‘A humanitarian mission’ – Thomas Bach says Olympic Movement a powerful symbol of peace on Olympic Day

Thomas Bach has stressed the importance of togetherness on Olympic Day.

And International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said on Thursday that the Olympic Movement represented a powerful symbol for peace.

“Our Olympic mission is not a political mission. Our Olympic mission is a humanitarian mission.”

Bach added that the Olympics’ guiding principles of solidarity and peace can represent a “unifying force” in troubling times with conflict on the rise across the world.

“Without solidarity there is no peace,” Bach said.

“In these divisive and confrontational times, people around the world are longing for a unifying force that brings humankind together.

“In this respect, the Olympic Movement has a lot to offer with our mission to unite the entire world in peaceful competition.”

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