IOC President brings Olympic Day to a fitting close at the Sorbonne, the cradle of modern Olympism
IOC President Thomas Bach spent Olympic Day in the French capital, where the legacy, vision and ideals of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the IOC and reviver of the Olympic Games, were celebrated throughout the day.
With just 32 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Olympic Day came to a close on Sunday evening in the majestic setting of the Sorbonne, where it all began 130 years ago. This place, steeped in history and culture, was chosen by Pierre de Coubertin, a historian, teacher and lover of the arts and letters, to revive the Olympic idea and bring to life his vision of uniting the world through peaceful competition.
The emotion was palpable at the ceremony, thanks in particular to the presence of Pierre de Coubertin's descendants. The president of their family association, Alexandra de Navacelle, was expressly thanked by President Bach for this exceptional moment.
Exactly 130 years ago, at the Sorbonne, Pierre de Coubertin founded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and revived the Olympic Games. In this emblematic Parisian venue, IOC President Thomas Bach paid tribute to this precious legacy.
All French men and women can be very proud of this unique Olympic heritage.
He also addressed some critical voices of Coubertin and emphasised that “every human being has the right to be judged only in the context of his or her time”. He added: “I'd like our visionary founder to be judged more often in the same way. Coubertin was what we would call today a peace activist.”
With the Olympic Games Paris 2024 just a few weeks away, Coubertin's legacy resonates with renewed force. His vision of a better world, built through the unifying power of sport, is more relevant than ever. For Coubertin, the Olympic Games were a contribution to peace, an ideal he shared with the leaders of the nascent international pacifist movement, who were present at the Sorbonne when the Games were revived.
In his speech, the IOC President reminded those present that Coubertin relaunched the Olympic Games with remarkable boldness and vision against the bellicose currents of his time. “Not only did he revive the Games, he also conceptualised the idea of international sport, accessible to all, with universal rules,” he said. “This system, still in force today, bears witness to the durability of his vision,” he added.
Today, Pierre de Coubertin's dream lives on. On the eve of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, this symbol of unity and peace for all humankind is more vibrant than ever. "We can be proud to perpetuate his legacy into the future," concluded the IOC President, echoing Coubertin's words: "I raise my glass to the Olympic idea, which has pierced through the mist of ages like a powerful ray of sunlight and returns to illuminate, for us, with a glow of joyful hope".
In attendance were Tony Estanguet, President of the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, IOC Member and President of the NOC of France David Lappartient, IOC Member Michelle Yeoh, and IOC Member in South Africa Anant Singh.
“Coubertin, Genius of Sport”, an exhibition
Earlier in the day, the IOC President inaugurated the exhibition “Coubertin, Genius of Sport” in the presence of Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture of France and Mayor of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, where the exhibition is hosted.
“It is a powerful symbol to hold this exhibition just a few minutes from the house where Coubertin was born and lived,” he said, before extending his gratitude to Minister Dati for hosting this exhibition in her home district.
President Bach also expressed his appreciation for “the creative force behind this exhibition,” George Hirthler, calling him “one of the greatest specialists and defenders of Coubertin's Olympic legacy.”
The exhibition aims to place Coubertin within the context of his historical time. “This is what is sometimes lacking in discussions about him,” said President Bach.
Every human being must be judged only and solely in the context of his or her time.
On this occasion, he was accompanied by David Lappartient, Anant Singh and Abhinav Bindra, an IOC Athletes’ Commission member.
From the City of Angels to the City of Light
President Bach then went on to inaugurate a sculpture offered by the IOC to the City of Paris, celebrating the legacy of the Olympic Games and created by Los Angeles artist Alison Saar. The piece of art, named “Salon”, created for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, blends sport and culture and is inspired by the spirit of togetherness – where there is always a seat for everyone.
In the presence of Jeanne D’Hauteserre, Mayor of the 8th arrondissement of Paris, and David Lappartient, Thomas Bach addressed the American artist Alison Saar: “Your art is an invitation to take a seat – and reflect on the beauty of diversity of humankind. Each seat in this collection represents different cultures, traditions and histories.”
He concluded: “‘Salon’ is an invitation for dialogue; for exchange; for coming together; for sharing. In this way, your sculptures are a wonderful illustration of what happens at the Olympic Games”.
‘Salon’ is an invitation for dialogue; for exchange; for coming together; for sharing. In this way, your sculptures are a wonderful illustration of what happens at the Olympic Games.