Olympic Movement continues its role in promoting peace through sport The International Olympic Committee (IOC) hosted its first meeting between the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of Israel and Palestine aimed at addressing a number of outstanding sports-related issues. Both NOCs agreed to convene in Lausanne following IOC President Jacques Rogges visit to the Middle East last October. The International Olympic Committee and the Olympic movement actively pursue the goals of protecting the interests of the athletes and sport in general, and contributing to the search for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the conflicts around the world. The meeting led by the IOC was held in a very constructive and cooperative spirit. The free movement of Palestinian athletes, coaches, officials and sports material, as well as foreign visiting athletes, was widely discussed and a modus vivendi (signifying an agreement between those whose opinions differ) reached between the two NOCs. It was agreed that both committees will make an assessment of the current difficulties they face and work together on concrete proposals and a mechanism that would help improve the situation before referring to their respective public authorities. A second meeting will be scheduled in a few months time to review progress. Supportive measures for the development of Palestinian sport were also an important point on the agenda of the meeting. The IOC confirmed that it would provide experts to work on a long-term sports development strategy in Palestine in order to continue to assist not only the athletes but also coaches and sports administrators, and to identify ways to better promote sport and its values at grassroots level. As the leader of the Olympic Movement, the IOC strives to act as a catalyst for collaboration with the ultimate objective of making the world a better and more peaceful place through sport, this is just one example of what they are doing.
Tweet Share