The IOC  (International Olympic Committee) is the organization that governs the games. It decides which sports and events are held at the games. The IOC also selects the host city for the summer and winter games, at least seven years before they take place. Cities that want the games must show that

  • they have enough stadiums for all events
  • they have enough room for all the athletes
  • they can provide safety for the athletes
  • they can transport athletes and spectators from one event to another
  • they can build an Olympic village where all athletes live during the games.



Headquarters of the IOC

IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland
Image:Gzzz, CC BY-SA 4.0,
via Wikimedia Commons 



Words

  • event = one of the races and competitions that are parts of the games
  • govern = here: set the rules and make decisions
  • host city = the city that organizes the games
  • provide = give, offer
  • safety = not be in danger
  • select = choose
  • spectators = the people who watch an event in a stadium or arena