Olympic Values

Did you know that you have the opportunity to be a part of the Olympic Movement everyday? 

It all started with a visionary leader named Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who is known as a fore father in the Olympic Movement.  In 1896, the Baron totally mobilized the Modern Olympic Games and brought them back after years from the last known Ancient Olympic Games in AD 393.  De Coubertin said that the Olympic Games were about more than competition and winning they were about culture and human experience as well.  De Coubertin saw that sport is about more than just sheer competition, it’s about the total person’s mind, body and spirit.  Our Olympic Values align with Pierre de Coubertin’s vision of developing as a whole person through sport and life.

We have identified the following values as those that directly align with Olympism and “being your best you” everyday.  You too can be a very important part of the Olympic Movement in Canada. 

We challenge you to live the following values:

EXCELLENCE
We believe in the right of all people to go after their personal levels of excellence.

FUN
We believe in sport being fun.

FAIRNESS
We believe in fairness on and off the field of play, through equality and trust. 

RESPECT
We believe in open communication and respect for the views, roles and contributions of all.  

PERSONAL GROWTH
We believe that the physical, social, mental and spiritual well-being of all should be improved through appropriate behaviour and practices. We also believe that the visual and performing arts complement sport and the well-being of the athletes. 

LEADERSHIP
We believe those who participate in sport have a responsibility to teach and apply the values of the Olympic Movement. They should also involve others in the Olympic experience and inspire and empower them to reach their potential. 

PEACE
We believe in sport as a way to promote understanding and harmony within nations.

Olympism is a word you should learn!  It is a term found in the Olympic Charter, the guide for which the principles of the Olympic Games are based.  Now here is a word not everyone knows.  Stump someone on this one, tell them what it is and live these values everyday.   ~ International Olympic Committee, Olympic Charter

So what’s Olympism anyway?

"Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles."  

Basically speaking, if you live the Olympic Values of excellence, leadership, fun, fairness, leadership, respect, peace and personal growth, you are a walking example of Olympism!  Go for it!  The challenge is set!