The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is an organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland. The governing body of the Olympic Games, it acts as the self-prescribed supreme authority of all things pertaining to the biennial celebration of the Olympics.
It acts as a medium for communication between the 205 National Organizing Committees, Athletes, International Sporting Associations, Media, and UN agencies. Its secondary goal is to promote the use of the Olympic values (ie. Friendship, Excellence, and Respect) in everyday life.
Mission (as defined by the Olympic Charter)[]
- To encourage and support the promotion of ethics in sport as well as education of youth through sport and to dedicate its efforts to ensuring that, in sport, the spirit of fair play prevails and violence is banned;
- To encourage and support the organisation, development and coordination of sport and sports competitions;
- To ensure the regular celebration of the Olympic Games;
- To cooperate with the competent public or private organisations and authorities in the endeavour to place sport at the service of humanity and thereby to promote peace;
- To take action in order to strengthen the unity and to protect the independence of the Olympic Movement;
- To act against any form of discrimination affecting the Olympic Movement;
- To encourage and support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures with a view to implementing the principle of equality of men and women;
- To lead the fight against doping in sport;
- To encourage and support measures protecting the health of athletes;
- To oppose any political or commercial abuse of sport and athletes;
- To encourage and support the efforts of sports organisations and public authorities to provide for the social and professional future of athletes;
- To encourage and support the development of sport for all;
- To encourage and support a responsible concern for environmental issues, to promote sustainable development in sport and to require that the Olympic Games are held accordingly;
- To promote a positive legacy from the Olympic Games to the host cities and host countries;
- To encourage and support initiatives blending sport with culture and education;
- To encourage and support the activities of the International Olympic Academy (IOA) and other institutions which dedicate themselves to Olympic education.