Unity and neutrality. Two principles dear to the IOC, which Kirsty Coventry reiterated during the European Sports ForumThe IOC president spoke in a video to urge the European Union to preserve the autonomy of sport. « Sport and the Olympic Games are the exact opposite of the division we observe in this worldThey offer a rare space where people meet not as adversaries, but as equals. A much-needed space for peaceful competition. "She recalls.
During the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, " the athletes reminded us what excellence, friendship and respect in a world that sometimes forgets these values. They showed us the best that humanity could achieve, inspiring generations around the world with the Olympic spirit. " Gold, " Athletes can only inspire us if they are able to compete. And they can only do so if we ensure that they do. that sport remains a strictly neutral groundprovided that politics does not overshadow the competitive arena. »
« For all of us, this means preserving the autonomy of sport. Then we can say to every athlete, wherever they come from: yes, you can to compete freely, without political interference independent of your will. I ask the EU and its Member States to remain true to the principles you have repeatedly recognized: respecting the autonomy of sport and supporting the political neutrality of the IOC and the Olympic Games. For it is only under these conditions that sport can truly reveal its full potential. If we remain faithful to the principles and values that unite us, I have no doubt that sport can continue to play its full role in our societies, and that the Olympic Games may continue to be a beacon of hope for all of us. »
