IOC awards Olympic Order to WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus

Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), received the Olympic Order from the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach. The prestigious award ceremony took place at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland. Alongside this recognition, the IOC also bestowed the Olympic Cup for 2021 upon the WHO as an organization.

About the Olympic Order

• The Olympic Order is the highest award of the Olympic Movement.
• It is awarded for particularly distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement, i.e. recognition of efforts worthy of merit in the cause of sport.
• The Olympic Order was established in May 1975 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a successor to the Olympic Diploma of Merit.
• The Olympic Order is awarded by the IOC President on the recommendation of the IOC Executive Board. The award is made in recognition of outstanding service to the Olympic Movement, such as:
  • Promoting the Olympic ideals
  • Organizing or contributing to the organization of the Olympic Games
  • Developing sport
  • Promoting the Olympic Movement in a particular country or region
  • Making a significant contribution to the Olympic Movement in another way
• The Olympic Order is a circular medallion. The obverse of the medallion bears the Olympic rings and the words “Olympic Order”. The reverse of the medallion bears the IOC emblem and the name of the recipient.
• The Olympic Order is presented in a case with a certificate of award. The recipient is also entitled to wear a lapel pin of the Olympic Order.
• Some notable recipients of the Olympic Order include – Nelson Mandela, Pelé, Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King, etc.

The Olympic Order is a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding service to the Olympic Movement. It is a testament to the recipient’s dedication to the Olympic ideals and their commitment to promoting sport and the Olympic Movement.

Olympic Order to WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus

Under the leadership of Dr. Tedros, the World Health Organization (WHO) played a crucial role in ensuring the successful organization of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Dr. Tedros also supported the cooperation agreement between the WHO and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that was signed in 2020.

• The collaboration between the WHO and the IOC has resulted in various joint initiatives and programs aimed at promoting healthier communities through sport.
• One of the recent initiatives is the Let’s Move campaign, which coincides with Olympic Day.
• This campaign highlights the importance of physical activity and contributes to the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy.
• The strategy aims to increase access to sports opportunities and bring the health and societal benefits of physical activity to communities worldwide.

About Olympic Cup

• The Olympic Cup is an award given annually by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
• It was instituted by Pierre de Coubertin in 1906 and is awarded to an institution or association with a record of merit and integrity in actively developing the Olympic Movement.
• Its recipients have included amateur sports clubs, schools, newspapers, and national sporting administrations, though it is primarily awarded to groups connected with the organization of the Olympic Games.

Olympic Cup to WHO

• During the award ceremony, President Thomas Bach presented the Olympic Cup to the World Health Organization (WHO) as a remarkable distinction.
• This prestigious recognition is a testament to the WHO’s extraordinary endeavors and significant contributions in ensuring the triumph of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.
• The collaboration between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the WHO has centered around highlighting the crucial role of sports in promoting both physical and mental well-being.

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