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As the Olympic torch tours the Republic of Korea on the road to the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, acting as a beacon of peace for the world, the IOC is also shining a light on the inspirational power of Olympism through a new promotional campaign. Entitled “Become the Light”, the campaign aims to promote the core values of Olympism by highlighting how Olympic athletes act as “lights”, or “beacons of positivity”, to spread the values of excellence, friendship and respect – not only during the Olympic Games, but 365 days of the year. “Sport is about building bridges, bringing people together in the spirit of friendship and respect,” says IOC President Thomas Bach. “In a world of uncertainties, the message that our shared humanity is greater than the forces that divide us is more relevant than ever before. Athletes carry the light and inspire us, giving us all hope that a better world is possible. We are pleased to be able to continue our close cooperation with UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency) and our support for refugees as part of this campaign.” The campaign includes a series of inspirational fi lms that feature athletes emanating light while competing in winter sports, and urges members of the public to “Become the Light” themselves by getting active. By linking their fi tness tracking devices to a dedicated online hub, people all over the world can then make a “physical” donation to the campaign every time they exercise. And for every step they take, the IOC will convert their efforts into sustainable lighting solutions for the Mahama refugee camp in Rwanda. Those living in the camp are among 1.2 billion people around the world who suffer from light poverty, meaning they have no access to electric lighting, and that when the sun goes down, their ability to study, work or practise sport is severely limited. The IOC has partnered with UNHCR to help provide sustainable lighting to the camp through the Become the Light campaign, as part of its ongoing efforts to help refugees and build a better world through sport. “Sport can be a lifeline for young refugees uprooted by confl ict and violence, forced to abandon their homes, communities and even their families. Sport restores childhood. It helps to heal and restore a sense of normalcy, offering a safe space where children can grow, learn and develop,” explains UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. “By providing sustainable, solar powered lighting in refugee camps, we can boost sport and education opportunities for young refugees.” ■ To fi nd out more information, watch the fi lms and share your own activity on the Olympic Channel’s campaign hub, visit olympicchannel.com/light INSPIRING THE WORLD TO ‘BECOME THE LIGHT’ 1.2 around the world suffer from light poverty BILLION PEOPLE PYEONGCHANG 2018 PREVIEW 38 OLYMPIC REVIEW