It is clear in this quote, taken from his Letter to the Members of the International Olympic Committee in January of 1919, that Baron Pierre de Coubertin wanted the Olympic Movement and sport to serve as a social force in the post-war recovery, the transformation of cities and states back to civic society.  This is the foundation of Coubertin’s efforts to harness sport to rebuild after the war and foster unity among nations. 

“Athleticism has already made its mark in education. Now it must lend effective support to the social transformation that the war has made inevitable, and that everyone must welcome with a loyal and joyful heart.”