The President of FICTS – Fédération Internationale Cinéma Télévision Sportifs Prof. Franco Ascani, Member of the “Commission for Culture and Olympic Heritage” of the IOC (International Olympic Committee), issued the following statement in the International Press Conference:
“The Olympic and Paralympic Games of Pyeongchang, “Youth Festival”, will be for the 116 Countries of FICTS an important opportunity to meet with all those who intend to develop and promote the “culture through the images of sport” among the citizens of the different nations with different lifestyles. We are against any form of discrimination and we believe that we must ensure that nothing interferes with the Olympic Games which must be a demonstration of unity in diversity. The Olympic spirit of peace and friendship has brought together two parts that for too long have been divided bringing true hope for a brighter future for everyone on the Korean peninsula. The Olympic values, as an instrument of affirmation of human dignity on the world stage, were – even before starting – protagonists of an exemplary peace action. It is important for Olympism to develop a coalition of sport, culture and education in all its forms, encouraging, with the support of the Institutions, exchanges and promoting the diversity of cultures, reinforcing mutual respect between people in the name of universality, friendship , brotherhood, solidarity, fair play, ethics, tolerance, respect, peace and self-discipline.
The FICTS, an organization recognized by the IOC (International Olympic Committee), continues its mission to promote and increase the development of the Olympic values and the culture of the disciplines through the effective use of the power of the sports image in collaboration with the Members of the Olympic Family, the International Federations, the National Olympic Committees, the Olympic Museums and the Olympic Academies to the whole world of sports and communication”.