International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Definition

The International Olympic Committee is an international non-governmental organization that organizes the modern Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games, held in summer and winter, every four years.

Analogy

Think of the IOC as a party planner. Just like how a party planner coordinates all aspects of a party from venue to food to entertainment, the IOC plans and oversees all aspects of the Olympics including selecting host cities, setting rules, coordinating with local organizing committees, etc.

Related terms

National Olympic Committees (NOCs): These are national constituents of the worldwide Olympic movement. They are responsible for organizing their people's participation in the Olympics.

Olympic Charter: This is a set of rules and guidelines for the organization of the Olympic Games, and for governing the Olympic movement. It's like the constitution for Olympics.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): An international independent agency composed and funded by sport organizations and governments. Its key activities include scientific research, education, development of anti-doping capacities, investigations into doping violations.