IOC Officially Inaugurates Olympic House & Celebrates 125th Anniversary

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially opened Olympic House on June 23 - one of the most sustainable buildings in the world. The inauguration was the highlight of the very emblematic and emotional celebrations to mark the 125 thanniversary of the IOC, which was founded on 23rd June 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin.

The ceremony was attended by 700 guests, including the President of the Swiss Confederation, Ueli Maurer; the IOC Members; the Presidents of the 206 National Olympic Committees and the International Sports Federations, among them FIS President Gian Franco Kasper and Secretary General Sarah Lewis. Also in attendance were more than 30 Olympic medallists who, together with the Olympic medallists amongst the IOC Members, have won more than 125 medals at the Olympic Games.

For the traditional ribbon-cutting at the foot of the iconic unity staircase of Olympic House, IOC President Bach was joined by President Ueli Maurer, the IOC Executive Board members, the President of the Vaud Council of State, Nuria Gorrite; Council of State members Pascal Broulis and Philippe Leuba; the Mayor of Lausanne, Grégoire Junod; and a number of Olympic medallists.

Addressing the Olympians attending the ceremony, President Bach, himself an Olympic champion in fencing, said: “By bringing the entire world together in peaceful competition, the Olympic Games are a symbol of hope and peace for all humankind. The ones who embody this message are the Olympic athletes. This is why we have among us today Olympic athletes who represent over 125 Olympic medals. They gave the Olympic Games the magic moments that have defined us for 125 years. Therefore, I say to all my fellow Olympians: welcome home.”

The IOC President continued: “To my dear friends and colleagues, the IOC Members; to the 206 National Olympic Committees; and to the International Sport Federations; to all of you, the Olympic family gathered here today I say: welcome home.” 

The ceremony, which combined artistic performances with personal stories and testimonials, was also a moment to look back at the 125 years of the IOC’s history and pay tribute to Pierre de Coubertin, but also to look to the future of the Olympic Movement.