A step forward. Meeting in Mumbai on Sunday 15 October, the 141st IOC Session approved a modification to the Olympic Charter. In particular, it concerns rule 40 on freedom of expression. Nothing very spectacular, but the new wording of the article makes it clear that all competitors, officials and team personnel at the Olympic Games will enjoy freedom of expression in accordance with the Olympic values and the fundamental principles of Olympism. Additional wording has also been added to the Fundamental Principles of Olympism. It concerns a commitment to respect human rights. The text now reads as follows: “Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Combining sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a lifestyle based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example, social responsibility and respect for internationally recognised human rights and universal fundamental ethical principles within the remit of the Olympic Movement.“
