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.