The spirit of Olympism, the driving force and anchor of the global competition, "is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example, social responsibility and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles" (The Olympic Charter 2011). Additionally, the modern Olympic movement was designed, in principle, "to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of humankind, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity" and "to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced in accordance with Olympism and its values" (The Olympic Charter 2011). These statements are tangible in the Olympic flag and symbol.

The five interlocking rings are globally recognized as the symbol of the massive sporting competition. The circles each have their own color, representing one of the five inhabited continents: blue represents Europe, yellow represents Asia, black represents Africa, green represents Australia/Oceania, and red represents the Americas. The circles as geometrical shapes represent "continuity, survival and longevity, completeness and containment" (Jasim et al 100), and the interlocking nature of the rings symbolizes the global unity that the Olympic movement strives to obtain. Finally, in accordance to its mission, the Olympic movement is adamant that the games "are competitions between athletes in individual or team events and not between countries" (The Olympic Charter 2011).