Olympic Societies meet in Paris as new Coubertin translation unveiled
by Philip Barker at Morning Panorama 2e Arrondissement, Paris
A new Arabic translation of Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s writings has been presented at a meeting of ISOH members, the International Pierre de Coubertin (IPCC) Committee, the International Fair Play Committee (IFPC) and Panathlon International during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
International Pierre de Coubertin Committee (IPCC) President Stephan Wassong was on hand to receive one of the first copies of the translated work from Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum Director Abdulla Al Mulla.
“It is not only about the ideas, but we are delighted there has been a collaboration with the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum in the development of this project to translate the work into Arabic,” said Wassong.
The translation had been a decade in the making.
The finished volume includes a foreword by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and an introduction from IPCC President Wassong.
“Credit has to be given to the late Norbert Müller for initiating this project more than ten years ago. It opens up Coubertin’s work to more than 220 million Arabic speakers, but it could not have been completed without the enthusiastic and tireless support of Abdullah al Mulla,” Wassong insisted.
The gathering, the first of its kind between IOC-recognised organisations had been coordinated by ISOH Treasurer Hector Argüelles with the intention of developing greater links between the four organisations.
“We have so much knowledge in this room it is our duty to pass this on,” said ISOH President Christian Wacker as he welcomed a gathering of more than 60.
They included IOC Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage Director Angelita Teo and Olympic Studies Centre Head Maria Bogner.
Such an event would not have been possible three years ago at the Tokyo Games because of COVID.
“This is a good idea that we meet together, but this is so good to be together because at COVID time we were having to do this online but now we can get together it is very important that we meet and greet,” Wacker insisted.
Guests were given a brief introduction to ISOH’s work, which now embraces both the Journal of Olympic History and a strong online presence.
“It is dedicated towards promotion of the Olympic movement dedicated to Olympic research
and gathering material which disseminates the story,” Wacker added.
“The Paris Olympics is an occasion to initiate the cooperation between our organisations,” said Fair Play Committee (CIFP) Secretary Sunil Sabharwal, who was joined by Fair Play Committee President Jeno Kamuti, a fencing medallist in 1968 and 1972.
The CIFP had been founded in Paris in 1963 and it is 60 years since the first Fair Play award was made to Italian bobsleigh driver Eugenio Monti for his sportsmanship to British rivals Tony Nash and Robin Dixon during the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck.
“To highlight fair play once a year is not enough,” insisted Sabharwal.
The meeting also included representatives of Panathlon International, an organisation founded in 1951 to promote the sporting ideal.
“We try to educate young people so that they understand what Fair Play is,” said Panathlon International President Pierre Zappelli.
The Panathlon founded in 1951 in Venice, now has headquarters in the Italian town of Rapallo and offices in Lausanne and Brussels.
Their activities include initiatives to protect children’s rights, the environment and other initiatives.
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