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:

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.

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 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. 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.

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.

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".

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.

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