The International Olympic Committee

The International Olympic Committee is a non-governmental sports organisation based in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is constituted in the form of an association under the Swiss Civil Code (articles 60–79). Founded in 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas, it is the authority responsible for organising the modern (Summer, Winter, and Youth) Olympic Games.

The IOC is the governing body of the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and of the worldwide “Olympic Movement”, the IOC’s term for all entities and individuals involved in the Olympic Games. As of 2020, there are 206 NOCs officially recognised by the IOC. The current president of the IOC is Thomas Bach.

The stated mission of the IOC is to promote Olympism throughout the world and to lead the Olympic Movement.

Functions of IOC
• Promote ethics, good governance, and education through sport.
• Organize, develop, and coordinate sport and sports competitions.
• Ensure the regular celebration of the Olympic Games.
• Cooperate with public and private organizations to promote peace through sport.
• Strengthen the unity of the Olympic Movement, protect its independence, and maintain its political neutrality.
• Act against all forms of discrimination in sport.
• Encourage and support elected representatives of athletes and the promotion of women in sport.
• Protect clean athletes and the integrity of sport by fighting doping and corruption.
• Encourage and support measures relating to the medical care and health of athletes.
• Oppose any political or commercial abuse of sport and athletes.
• Encourage and support efforts to provide for the social and professional future of athletes.
• Encourage and support the development of sport for all.
• Encourage and support a responsible concern for environmental issues and the promotion of sustainable development in sport.
• Promote a positive legacy from the Olympic Games to the host cities, regions, and countries.
• Encourage and support initiatives blending sport with culture and education.
• Promote safe sport and the protection of athletes from all forms of harassment and abuse.

Since 1995, the IOC has worked to address environmental health concerns resulting from the hosting of the Olympic Games.