The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.

May joy and good fellowship reign, and in this manner, may the Olympic Torch pursue its way through ages, increasing friendly understanding among nations, for the good of a humanity always more enthusiastic, more courageous and more pure.

Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of a good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.

Success comprises in itself the seeds of its own decline and sport is not spared by this law.

The six colors, including the white background, represent the colors of all the world's flags ... this is a true international emblem.

The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.

The Olympic flag [] has a white background, with five interlaced rings in the centre: blue, yellow, black, green and red []. This design is symbolic; it represents the five continents of the world, united by Olympism, while the six colours are those that appear on all the national flags of the world at the present time.