From Inside the Games
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has attacked those who criticise the Olympic Movement but insisted that no organisation can be immune from wrongdoing however good its governance is.
Bach, speaking in a keynote address lasting almost an hour at today’s Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly here, spoke on a wide-range of issues, including ongoing anti-doping and corruption investigations.
Admitting that the IOC does face challenges, he nevertheless accused its critics of ignorance.
“We live in a world of mistrust against the establishment and we are considered to be part of this establishment,” Bach told the 1,300 delegates.
“We live in a world where people are more and more thinking in silos of their own opinion.
“People are not ready for a dialogue anymore.
“In a world of silos, they become aggressive of people who do not share their opinions.
“People start to think that because they are living in silos, that they are in possession of the sole and only truth.
“Yes, we’re living in a world where selfish interests appear to prevail and create more discrepancies in our world.
“Yes, we’re living in a world where they Olympic values of tolerance, respect, understanding and peace are more important than ever before.
“We have the determination and the courage and the will to promote and defend these values.”
