(ATR) Celebrating Olympians, creating meaningful legacy and making the world a better place through sport – these were the powerful themes portrayed at the official opening of the Olympians Reunion Centre (ORC) by EY.
Situated at the iconic Clube de Regatas do Flamengo in Rio for the duration of the Games, the official opening of the ORC signaled the start of a busy schedule of events and activities. Hosted in association with the World Olympians Association (WOA), the member body for Olympians worldwide, the ORC is designed to further the EY ambition to provide real value and leave a positive, lasting legacy following the Games.
The venue was officially declared open by WOA Patron, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. Himself a five-time Olympian in bobsleigh, the Prince spoke of the responsibility that comes with the honor of being an Olympian, and focused strongly on his belief in making the world a better place through sport.
"If we could all help move the world in a slightly different way, a more sustainable way, we could embrace all countries and all levels of society," he said.
"That is what the Olympic values do to people who are connected to them. At the forefront of that are the Olympians and by their exchange with other Olympians they might be able to build a more peaceful and more sustainable world."
Other special guest speakers included International Olympic Committee Vice President Nawal El Moutawakel and WOA President, Joël Bouzou, who conceived the idea of the ORC four years ago and has worked tirelessly to refresh the organization and bring the Olympic philosophy to life in Rio.
"Olympians are more than champions," said Bouzou, who won bronze in modern pentathlon in 1984.
"They have the power to use the neutrality of sport to do good. They can serve as role models and bring communities together. We need to work to ensure that Olympians live the Olympic values every day."
The ORC will celebrate Olympians of all ages and from all countries - the only venue designed for Olympians from past Games to reunite. Through its support, EY is aligning its broader purpose of building a better working world with the Olympic promise of building a better and more peaceful world through sport.
EY Global Chairman and CEO Mark Weinberger spoke passionately about his firm’s belief in creating legacy.
"Joining forces with the World Olympians Association to host the Olympians Reunion Centre – which is all about celebrating the legacy of Olympians and forging connections between them – represents the perfect opportunity to help us achieve those aims," Weinberger said.
"Athletes have demonstrated excellence and long, hard work both as teams and individually. They are successful and they know what it takes to get it done. They are very self motivated, they inspire other people, they work hard to become successful and make others successful and that’s what you look for in anyone you want to hire in business.
"So we have seen tremendous characteristics in those athletes who have been successful to carry over into business and so we are trying to foster that wherever we can."
#Rio2016ORC
Written by Alice Wheeler in Rio de Janeiro.
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