Sport as a Bridge Between Cultures: Upholding the Olympic Values
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has once again underlined a guiding principle that lies at the heart of the Olympic Movement: sport has the power to unite people, cultures, and nations. In recent discussions, the IOC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all athletes, teams, and officials can participate in international competitions under conditions of equality and respect, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the values of non-discrimination, autonomy, and political neutrality.
To strengthen this commitment, the IOC Executive Board has introduced measures designed to support fair access for all athletes to international sporting events and to help safeguard the spirit of inclusivity that defines global sport.
The recent 5th International Forum for Sports Integrity (IFSI) in Lausanne gathered more than 400 representatives from the Olympic Movement, governments, and international organisations to reinforce cooperation and trust across sport. IOC President Kirsty Coventry highlighted how the integrity of sport depends on shared responsibility and collaboration among all stakeholders, a reminder that sport’s strength lies in the connections we build together.
Initiatives such as the Fit For the Future process and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games Working Group continue to encourage athlete participation in shaping the future of sport. Together, these efforts reflect the belief that sport serves as a bridge between cultures, promoting universal values of respect, solidarity, and friendship.
In a complex and interconnected world, sport remains a powerful force for understanding and peace. Fair access, integrity, and mutual respect are essential to ensuring that sport continues to fulfil its highest purpose: bringing people together beyond borders and differences.
DanceSport: A Universal Language of Unity
The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) proudly shares and upholds the IOC’s principles of inclusion, equality, and respect.
DanceSport, by its very nature, celebrates connection and cultural exchange. Through movement and rhythm, it transcends language, geography, and background, offering a space where athletes from around the world can express themselves and appreciate one another’s artistry. For WDSF, every dancefloor symbolises openness and mutual respect, where diversity is celebrated and friendship flourishes through competition.
Shawn Tay, WDSF President stated:
“In every movement, in every step on the dancefloor, we discover a language that needs no translation. DanceSport teaches us that true connection between cultures is not achieved merely by sharing space, but by sharing respect, emotions, and dreams. Our commitment is that every athlete, regardless of where they come from, feels a sense of belonging, that their talent and humanity are recognized, and that together we can build a world where diversity is not a barrier, but the very heart of our strength.”
At a time when global challenges remind us of the importance of unity, WDSF reaffirms its dedication to keeping DanceSport a space of harmony and collaboration. Guided by the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship, we continue to believe in the unique power of dance to inspire, connect, and bring people closer together.
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