The IOC coordinates what’s known as the Olympic movement, the technical term for the constellation of committees,
federations and other bodies that puts on spectacular sporting competitions every two years.
That includes overseeing the 206 national Olympic committees and 35 international sports federations. The IOC also supervises the specific organizing committees formed for every one of the Olympic Games, seven years before the competitions begin.
The IOC’s 101 members, many of whom are former athletes, meet at least once a year to make important decisions.
They’re responsible for selecting where future Olympic Games will occur, electing their leaders, choosing new Olympic sports and making amendments to the Olympic Charter. The IOC’s own officials select candidates for membership in the committee.
Thomas Bach, a German, has served as IOC president since 2013. He regularly convenes its executive board. He represents the IOC during the Games.
The IOC also oversees several humanitarian initiatives such as Peace and Development through Sport,the Olympic Refugee team and the Olympic Solidarity program. The committee has observer status with the United Nations and promotes a worldwide symbolic ceasefire during the Games known as the Olympic Truce resolution.
