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Address
By Mr Roger BARROW (RSA)
On behalf of the participants
It is a great honour and privilege for me to stand up before you and represent
my fellow participants.
I have a few pictures to present to you portraying the happiness, joy and
memories that we will treasure for the rest of our lives. As we watch each photo
being showed we realise how amazing this occasion is as we have 200 participants
from 86 different countries from all over the world.
When I look at the Academy I paint a beautiful picture in my mind, green
lawns, palm trees, marble steps, national flags, helicopters, noisy canteen,
sportsmanship, education, smiles, pride, beer and of course friendship. How
fortunate we all are, to have been chosen by our countries to take part in "The best
International Olympic Academy Session Ever!"
Three things come up when I look back on the last two weeks: Mind, Body
and Soul.
Mind: we increased our knowledge in the morning as we were inspired by
the lectures.
Body: In the afternoon we partake in various sporting and culture activities.
Soul: In the evening we all unite together.
I stand here looking over all of you and one thing comes to mind. Picture
yourself as a small particle of a firecracker. When it is ignited it travels high up
into the air and explodes into many beautiful and different colours. We leave
here today to be ignited into the rest of the world as we all travel back to our
respective countries and spread the word of Olympism.
There are so many people to thank for making this Session the success that it
is the list is just too great to mention everyone. Firstly the President, Mr Filaretos,
for your dedication to the Academy, the Dean, Mr Georgiadis, ensuring the
educational aspects of the Session, our respective National Olympic Committees
for giving us the opportunity to take part in this Session, the Hellenic Olympic
Committee, that we all have this wonderful opportunity. The lecturers for their
words of wisdom, the co-ordinators for their guidance, the staff of the Academy
for their hospitality, and finally to you the participants my friends.
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