"We have all seen how sport can be a force to bring people together and the Village is at the heart of this phenomenon - athletes will set an example for the world by living in harmony", she added.

The final speech was given by Bach, who repeated his views on the wider role of the Olympic Movement, which he claimed was "more than just a sporting event but something which can never be overshadowed by politics.

"It is a mission of peace which sends a powerful message to the world and allows people with different perspectives to live side by side in harmony". 

Once again, Bach also expressed "grief for victims of terrorists, especially in Volgograd", before claiming "our presence today is a rebuke to those who stand in contrast to these values".

Former IOC President Jaques Rogge and Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak joined Thomas Bach at the ceremony to unveil the Olympic Truce Wall in the Olympic Village
©Getty Images



Bach, followed by Kozak, Bokel, Rogge and then the rest of the IOC delegation, wrote on the symbolic wall - traditionally installed a few days before the opening of the Games to enable competitors from different countries to leave their wishes for maintaining world peace and supporting the idea of an Olympic Truce.

The Greek Olympic Truce tradition dates back to the 8th century BC and has since served as a sacred principle of the Olympic Games.

It was updated by the IOC in 1992, before they set up the international organsation Olympic Truce in 2000 to honour of this tradition.

A message to future generations is already inscribed on the Wall in Sochi, welcoming athletes to the Village and reminding them of the significance of the Truce before concluding with the rallying call to "observe the Olympic Truce and strive for long-term world peace".

Similar wall's have been unveiled in the other Olympic Village sites in Sochi.

Bach was once again in relaxed mood joking and recognising members of the German team and playing an impromptu table-tennis match with Australian IOC member James Tomkins.

Thomas Bach showed that, if not a dab hand, he was at least a capable table tennis player when he took to the table in the Olympic Village ©ITG


The atmosphere was low-key and relaxed throughout the tour with IOC members conveying the feeling that all is well with the Games in Sochi so far. 

The Village and accommodation was praised by various members, including Taiwan's C K Wu, who pointed out that the Village has been built essentially from scratch on marshland in less than seven years.

Rogge, meanwhile, now Honorary IOC President after finishing his 12 years in charge last year, admitted that it was great to see a completed Sochi after being involved in the organisation of the event for so long.

He added, with a wry smile, that it was nice to be at an Olympic Games without the pressure of being the IOC President.