Closing Ceremony of the XllIth Winter Games
In his remarks at the closing ceremony of the Xlllth Winter
Games, Lord Killanin issued a moving appeal for unity and
mutual understanding among the peoples of the world
through the medium of the Olympic Games. Here is the
complete text of the President of the IOC’s address.
“ In the name of the International Olympic Committee, I
offer to the President and to the people of the United
States of America our grateful thanks. I particularly would
like to thank the people of Lake Placid, not only those
whose names have appeared on the programmes, but the
many who have worked behind the scenes and at times
even have been criticised. We know how hard they have
worked and how much they have contributed to the success of these Games. I
would like to thank, and apologise for turning my back on them, the competitors,
for without the competitors there would be no Games. I would like to thank all
“the officials from the national and International Federations and also the spec-
tators: The spectators of these Games have contributed to the understanding which
we of the Olympic movement believe in—an understanding which is without race,
religion or colour. l would like to thank the media—and I hope at this moment
there is no commercial break—and all those who have contributed to the success
of the Games. Ladies and Gentlemen, I feel these Games here have proved that
we do something to contribute to the mutual understanding of the world... what
we have in common and not what our differences are. If we can all come to-
gether it will be for a better world and we shall avoid the holocaust which may
well be upon us if we are not careful. I declare the XIIIth Winter Games closed,
and in accordance with tradition, I call upon the youth of all countries to assemble
four years from now at Sarajevo, there to celebrate with us the XIVth Olympic
Winter Games. Thank you. ”
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