Olympic flame Oct. 25, 2006

The first Olympic Games embraced, in equal measures – Sport, Culture and Education, and, as recently as the 1948 London Olympics, medals were awarded for such as poetry, painting and sculpture. Over the years the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has drifted away from those original principals, preferring to concentrate on sporting/ athletic activities. However, the IOC requires culture and education to be promoted as part of the Olympic programme but delegates that responsibility to the country hosting the games.

The British government believes that culture and education have key roles to play in the 2012 Games. Certain cultural traditions are observed at every Olympics, such as carrying the Olympic flame (torch) around the World prior to the opening of the Games; the opening and closing ceremonies are mandatory; all other cultural and educational activities are optional.

Between the Beijing (2008) and London Games, the British Olympic Committee (BOC) will promote a Cultural Olympiad in the United Kingdom, providing a programme over and above that which is required by the IOC. The UK government has asked the BOC to prepare guidelines, detailing what will happen, as quickly as possible. It hopes that a strong framework will be established that can be built upon by those countries staging future Olympiads. UK government is adamant that culture and Education must sit proudly alongside sport.

The United Kingdom is a country of many cultures and it is for those people that we host the Olympics. We must stage a ‘one planet’ sustainable Olympic Games that embraces much more than just sport. We are looking for ‘landmark’ events that will give ordinary people a chance to showcase their talents. At the moment the process is ill defined. We should promote citizenship and it is important that the regions are made to feel that they are an essential part of the process.

Q: Will Olympic medals be awarded for Cultural Olympiad events?
A: Sadly, no.