“The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity.” Fundamental Principles of Olympism, Olympic Charter.   

The IOC President, Thomas Bach, regularly emphasizes that “sport is not just physical activity; it promotes health and helps prevent, or even cure, the diseases of modern civilization. It also is an educational tool which fosters cognitive development; teaches social behaviour; and helps to integrate communities”.  

The IOC cooperates with partners, including numerous United Nations agencies, as well as international governmental and nongovernmental institutions, on projects which use sport as a tool for development and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

National Olympic Committees also support these activities locally through their sports expertise and networks. Several International Federations have also developed initiatives in this field.

Source: https://www.olympic.org/development-through-sport