www.olympic.orgOLYMPIC REVIEW7PRESIDENT ROGGE FOREWORDFew human activities can match the ability of sport to generate interest and passion on such a large scale. It is that capacity to forge strong human connections that makes sport such a potentially powerful force for good. Sport can bridge cultural differences, promotetolerance, encourage economic and socialdevelopment and lead people to healthier and more fulfilling lives.Belief in the power of sport as a force for good,especially among young people, is a core tenet of the Olympic Movement. Our founder, Pierre deCoubertin, was an educational reformer who believedthat sport, education and culture were intertwined,and that a healthy body and a healthy mind go hand-in-hand.His vision appears to be more relevant than ever.The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that 60% of the world's population fails to get enoughphysical activity. Youth obesity and inactivity are on therise in countries around the world, and far too manyyoung people lack access to parks, playgrounds,athletics fields and gymnasiums.The Youth Olympic Games helps address thosechallenges by acting on Coubertin's vision in newways. The first Winter Youth Olympic Games inInnsbruck early next year will build on the success oflast year's inaugural Youth Olympic Games inSingapore by combining sport, education and culturefor winter sport competitors.When they are not testing their abilities on thesnow and ice, the young participants will be learningwith and from each other and creating lastingfriendships. They will also have opportunities to learnfrom athlete role models in their respective sports.The Youth Olympic Games is just one of manyways the International Olympic Committee is puttingsport to work for youth. We are collaborating withUNESCO, the World Food Programme and other UNagencies on initiatives targeting young people. We aresupporting sports projects and community centres. We are moving ahead with plans for a second YouthOlympic Development Centre in Haiti, based on theone in Zambia. As an important adjunct to these efforts, we are also finding new ways to engage with young people. Weare not just talking to them, we are listening to them.We have significantly increased our use ofFacebook and other social media platforms. Late lastyear, the 7th World Conference on Sport, Educationand Culture in Durban included direct participation byyouth delegates for the first time. Young people -specifically girls -have also been invited to participatein the 5th World Conference on Women and Sport in LosAngeles in February. The final plenary session at that gathering will bededicated to youth under the theme, "Growing up in a gender-balanced sporting society." By listening to young people, responding to theirconcerns and sharing the benefits of sport with themin new ways, we will not only ensure the vibrancy of the Olympic Movement, we will help build a betterfuture for generations to come. ?FOREWORDBY JACQUESROGGEPRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE