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Address to the International Olympic Committee Session

English Pages, 1. 7. 2003

Dear Mr. Chairman,
Members of the International Olympic Committee,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me welcome you all at the 115th meeting of the International Olympic Committee and let me express my sincere delight that you have chosen Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, for this very important gathering.

The Czech Republic is not a large country. With regards to the number of people who live here, we belong to the medium or small size nations. However, I hope that I am not exaggerating if I say that in the field of sports our achievements have been quite impressive. I hope as well that I am not mistaken when I say that the people of our country love sports. It surely is true that they belong to the hundreds of millions of people all around the world for whom the Olympic games are a special occasion, which every four years changes their lives. As a person who all his life has been actively involved in sports, I have a very clear understanding for this fascination. I appreciate all the benefits and advantages that sport brings to people’s lives but I particularly realize the indispensability of the role of sports in educating the young generation.

The Olympic movement in our country has a long-standing tradition. Czech representative, Jiří Guth-Jarkovský, was among those who stood at the re-birth of one of the most spectacular traditions of the modern world. It took place in 1894 at the Sorbonne of Paris, at the “Congress for Renewal of the Olympic Games.” Since then, our country has regularly been participating, and takes pride in 57 Czech Olympic winners and dozens of other sportsmen, who have won the Olympic medals. I suppose that all of you know Emil Zátopek, Věra Čáslavská or Jan Železný, not to mention other names.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Olympic movement has evolved into a very prestigious event over its more than a hundred year long history. This is evident from a whole range of eminent personalities, who are today taking part in your session. Olympic movement was from time to time overshadowed by political events and was a subject of attempts to misuse the Olympic idea for specific political goals. But we can say, that “olympism” has not only overcome such attempts but also has learned many lessons. The notion of t olerance, of peaceful coexistence, of friendship of nations of our beautiful planet and - last but not least - of fair play has succeeded and I believe that it will continue to be so in the future.

I am aware that your meeting has an extensive agenda. I know that you are going to be deciding the place of the 21st Olympic games in the year 2010 and many other important issues as well. I will, therefore, not be taking more of your time.

Once again, let me welcome you in our capital and allow me to wish you a pleasant and enjoyable stay. Above all I wish you a successful session.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honored to proclaim the 115th session of the International Olympic Committee open.

Václav Klaus, Obecní dům, Prague, July 1, 2003