobility solutions for society through respect, teamwork and the pursuit of continuous improvement - in the true spirit of the Toyota Way.”

Toyota also wants to use the partnership to truly embrace the spirit of the Games in its day-to-day business.  When announcing the partnership in March 2015, Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda said: "We will do everything possible to fulfil our new role in The Olympic Partner (TOP) Programme, and justify the trust the IOC has placed in us. The addition of a mobility category to the TOP Partner field is an important recognition for our entire industry. Under this Olympic flag, let us today reaffirm the power of sport to bring people together. And let us dedicate ourselves to creating a better world by promoting sport in the Olympic spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play."

Toyota will support the entire Olympic Movement in the mobility category, which includes vehicles, mobility services and mobility solutions. It will provide sustainable mobility solutions for the Olympic Games to help with low-emission, safer, more efficient mobility, including intelligent transport systems, urban traffic systems and vehicle-to-vehicle communications systems.

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Toyota will also support the entire Olympic Movement through funding and a global promotional reach. Under the IOC’s management, the TOP Programme supports the National Olympic Committees and the Organising Committees, helping ensure that the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement are truly global. The IOC redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 3.25 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world. 

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TAEKWONDO’S SORN SEAVMEY FEATURED IN OLYMPIC CHANNEL’S CAMBODIA’S SEARCH FOR GLORY

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OLYMPIC CHANNEL

PREPARE TO BE INSPIRED WITH THE OLYMPIC CHANNEL ANIMATED SPECIAL CAMBODIA’S SEARCH FOR GLORY WHICH FEATURES SORN SEAVMEY AS SHE TRIES TO WIN HER COUNTRY’S FIRST-EVER OLYMPIC MEDAL IN TAEKWONDO.

Through a mix of archival and live footage combined with colourful animation, the half-hour special tells the story of Sorn Seavmey from working at a garment factory with her mother to creating Olympic history for Cambodia. Her story has become a national source of pride and is changing the perception of sports and women in Cambodia.

Seavmey, whose father died when she was a child, was raised by her mother who, like most Cambodian women, worked at a garment factory where Seavmey also took a job. She then found her talent in Taekwondo and under the tutelage of Korean taekwondo master, Choi Yong Sok, went on to accomplish historic feats at the Asian Games and Olympic Games. 

Known as “Cambodia’s Golden Girl”, Seavmey, 21, became the country’s first-ever athlete to qualify outright for the Olympic Games after winning gold at the 2016 Asian Taekwondo Olympic Qualification Tournament. She is an Olympic Solidarity scholarship recipient and served as Cambodia’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. 

The Olympic Channel is a ground-breaking multi-platform destination where fans can experience the power of sport and the excitement of the Olympic Games all year round, and is available worldwide via mobile apps for Android and iOS devices and at olympicchannel.com.

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