The IOC takes an active role in making sure sport is available for everyone is serves as a development tool for societies and individuals. A really cool example of Olympism is action is the recent Sports Kit Programme. In a partnership between the IOC, TOP sponsor Samsung and the united nations high commissioner for refugees, kids in refugee camps will benefit from Sports Kits that will allow kids to play many different sports. 

These refugee camps in under developed areas of the world are tough living situations. The circumstances that led one to a refugee cap, and the conditions at these camps, is something I cannot relate too. But I can relate to the positive values of sport and am excited to see meaningful and enabling programs set up to support people living in refugee camps. 

Samsung, the UN and the IOC have developed sport kits that are being distributed in 20 countries. The sport kits contain recreational material for about 300 kids, such as different balls, bibs, caps, shirts and chalk to mark the field. With this equipment, many valuable lessons will transform the experience of these refugees. Sports physiological will help boost physical fitness and wellbeing. This then will reduce illness and other symptoms that come from lack of excercise. Also, the kids will learn to respect the rules of the game, to work in teams and the idea of constant improvement. Sport facilitates the learning of many lessons and practices which preserve the dignity of mankind and civilization. 


The Georgian National Olympic Committee organized a "Sport and Olympism" program in honor and anticipation of the 30th Olympiad in London. A news release from December 2011 noted that this unique program will serve to educate students on the positivie values of sports through academics, art and literature. The Association of Kutaisi sporting schools, the Imeretian Regional Organization of GEONOC is fulfilling the project in three different stages. The first stage was a lecture given by an administrator of GEONOC. The second stage is an art competition under the theme: We Are Future Olympians. The third stage is a literature essay focusing on the Olympic Movement and their place in it. This is a unique program that impacts a needy area in Georgia. By teaching the Olympics in the schools, it preserves the idea that Olympics are a culutral festival as well as a sports competition. I see this program exemplifying the 2nd fundamental of Olympism, that "with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity." Pairing intellectual activity with the values outlines in the Olympic charter may advance Georgian society into a peaceful society that contributes to the cultural spectrum of the world. 

The lighting of the Olympic torch is one of the most anticipated events at every Olympics. An enduring image, this unique ceremony officially welcomes the world to celebrate the Olympic games.

The London Organising Committee partnered with the World Wildlife Foundation to create the one world 2012 principle for a sustainable games. Currently, the world faces unprecedented environmental problems and uncertain financial markets that must be solved. Consider 2012 to be a baseline year in terms of the improvements that must be made.

The lighting of the torch is one of the best kept secrets of the Opening Ceremony. As countries came out in the Parade of Nations, they brought out a bulb of some sort with their athletes. If memory serves correct, one torch ignited five other torches to represent the five continents competing in the games. These five torches lit a sequence to light all 200+ bulbs placed in a circular structure. As this spectacular sight unfolded, the structure slowly raised and came together as one.

The lighting of the London torch represents the fact that each nation can bring something the world needs and that together, we can come together as one to form something singular and powerful.

Olympics, the pinnacle sporting event, is held to represent the ideals of Olympism. As we come together as one planet in 2012 let us have the time to enjoy these games and realize that if we all bring something positive to the world, the world can rise together to be a powerful force.