In 1999, the promotion of sustainable development became one of the fundamental objectives of the Olympic Movement when the International Olympic Committee adopted Agenda 21: Sport for Sustainable Development (multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_300.pdf).
From an initial focus on the role of sport in the development of critical life skills and the strengthening of the social fabric within nations, Olympic and Paralympic values have evolved to include a broader focus on advancing more sustainable futures for all those touched by the Games. This has introduced new legacy dimensions to the Olympic Movement, including the improvement of social and economic conditions in host communities, innovation in conservation and management of natural resources related to the delivery of the Games and increased inclusion of youth, women and indigenous peoples in the benefits created by the Games.
At VANOC we believe sport in general, and the 2010 Winter Games in particular, can play a role in the ability of individuals, communities and organizations to make more sustainable choices in the course of daily living.
We concentrate our efforts on the following areas:
© 2009 The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Olympic and Paralympic Games photography © Getty Images, unless otherwise stated.