Colonialism and the Olympic Games founder of the modern Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin, sport and colonialism were logical companions. He called sports "a vigorous instrument of the disciplining" of colonized people, and viewed it as a calming force in the colonies. O'Bonsawin writes that Olympism, as a "philosophy", speaks "in truisms of equity, anti-discrimination, mutual recognition and respect, tolerance and solidarity." But she and other critics argue that in reality Olympism serves as an "apologetic" for a movement that is actually "deeply politicized and xenophobic." O'Bonsawin also argues that in encouraging Olympic participants to "cast aside everyday lived experiences...shaped by such factors as race,
President of the International Olympic Committee President of the International Olympic Committee The President of the International Olympic Committee is head of the Executive Board that assumes the general overall responsibility for the administration of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the management of its affairs. The IOC Executive Board consists of the President, four Vice-Presidents and ten other IOC members; all of the board members are elected by the IOC Session, using a secret ballot, by a majority vote. The IOC organizes the modern Olympic Games, held every two years, alternating summer and winter Games (each every four years). The IOC President holds the office