values first: bach opens 144th ioc session in ancient olympia, honouring history and looking to the future

March 18, 2025, Ancient Olympia –

IOC President Thomas Bach today opened the 144th IOC Session at the International Olympic Academy in Ancient Olympia, Greece. Under the theme “Values First,” Bach reflected on the enduring significance of Olympic values and expressed strong confidence in the future of the Olympic Movement. The newly elected President of Greece, Constantine Tassoulas, attended the opening ceremony.

Bach emphasised that it is these values that have made the Olympic Games unique for millennia. “As guardians, we have a responsibility to unite around these values and pass them on to future generations,” he said. At the same time, he warned that these values remain fragile. The ancient Olympic Games perished when political and commercial interests overpowered the ideals of sport, and it took Pierre de Coubertin to revive them 131 years ago.

“Gathering here in Ancient Olympia, we experience a rare moment where the past, present, and future come together,” Bach said. During this Session in Greece, the IOC will elect its 10th President to succeed Bach, whose term ends this June.

Bach expressed his deep gratitude to the Greek hosts, noting that “Greece and its civilisation have gifted the world two treasures: democracy and the Olympic Games.” He also reminded IOC Members of the ancient Olympic Truce (ekecheiria), highlighting the deep historical connection between the Olympic Games and peace.

He reflected on the fact that Pierre de Coubertin’s heart rests in Ancient Olympia, symbolising the union of ancient and modern Olympic ideals. Quoting de Coubertin, Bach said: “The Olympic Games are a pilgrimage to the past and an act of faith in the future.”

“With ‘Values First’ as our guide, let us honour our roots and work together to shape an even brighter future for the Olympic Movement,” Bach concluded.