UN adopts Olympic Truce resolution to support London 2012 Games

Oct 17, 2011, 17:42 GMT

New York - The UN General Assembly adopted Monday a resolution supporting a truce in hostilities during the Olympic Games in London next year.

The 193-nation assembly called for people around the world to 'individually and collectively' observe the Olympic Truce from the start of the Olympiad to the end of the Paralympic Games, which will take place in the summer in London.

The Olympic Truce has been adopted by the UN before Olympic Games since early 1993 to highlight the importance of athletic events as a contribution to peace.

Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organizing Committee, told the assembly that the London 2012 Games are focused on young people and on giving them a voice. London has committed 36 million dollars to deliver an innovative global sports programme called International Inspiration.

'Aimed at young people from all backgrounds, it goes to the heart and soul of our vision for the London 2012 Games and Olympic Truce,' said Coe, a British Olympic champion middle-distance runner.

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