INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 7th JOINT - IOA

essential part of life and thus contribute to the harmonious
development of both the individual and the community.”
The National Olympic Committees (NOCs) as the prime movers
Reaching students in secondary schools is only possible if the
National Olympic Committee (NOC) acts as the prime mover while
the National Olympic Academy (NOA) plays the role of the
intermediate supporter. Duerkup (1992) states that “Each NOC must
try to fulfil its obligations by developing an Academy which is unique,
reflects the country, and which disseminates the Olympic philosophy
to its citizens - An exciting challenge indeed!” This statement is in
conformity to one of the fundamental principles of the Olympic
Charter (1991) in which it is clearly indicated that the NOCs’
“mission is to develop and protect the Olympic movement in their
respective countries.”
The schooling process is already constantly bombarded with the
academic pressures brought about by the different subjects hence
expecting schools individually to take the initiative and promote
Olympic Education seems to be quite a remote possibility. Therefore,
it is at this stage that the NOCs and NOAs should intervene in the best
interests of all secondary school students in their countries.
When commenting upon the standard of education in Sao Tome
and Principe, Rodrigues Coelho (1998) states that according to the
latest census in her country, 70% of the 128, 000 population are young
people of whom 60% are illiterate. Hence, the Santomense Olympic
Academy is aiming to bring about significant changes as the new
generation will be able to understand the moral teachings of sports
education.
The set up of a National Olympic Academy (NOA)
Given that the NOCs’ mission in promoting the physical and
moral qualities of Olympism is already a mammoth task in itself, the
Olympic frames leave very little opportunity for the philosophical and
educational principles of the Olympic Movement. Hence, I strongly
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