INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 7th JOINT - IOA

separate us very much.” This, in fact, is the case in Oceania where
many small island states are members of the Oceania Olympic
Academy – an institution that works in the best interest of all citizens
living in the region.
Keith Joseph also suggests the formation of a Junior Olympics
Movement for students aged between 8 and 15. This will be followed
up by the Olympic Links Movement, a group that targets youths
between 16 and 21. Annual regional sessions of both organisations are
also indicated as a possible option. He also suggests that athletes
selected in national teams at whatever level in the different sports
should be educated in Olympism.
Furthermore, student exchanges can take place between two or
more countries and small island states should seek financial assistance
through programmes organised by regional political institutions.
Within the new 25 member European Union framework, Malta and
Cyprus may easily benefit from such initiatives intended in enhancing
education and culture.
The concept of the School Olympic Games, which are so widely
popular and well-organised in several countries, should be seen as the
perfect opportunity to embrace all activities in a very healthy
environment that unites all the country’s schools together with one
common target – that of spreading the Olympic ideals.
Conclusion
It is crucial that all stakeholders become aware of the needs of
small island states. Comparisons with larger nations bear no results as
we are now speaking of two different realms.
As I have shown in this paper there is a dire need for a new
concept and mentality when tackling the issue of Olympic Education.
Millions of secondary school students, who are today’s young men but
tomorrow’s leaders, are still being deprived from something that they
are bound to have by right. Hence, my final appeal is to work in one
direction - that of placing the interests of our students first and
foremost.
If this is not the case then we are failing in our mission - a
situation that may imply unwarranted circumstances as Baron Pierre
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