IOC President in Neuchâtel - The Challenge of the Games

FIG Office / Neuchâtel, September 20, 2006: Responding to an invitation by the Panathlon Club of Neuchâtel in celebration of its 25th Anniversary, President Jacques Rogge participated in a discussion on the future of the Olympic Games, organised at the University of Neuchâtel, just a stone's throw away from the future head office of the FIG. The IOC's President was accompanied by his colleagues and friends René Fasel (LIHG), Denis Oswald (FISA) and Hein Verbruggen, current President of the Evaluation Commission for Beijing 2008.

Doping and Human Rights
In his introduction, Jacques Rogge reiterated that although the IOC is an effective entity, it must provide for its future by continually adapting its structures.  The quality of organisation, the magnitude of the Games, the attractiveness of sport and safety are all keys to success as well as permanent concerns for the IOC.

Doping has come a long way in terms of development and the often passionate opinions heard from jam-packed grandstands. In response to a sceptic audience, René Fasel averred that an athlete bedecked with a Gold medal does not necessarily use drugs, but is the best by default.

The 2008 Games in Beijing and Human Rights in the People's Republic of China have drawn the attention of the public. In this regard, President Rogge clearly stated the IOC's position, the values it defends and the limits of its activity. Hein Verbruggen, Supervisor of preparations for the Olympic Games is optimistic about the work in progress and the motivation of the Chinese.

Moderator of the Round Table Denis Oswald emphasised the extraordinary values conveyed by the Olympic Spirit, its Games and its Movement. In his concluding remarks, he expressed his desire that young people worldwide would cultivate this Spirit and that the emotions of the Olympic Games would endure.