In re establishing the Olympic Games, Coubertin's goal was to encourage a better understanding among nations, through the linking of sport, education art and culture.

The ancient Greeks devoted themselves to the harmonious pursuit of physical, moral, cultural and artistical excellence and regarded the Olympic Games as the greatest expression of those values. The modern Olympic movement evolved from the ideals celebrated by the ancient Greeks.

In 1896, the first of the modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece. Since then, just as Coubertin had hoped, the long tradition of the modern games has offered an opportunity for the world's youth to gather in the spirit of friendship and learn the importance of values that transcend differences in nationality, geography and culture.

Nations gather, not for combat or debate, but the celebrate the hope of peace and the shared love of competition.