|
What
are the Olympic Games?
The Olympic Games are competitions between athletes individual
or team events. They bring together athletes designated by
their respective NOCs and whose entries have been accepted
by the NOC. They compete under the Technical direction of
the International Federations concerned.
The final authority on any questions concerning the Olympic
Games lies with the International Olympic Committee.
The
Olympic games consist of the Games of the Olympiad and the
Olympic Winter Games . Both take place every four years.
The
term "Olympiad" designates the period of four successive
years that begins with the Games of the Olympiad and ends
with the opening of the games of the following Olympiad.
The
Olympic Games are the exclusive property of the IOC which
owns all rights relating thereto, in particular and without
limitation, the rights relating to their organization, exploitation,
broadcasting and reproduction by any means whatsoever. All
profits derived from the celebration of the Olympic Games
must be applied to the development of the Olympic Movement
and of Sport.
"The
Olympic Games must not be an end in it self, they must be
a means of creating a vast programme of physical education
and sports competitions for all young people". Avery
Brundage, IOC President, 1952 - 1972.
What
is Olympism?
OLYMPISM "Olympism is not a system it is a state
of mind - It can permeate a wide variety of modes of expression
and no single race or era can claim to have the monopoly of
it." Pierre de Coubertin
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 educational
value of good example and respect for universal fundamental
ethical principles.
This
ideal was proclaimed with fervors at the festivals celebrated
every four years by the ancient Greeks at the Olympic Games
in which they devoted themselves to the pursuit of harmonious
development not only of the body and the moral sense, but
also of man's cultural and artistic qualities.
The
goal of Olympism is to place everywhere sport at the service
of the harmonious development of man, with a view to encouraging
the establishment of a peaceful society concerned with the
preservations of human dignity.
The
goal of the Olympic movement is to contribute to building
a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport
practiced with out discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic
Spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit
of friendship, solidarity and fair play.
Olympism
and the Olympic Movement is more than just sports competitions,
it is about a philosophy of life. Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin,
who established the Olympic Movement in 1894, is recognized
as the founder of modern Olympism. He modernized ancient Greek
ideals and launched them to the rest of the world through
the staging of a modern Olympic Games.
Today,
the festival celebrates the ideals that remain at the heart
of Olympism.
By
blending sport with culture and education, Olympism promotes
a way of life based on:
· The balanced development of the mind, body and character
· The joy found in effort
· The educational value in being a good role model
for others
· Observing the universal ethics of tolerance, generosity,
unity, friendship, non-discrimination and respect for others.
What
is the History & Evolution of The Olympic Movement?
Most
individuals are of the view that the chief aim of the International
Olympic Committee is to look after the awarding and the proper
staging of the Olympic Games, but this is only one of them.
The others are:
"To
promote to development of those physical and moral qualities
which are the basis of Sport"
"To educate young people through Sport in a spirit of
better understanding between each other, thereby helping to
build a better and more peaceful world".
"To spread the Olympic Principles throughout the world,
thereby creating International Goodwill" and finally,
"To bring together the athletes of the world in the great
four-yearly Sport Festival - The Olympic Games".
And
now to the history of the Movement-
The ancient Olympic Games were held in Olympia, Greece, every
four year from at least 776 BC, until they were banned by
Emperor Theodosius in 389 AD. Originally, there was only one
race, a Sprint event, and the prize for the winner was an
Olive Wreath. As time went on, other races were added, as
were other Sports including Boxing and Wrestling. Prizes became
more elaborate, and there were even cases of bribery and corruption.
A unique feature of the Games was that at the time of the
staging, countries who were at war laid down their weapons,
competed, and reverted to the war after the event.
The
Modern Olympics as we know it was the brain child of the person
now known as the "Father of the Modern Ollympics",
a Frenchman by the name of Baron Pierre de Courbertin. The
Baron first proposed the idea of restaging the glourious athletes
and cultural festivals of ancient Greece, and specifically
the Olympic 'Games in' 1892, but he got a cool reception from
his countrymen, so he took his idea to friends in other Natis
and received enthusiastic support.
Two
years later, an Olympic Congress met in Paris and decided
to stage its first Modern Olympics in Athens in 1896, the
capital and the homeland of the ancient Games. Since then,
the Games have been celebrated every four years, with the
last being staged in Seoul, in September-October 1988.
A
significant point to note is that the Games are celebrated
in the first year of the Olympiad (the expression "Olympiad"
means a period of four successive years which follow the Games)
The
first Olympic Games of modern times was celebrated in 1896.
Subsequently Games are numbered in consecutive order, though
it has been impossible to hold the Games in every Olympiad.
To
elucidate, ninety-six years spanned the period from 1896 -
1992, thus the 25th Olympic Games were celebrated in Barcelona
in1992 despite the fact that the Games were not held in the
years 1916, 1940 and 1944 due to the First and Second World
Wars. To date, one country had the privilege of staging the
Games on three occasions.
The
United States of America - St. Louis in 1904, Los Angeles
in the years 1932 and 1984. Three countries hosted on two
occasions, Great Britain and Northern Ireland inthe years
1908 and 1984 in London; France in the years 1900 and 1924
in Paris; and Germany in 1936 (Berlin) in 1972 (Munich). The
number of countries taking part in the Games varied from twelve
in St. Louis in 1904 to one hundred and sixty -seven in Barcelona
in 1992, whilst competitors and officials varied from three
hundred and elevenn Athens to 15,000 in Barcelona in 1992.
What
is the Role of the National Olympic Committee?
The National Olympic Committee (NOC) propagate the
fundamental principles of Olympism at national level within
the framework of sports activity and otherwise contribute,
among other things, to the diffusion of Olympism in the teaching
programmes of physical education and sport in schools and
university establishments.
They see to the creation of institutions that devote themselves
to Olympic education. In particular they concern themselves
with the establishment and activities of National Olympic
Academies, Olympic Museums and cultural programmes, related
to the Olympic Movement.
These
Committees ensure the observance of:
- The Olympic Charter in their countries
- Encourage the development of high performance sport, and
Sport For All
- The training of Sports Administrators by organizing courses.
The National Olympic Committee is committed to taking action
against any form:
- of discrimination and violence in sport
- and against the use of substances and procedures prohibited
by the IOC and International Sport Federations.
The NOCs have the exclusive powers for the representation
of their respective countries at the Olympic Games and at
Regional Continental or World Multi Sports competition patronized
by the IOC.
What
is the Function of a National Olympic Committee?/What are
the Responsibilities of a National Olympic Committee?
The main function of a National Olympic Committee
is to ensure the representation of sportsmen and women from
its country at the Olympic Games, but it is also encumbent
con the Organisation to ensure the protection and the development
of the Olympic Movement and amateur sports, and thus:
-
Teach and encourage respect of the fundamental principles
of Olympism.
-
Act as a link with National Sports Federations affiliated
to the International
-
Federations recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
-
Encourage and assist the Government of its country in the
enforcement of a Sport Programme for the youth, with a view
to developing its character, health and civic sense.
-
Oppose any political or commercial interference and any
religious or racial discrimination in Sport.
-
Propagate a programme meant to enlighten the public and
the media on Olympic Philosophy.
National
Olympic Committees are necessary for the furtherance of the
Olympic Movement throughout the world, for it is only through
a National Olympic Committee, recognized by the International
Olympic Committee, that competitors could be entered in the
Olympic Games. It is laid down in the Charter of the International
Committee, and I quote: "National Federations shall forward
entries to the Organizing Committee for transmission, if approved,
to the Organizing Committee". The relevant Entry Forms
must be signed by the President or Secretary of the National
Olympic Committee.
The question now as to how one
goes about forming an Olympic Committee in a country. In order
to obtain recognition and thus become a member of the Olympic
family, a National Olympic Committee must have at least five
affiliated National Federations, three of which must govern
a Sport included on the Olympic programme. These National
Federations must perforce be affiliated to the relevant International
Bodies.
Each
National Olympic Committee has to organize and control the
participation of its Team to the Olympic Games, including
making provisions for its outfitting, transport, lodging,
insurance and medical supervision. The National Olympic Committee
is also fully responsible for the conduct of its delegation.
What
is the Function of the International Federation?
The
main function of a National Olympic Committee is to ensure
the representation of sportsmen and women from its country
at the Olympic Games, but it is also encumbent con the Organisation
to ensure the protection and the development of the Olympic
Movement and amateur sports, and thus:
1.
Teach and encourage respect of the fundamental principles
of Olympism.
2. Act as a link with National Sports Federations affiliated
to the International
3. Federations recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
4. Encourage and assist the Government of its country in the
enforcement of a Sport Programme for the youth, with a view
to developing its character, health and civic sense.
5. I Oppose any political or commercial interference and any
religious or racial discrimination in Sport.
6. Propagate a programme meant to enlighten the public and
the media on Olympic Philosophy.
National
Olympic Committees are necessary for the furtherance of the
Olympic Movement throughout the world, for it is only through
a National Olympic Committee, recognized by the International
Olympic Committee, that competitors could be entered in the
Olympic Games. It is laid down in the Charter of the International
Committee, and I quote: "National Federations shall forward
entries to the Organizing Committee for transmission, if approved,
to the Organizing Committee". The relevant Entry Forms
must be signed by the President or Secretary of the National
Olympic Committee.
The question now as to how one goes about forming an Olympic
Committee in a country. In order to obtain recognition and
thus become a member of the Olympic family, a National Olympic
Committee must have at least five affiliated National Federations,
three of which must govern a Sport included on the Olympic
programme. These National Federations must perforce be affiliated
to the relevant International Bodies.
Each
National Olympic Committee has to organize and control the
participation of its Team to the Olympic Games, including
making provisions for its outfitting, transport, lodging,
insurance and medical supervision. The National Olympic Committee
is also fully responsible for the conduct of its delegation.
What
is the Function of the International Federation?
International
Federations are the Organizations responsible for their respective
Sports on a global basis. The International Federations have
as affiliates the National Sporting Associations, who in turn
have the clubs as its affiliates. The International Olympic
Committee recognizes thirty-odd International Federations,
whose Sport feature on the Olympic programme. Twenty-three
International Federations govern the Summer Olympics, five
the Winter Olympics and one covers both a Summer and Winter
Sport. Other Federations are recognized by the International
Olympic Committee, but their Sports have not yet been admitted
to the Olympic programme, as they have not yet fulfilled the
criteria as laid down in the Olympic Charter.
The responsibilities of the International Federations are
to regularize and standardize the Rules of their respective
Sports, and also to cover the Legislation, Organization and
Development of the said Sports. They are also responsible
for the technical running of their respective Sports at the
Olympic Games, e.g., constituting the Juries of Appeal, selecting
Umpires, Referees, Timers and ensuring the legality of the
various events.
What
are the Responsibilities of the International Federation?
International
Federations are the Organizations responsible for their respective
Sports on a global basis. The International Federations have
as affiliates the National Sporting Associations, who in turn
have the clubs as its affiliates. The International Olympic
Committee recognizes thirty-odd International Federations,
whose Sport feature on the Olympic programme. Twenty-three
International Federations govern the Summer Olympics, five
the Winter Olympics and one covers both a Summer and Winter
Sport. Other Federations are recognized by the International
Olympic Committee, but their Sports have not yet been admitted
to the Olympic programme, as they have not yet fulfilled the
criteria as laid down in the Olympic Charter.
The responsibilities of the International Federations are
to regularize and standardize the Rules of their respective
Sports, and also to cover the Legislation, Organization and
Development of the said Sports. They are also responsible
for the technical running of their respective Sports at the
Olympic Games, e.g., constituting the Juries of Appeal, selecting
Umpires, Referees, Timers and ensuring the legality of the
various events.
What
is the Role & Structure of the International Olympic Committee?
The control and development of the modern Olympic Games was
entrusted to the International Olympic Committee by a Congress
held in Paris on the 23rd June 1894. The International Olympic
Committee is a body corporated by International Law, having
juridical status and perpetual succession with headquarters
in Laussanne, Switzerland. The Committee is not formed for
gain or profit, and at this stage I may mention the chief
aims of the Organisation, namely:
"To
encourage the organization and development of Sports and Sports
Competition".
"To inspire and lead Sport within the Olympic ideal,
thereby promoting and strengthening friendship between the
sportsmen of all countries".
"To ensure the regular celebration of the Olympic Games".
"To make the Olympic Games even more worthy of their
glorious history, and of the high ideals which inspired their
revival by Baron Pierre de Coubertin and his associates".
The
International Olympic Committee is a unique Organization in
that it is a permanent one and self-perpetuating. Recommendations
are not made by National Olympic Committees for membership
to the International Olympic Committees, rather, the International
Olympic Committees select persons which they consider suitable
material, provided they speak English or French, and are citizens
of and reside in a country which possesses a National Olympic
Committee recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
In theory, the rules state that the Executive Board should
submit to the International Olympic Committee the names of
the persons whom it recommends for election to it.
How the name or names crop up is not clear, but Lord Killanin,
a former President of the International Olympic Committee,
in his Memoirs, indicated that it was the practice of most
of the previous Presidents to make nominations of new members,
and this was invariably accepted by the Executive Board. It
is clearly stated in the Olympic Charterhat members of the
International Olympic Committee are representative of the
International Olympic Committee in their countires and not
their Delegates to the International Olympic Committee. From
its members, an Executive Board is chosen at stipualted periods.
What
is the Team Selection Process?
In
addition to ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago is suitably
represented at the Olympic Games, there are other Games which
are held under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee,
and at which Teams from Trinidad and Tobago compete. These
are:
The
Central American and Caribbean Games.
The Commonwealth Games.
Pan American Games.
In
accordance with the present Constitution, the Executive Committee
selects representatives Teams for the above mentioned Games,
and this is done from nominations made from the various affiliates,
who are the sole authorities for their respective Sports.
|
