THE OLYMPIC GAMES: A MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY, PEACE AND RESILIENCE. THE SPEECH FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE IOC - TOKYO 2020 OPENING CEREMONY

Abstract

This paper presents the translation into Spanish of the speech delivered by the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. Such speech was issued during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, which were part of the 32nd Olympiad. The text in Spanish has been provided by the IOC Center for Olympic Studies in Lausanne (Switzerland). With their permission and with the support provided by their translation, they contribute and collaborate with the Management of Citius, Altius, Fortius. Particulary.  In particular, they help promote the objective of spreading the Olympic messages within the Spanish-speaking community.

After greeting those present, Thomas Bach reviewed and recognised the efforts that hosting this edition of the Olympic Games had entailed for the entire Japanese society. Efforts to which the consequences of the pandemic were added. For this reason, he affirms that with their example the Olympic community has learned that cohesion is the only possible way to face the great challenges of our time: solidarity. Solidarity is much more than mutual respect and not discriminating against others. Solidarity is helping each other. Solidarity is sharing. This solidarity is what drives us in our mission to create a better world through sport. Solidarity reflects our 3,000 years of commitment to peace. Without solidarity, there is no peace.

After giving a special welcome to the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, he highlighted the value of the Games as an event that unites the world in all its diversity. He emphasized on the fact that unity is strength. To go faster, get higher and be stronger we need to stand together in solidarity. He ended by announcing that the IOC has adapted the Olympic motto to our times: Faster, higher, stronger - Together.