"Ubuntu"at the Olympic Opening Ceremony : Shared by Avery and Jim Mohan

Avery,

You are my guardian angel and hope for the future. The phrase “Ubuntu “ is one of my favorites. It was used by the former South African leader Nelson Mandela after he was released from 27 years in prison. 

Thanks for bringing back his memory and reminding me of the significance of “Ubuntu”.

Uncle Jimmy (Jim Mohan)

IOC President's speech - Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony

Source: Olympics.com (IOC official website)

Click here for the Speech:
 
Date: February 6, 2026

Key Context: 

This was Kirsty Coventry's first opening ceremony speech as IOC President. She became the first woman to officially declare an Olympic Games open. The ceremony took place today at San Siro Stadium in Milan.

"In Africa, where I'm from, we have a word: ubuntu. It means: I am because we are. That we can only rise by lifting others. That our strength comes from caring for each other. 

No matter where you come from, we all know this spirit – it lives and breathes in every community. I see this spirit most clearly at the Olympic Games. Where athletes from every corner of our world compete fiercely – but also respect, support and inspire one another. They remind us that we are all connected, that our strength comes from how we treat each other, and that the best of humanity is found in courage, compassion and kindness. So let these Games be a celebration of what unites us – of everything that makes us human."