Lausanne, April 10, 2015 – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is today marking 100 years of its presence in Lausanne. On 10 April 1915, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Movement, decided in agreement with the City to establish the headquarters of the IOC in Lausanne.
One hundred years later, IOC President Thomas Bach, in the presence of the Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, Ueli Maurer, Lausanne Mayor Daniel Brélaz and State Councillor Philippe Leuba, officially marked this significant anniversary and kicked off the celebrations that will take place throughout the year across the city.
In the coming months, the local population will have the opportunity to join the centenary celebrations by taking part in a number of events including:
– 10 April – 15 October: A photo exhibition at landmark sites in Lausanne (Casino Montbenon, Villa Mon-Repos, the IOC headquarters in Vidy, the House of International Sport (MSI), Lausanne train station and The Olympic Museum)
– 26 June: Olympic Day Run. Long and short race: both will go past Olympic landmarks in the city and finish at the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium.
– 27-28 June: Open Day at the IOC headquarters, The Olympic Museum, Villa Mon-Repos and other Olympic locations in Lausanne.
– 12-15 October: Olympic Week, with sports activities for children and teenagers in Lausanne.
On occasion of its centenary, the IOC has decided to concentrate all its offices into one building, so symbolising the ties that have kept it united, keep it united today and will keep it united in future and for many years to come to this Swiss city.
For full information on the IOC, its links to Lausanne and its future with the city, visit the IOC website www.olympic.org.
(photo : the new IOC concept)