Peace and Love in 2010

When it comes to promoting peace in the world, nothing works like the Olympic Games. Presently, with all the turmoil, war, and countries on the brink of war, the 2010 Winter Games will provide the opportunity to again put out the clarion call for a pause in hostilities. Hopefully a laying down of arms, even if for a short time, will show leaders that much can be accomplished in a spirit of friendly competition.

This week Adolf Ogi, former President of Switzerland, and now Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary General on Sport for Development and Peace, will presents his vision on the work of the United Nations and the role of the Olympic Truce He will also address Canada’s opportunity to promote peace through the hosting of the 2010 Winter Games.

What is known as the Olympic Truce began in the 9th century BC and soon became a tradition associated with the period of the Olympic Games when participants declared a solemn truce. This cessation of violence provided athletes, artists, and their families, as well as ordinary pilgrims assurance of safety. All people could travel to, participate in or just attend the Olympic Games and return afterwards to their respective countries in total safety.

Adolf Ogi’s presentation is hosted by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). Given the state of today’s global politics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) hopes to instill the concept of the Olympic Truce for the Vancouver Games.

By urging the support of leaders around the world we can help protect, as much as possible, the interests of the athletes and sport in general, and contribute to the search for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to world conflicts.