Salutation by the International Pierre De Coubertin Committee
Esteemed Dr. Avramidis, I was pleased to learn about the International Experts Symposium on Lifesaving as Olympic Sport. With my academic and professional background on sport science, history and Olympism, I understand the significance of organizing an event that aims to raise the level of humanitarian sport and, at the same time, it will take place in Greece, the land that left a heritage to the world that continues since the ancient times.
This symposium corresponds deeply with the ideals and vision of Pierre De Coubertin and our organization for at least 3 substantial reasons. It meets our constitutional objectives to work with national and international organizations that aim to disseminate the Olympic Spirit and to contribute to human development for finding solutions to current problems, in this case, drowning. Lastly, one of the founders of our institution, Raymond Pittet, was the founder of the Federation Internationale de Sauvetage Aquatique, the first ever international lifesaving organization, which preceded the International Life Saving Federation.
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The saving of lives through sport follows Pierre de Coubertin’s educational leitmotifs to reinstate the Olympic Games and promote sports as a tool for character development, social change, and transcultural respect. Our Olympic aspiration deserves serious consideration.
The International Pierre De Coubertin Committee was founded in 1975 in Lausanne, the Olympic capital, to preserve, analyse and disseminate the works and thoughts of Pierre de Coubertin.
Our Committee endorses the symposium and authorizes the use of our logo in the program brochure. As I cannot physically attend the event due to professional commitments, I will address the fellow participating experts and organizations remotely, extending my wishes to the Greek Lifesaving Sports Association for their instrumental role, the Hellenic Olympic Committee for hosting the event and the International Life Saving Federation for the Olympic endeavors of the sport that “saves lives”. Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Stephan Wassong
President
International Pierre De Coubertin Committee
