Olympism
Olympism refers to the philosophy of the Olympic games. The fundamental principles of Olympism are outlined in the Olympic Charter.
Olympism seeks to create a way of life by blending sport with culture, education and international co-operation. It is based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example, social responsibility and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. The main goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of humankind, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity.
According to the principles of Olympism, the practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.
A principle of non-discrimination is at the heart of Olympism. Olympism says that the enjoyment of rights and freedoms to practice sport should take place without discrimination of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Legal protection afforded to those with a belief in Olympism
There has been a suggestion from lawyers that, in the UK, those with a strong belief in Olympism could benefit from protection against discrimination in exactly the same way that followers of Islam, Christianity, Judaism or any other religion are protected.[1]