IOC President Thomas Bach: “Sport is extra vital than enterprise”

Interview by Stefanie Stahlhofen-Vatican Information

What’s your response to Pope Francis’ speech? Are you on the identical line because the Church and the place do you see one thing totally different?

We’re completely on the identical line. The Pope underscored this as we speak by mentioning the change in our Olympic motto from ‘sooner, increased, stronger’ to ‘sooner, increased, stronger collectively’. He took it for example. And we’re additionally very a lot in tune with our efforts for peace and the position that sport can play in selling peace. We’re due to this fact very pleased to share these values. Then again, we’re a really “earthly” group and we’re not a faith. And that’s the complete distinction.

There’s additionally criticism due to sure cities, the Olympic Video games happening there, and Pope Francis talked about that cash is usually vital in sports activities… What are you able to do about it?

Nicely, some elements of the game are extremely commercialized. We all know that, it is apparent to everybody. A few of these sports activities are on the verge of turning into leisure companies. However nonetheless, even in these extremely commercialized sports activities, everybody performs by the identical guidelines. All people’s equal. Everybody respects the referee. The basic values ​​of sport are due to this fact at all times represented.

Then again, cash can induce to not settle for these guidelines. You need to take that under consideration. However general, sport has its values ​​and defends its values.