Given The Opportunity For Jokowi To Speak, IOC President Advertises Sports That Brings World Peace

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

BALI President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach said that sports are an important aspect that can be a separate solution in the spotlight of the COVID-19 issue.

According to him, sport is the best way to build public health.

"The global pandemic clarifies the importance of our physical and mental health. Sports can save lives," he said in Nusa Dua, Bali on Tuesday, November 15.

Thomas explained, on this basis, his party is now intensively building collaborations with various parties that were never previously carried out.

"This is why the international Olympic committee is working with the world health organization (WHO) to promote a healthy and resilient society," he said.

Thomas added that recently the IOC has been aggressively encouraging Olympic athletes to educate the public regarding the healthy lifestyle campaign.

"Olympic athletes play an important role as role models for a healthy lifestyle," he stressed.

Furthermore, Thomas said, also if the Olympics and sports could spread peace to the world.

"If sport becomes a tool to achieve political goals then this will be a mess, because the core of international sport is to become a unifying force. We need the participation of all leaders to accept the rules that are now involved in confrontation or war," he added.

For information, the leader of the International Olympic Committee was given the opportunity by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to express his views on the official agenda of the G20 Summit.

In addition to the IOC President, the head of state also invited the President of the FEudration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Gianni Infantino to give an official statement.

"This is why I sincerely ask you to give us the opportunity to contribute to peace and understanding of sports. Supporting sports autonomy as you previously had in UN Resolution and Declaration. We don't have many opportunities where all mankind can put aside differences to work together in peace in sports," said Thomas.