The Olympic Congress in Copenhagen has explored ways of working better with Governments while maintaining total freedom.

Lord Colin Moynihan, Chairman of the British Olympic Association, told the Congress government involvement in sport has grown rapidly and national Olympic committees and other sporting bodies needed to work with it.

“There is no point going against the grain,” he said.

”Sport touches all facets of government but at the same time the Olympic movement must maintain its freedom”.

Speakers proposed better communication and co-operation and the “need to work in harmony with government while retaining complete autonomy”.

It was also suggested government needed to better understand the role of sporting organisations and national Olympic committees who educate youth through sport so they can become better citizens.

The Congress was told the Olympic ideals of honesty and fair play were the “greatest social force for good” and governments need to better understand the impact sport has on society.

Twelve hundred delegates from the Olympic family, including International Federations and National Olympic Committees, as well as coaches, trainers, academics, medical specialists and representatives of the public and the media are taking part in the three-day Congress.

Their recommendations will be forwarded to the decision-making bodies of the IOC and other relevant stakeholders.

Mike Tancred - AOC
Copenhagen