Key Inspirational Moments with WHO Director at the Olympic Games

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games took place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11. Marking the third time Paris has hosted the Olympics. On that occasion, WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared several inspirational posts on social media:

1. “On my way to Paris 2024. Honoured and humbled to be one of the Olympic Torch bearers on Friday. Thank you Olympics and President Thomas Bach for the invitation once again.”

Thomas Bach is the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Bach’s presidency has been marked by efforts to modernize the Olympic movement, address issues such as doping and corruption, and adapt the Games to changing global contexts.

2. The World Health Organization is actively involved in the Paris Olympics across various areas, collaborating with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and France to ensure that the world’s premier sporting event, which officially begins this Friday, is safe and healthy for both spectators and athletes. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared his thoughts on WHO participation in the Paris Olympics:

“Just as athletes and fans around the world have been preparing for the Paris 2024, WHO has been working with the Olympics
and the Government of France to make sure these Games are healthy and safe for everyone involved.

From promoting physical activity to protecting people from a range of health threats, WHO has been proud to play its part in making the Paris Olympics a success.”

Read more about WHO participation in the Paris Olympics.

3. The Olympic flame  represents the spirit and unity of the Games. On July 26, 2024, the lighting of the Olympic flame marked the start of the festivities. WHO Director shared his experience on carrying the flame by torchbearers through a relay:

“Great honour to kick off the final leg of the Paris2024 torch relay this morning, alongside many friends, colleagues and peace champions. May this torch flame be a symbol of hope, unity and above all peace that our planet urgently needs.”

4.  “We stand and call for peace.”

5.“Thank you, my friend, Olympics President Thomas Bach, for the honour to take part in the Paris2024 torch relay.

I enjoyed it as much as I’ve enjoyed our partnership to motivate people around the world to aim higher, faster, stronger for their health. Lets Move, together!”

6. The Olympic Laurel is an honor awarded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to education, culture, and the Olympic movement beyond athletics. Filippo Grandi received the Olympics Laurel award during the opening ceremony.

“Congratulations, my friend Filippo Grandi, on the well-deserved honour of the Olympics Laurel at the Games. Thanks to you and UN Refugee Agency for all you do!”

7. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, met with Catherine Vautrin, the French Minister for Health and Solidarity. This meeting was significant as it was part of the preparations and discussions related to the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus offered some reflections on the meeting:

“Held wide-ranging talks with Health Minister Catherine Vautrin on the sidelines of the immensely exciting Paris2024 Games. We discussed preparations for this year’s opening of the WHO Academy in Lyon: France’s support of the Pandemic Accord; and our joint work to fight cholera.

We also spoke about the WHO Investment Round, to help ensure sustainable and flexible resourcing for our work to advance global health.”

8. As the Olympic Games drew to a close, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared a post on LinkedIn:

“As the Paris2024 torch flame is extinguished, let’s continue to cherish the spirit of solidarity, unity and dedication toward a brighter future for all.

World Health Organization has been proud to partner with the International Olympic Committee – IOC and we wish the Paralympics a great upcoming Games!

Faster, higher, stronger — together!”

9. To conclude, here are inspirational quotes, that Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared on his X:

“In a world plagued by wars, the Olympics serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity. Let’s channel the spirit of peace and sportsmanship to create a brighter future for all.”

“Like the Olympic flame, let peace shine bright. Together, let’s embody unity and understanding to create a world where hope prevails.”

Other posts featuring Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on OncoDaily.