On Thursday, 13th March 2025 at the opening keynote of the annual “Youth in the Perspective of the Olympic Movement” conference, Chair Geoff Thompson emphasised the critical role of sport for development in shaping the future of Olympism. Addressing a diverse audience of young leaders, athletes, and stakeholders, Thompson urged the next President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to place this essential aspect at the heart and soul of the Olympic movement.
In his inspiring address, Thompson highlighted that sport is not just a competition; it is a powerful tool for social change, community building, and personal development. “As we stand on the brink of a new era in the Olympic movement, we must ensure that every young person has access to the transformative power of sport,” he stated. “The next IOC president must champion sport for development, recognising its potential to unite communities and inspire future generations.”
The conference, which brings together youth representatives from across the globe, aims to foster dialogue on the intersection of sport, education, and social responsibility. Thompson’s call to action resonates with the conference’s theme, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts in promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment through sport.
Thompson continued, “The Olympics have always been about more than medals. They embody the spirit of hope, resilience, and unity. It is our responsibility to harness that spirit and ensure it reaches every corner of the world, especially the youth who are our future leaders.”
On the second day of the conference, participants engaged in workshops and discussions aimed at developing actionable strategies to integrate sport for development into local and global initiatives. The outcomes will be presented to the IOC, as part of a collective vision for the future of the Olympic movement.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.
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The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life.
Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise.
The Youth Charter (YouthCharter.org) is a UK registered charity and United Nations Non-Governmental Organization.
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Dame Mary Glen Haig Office for Sport for Development and Peace
London Stadium Learning
London Stadium, London, E20 2ST
