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• Presentation of practical issues (Olympic Education Programmes, gigantism,
etc.);
• Special sessions with scientists who specialize in Olympic subjects;
• Special training seminars for members and executives.
Through sports and artistic activities, participants are initiated in the principles of
harmonious education, voluntary involvement in sport, self-improvement, and the
concepts of peace, tolerance, respect, and understanding. These events provide participants
with the opportunity to learn about different aspects of Olympic education
that may have been previously unknown to them. Together the above constitutes
part of the operating philosophy of the Academy.
Ethical knowledge concerns the code of conduct which each participant adheres
to whilst at the Academy. In this unique environment students can experience the
factors needed to achieve peaceful coexistence of diverse peoples from different,
political, social, and economic backgrounds. This becomes a test for all.
Thus, participants have the unique opportunity to get to know people who belong
to other cultural zones of the world. We believe this helps to promote the harmonious
development of humankind by achieving a greater understanding and cultural
awareness.
From 1961 to 1969, the activities of the IOA were limited to an annual session.
Since then, however, we have seen an ongoing expansion in the programmes it now
offers. For example, since 1969 the Academy has hosted over 100 further sessions,
meetings, and congresses. At the end of the 1970's we began to discuss the need for
Olympic Education Programmes. Twenty-six years later we are pleased to see that
many countries have already developed such programmes and lots of others have
begun to initiate programmes.
The IOA's programme includes annual international sessions for: undergraduate
students and trainees, post graduate students and sports journalists. Furthermore alternate
annual international sessions are held for: senior teaching staff, members and
employees of the NOCs and International Federations, directors and senior staff of
higher institutes of physical education, and directors of National Olympic Academies.
In addition, there are numerous congresses and other training sessions.
The session for young participants always has a special theme which accompanies
the programme. This year our theme is, "From 1896 to 1996: One Hundred
Years of the Modern Olympic Games". Throughout the seminar this theme will be
presented, discussed, and developed by the lecturers and by yourselves. After the
session, as representatives of your National Olympic Committees, it is hoped that
you will return to your respective countries and spread the messages, ideals, and values
of Olympism that you learned and experienced in Olympia.
The international post-graduate seminar on Olympic Studies has also been highly
successful. This course, which lasts forty-five days, combines academic work and
educational visits to places of archaeological interest. The session is divided into four
parts, namely: Ancient History, Modern History, Anthropology and Sociology, and
Philosophy. The lectures of the supervising professors are supplemented with stu-
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