Thomas Bach has paid tribute to Pierre de Coubertin ©Getty Images

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has paid tribute to Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the Modern Olympic Games, on the 78th anniversary of his death.

Bach laid a wreath at Coubertin's statue at IOC headquarters in Lausanne, during a small ceremony today.

He said: "We owe Baron Pierre de Coubertin a great deal.

"It is thanks to him that we exist as an organisation.

"It is also thanks to him that we have our headquarters here in Lausanne, where this year we celebrate 100 years since he made the Olympic Capital our home."

Thomas Bach at the Pierre de Coubertin statue in Lausanne
Thomas Bach at the Pierre de Coubertin statue in Lausanne ©Getty Images

Coubertin established the Olympic Movement and the IOC on June 23, 1894.

He was IOC President from 1896 to 1925 and in 1915 he moved the administrative offices of the IOC to Lausanne from Paris.

Celebrations marking the 100-year bond between the IOC and the city of Lausanne have taken place throughout 2015.

Coubertin died on September 2, 1937.

In accordance with his final wishes, his body was buried at the Bois de Vaux cemetery in Lausanne, and his heart was placed in a marble stele commemorating the revival of the Olympic Games in Olympia. 



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