Olympic, UN values more important than ever

As Geneva's United Nations (UN) offices welcomed the Rio de Janeiro Games' Olympic flame Friday, which was lit in Greece last week, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted the importance of Olympic and UN values in a world where such principles are all too often ensconced.

"This is the flame of passion that burns in the hearts of athletes and fans. It is the eternal flame representing timeless values that can never be extinguished. And most of all, this flame is a beacon of solidarity with all peoples of the world," he said at the event "Celebrating the Olympic spirit" in the UN's emblematic Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room.

Together with other high level representatives including International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, Brazil's Minister for Sport Ricardo Leyser and President of the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee Carlos Nuzman, dignitaries lauded the positive effects sports have on people and societies across the globe.

"In this fragile world, the Olympic values of solidarity and peace are more important than ever. In ancient times as today, the Olympic Games are a message of hope and peace," said Bach.

Reflecting the committee's commitment to vulnerable populations and in light of global humanitarian crises, this summer's Olympic Games will host an Olympic team of refugees.

"For the first time in history, talented athletes who have been forced to flee their homes will get a chance to chase gold," Ban explained.

"Their fellow refugees will see outstanding contenders who give hope to all. And the world will see refugees the way they deserve to be seen: as talented, strong, and inspiring people," he added.

This year's Summer Olympic Games, the first to take place in South America, will kick off on Aug. 5 and run until Aug. 21.