UIPM President Schormann pays tribute to Coubertin legacy as new IOC headquarters open

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann has congratulated colleagues at the International Olympic Committee on the opening of Olympic House, their new headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The building was hailed by IOC President Dr Thomas Bach as a “home for the entire Olympic movement” during an inauguration ceremony on June 23 attended by UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann, Vice President Joel Bouzou and Secretary General Shiny Fang. Dr Bach was flanked by his Vice Presidents, including UIPM 1st Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch, during the ceremony.

The legacy of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games and creator of Modern Pentathlon, is evident in the new building where a lifesize sculpture of the pioneering administrator stands. Tributes were paid to Coubertin’s legacy on the 125th anniversary of the first IOC Session, which he organised.

IOC President Dr Thomas Bach said at the inauguration ceremony: "On our 125th anniversary, we clearly see what a great visionary Pierre de Coubertin was.

"By bringing the entire world together in peaceful competition, the Olympic Games are a symbol of hope and peace for all humankind."

UIPM President Schormann said: “On behalf of our global pentathlon community we are proud to have taken part in the official opening of the new IOC headquarters, which stands as a wonderful monument to the history of the Olympic movement. It is also a powerful symbol of unity as we look to the future.

“The legacy of Coubertin has never been more visible than in recent weeks when the work of our founder has been celebrated across the Olympic movement. At UIPM we are committed to protecting Coubertin’s legacy while promoting sport as a vehicle for unity, inclusion and peace.

“We are committed to the goals of Olympic Agenda 2020 and look forward to developing our UIPM Sports movement in partnership with the IOC and other partners in the years to come.”