The Sixth EOA Congress, held from September 24-28, 2024, in the historical setting of Olympia, Greece, brought together Olympic experts, academics, and National Olympic Academies (NOA) from across Europe. With the theme “Perspectives on the Olympic Movement after the Paris Games”, this year’s Congress was among the first international forums to explore the evolving role of the Olympic Games in a rapidly changing world after the Paris Games. The diverse implications were reflected in extensive debates and lectures, covering topics from the political legacy of the Games to balancing societal transformations with the historical roots of the Olympic Programme.
On September 27, 2024, the EOA Congress in Olympia concluded successfully with a memorable Gala Dinner at the Hotel Europa, featuring the prestigious Flame Award 2024 ceremony. The Congress again brought together the National Olympic Academies of Europe to discuss pressing issues in Olympic Values Education and exchanged best practices. The Hellenic Olympic Academy (HOA) curated an ambitious programme, blending cultural elements with exceptional hospitality, creating an inspiring atmosphere for fruitful dialogue and showcasing Greece’s rich heritage and dedication to the Olympic Movement.
day One
Before the opening of the Congress in Olympia, all delegates were warmly welcomed at the headquarters of the HOA in Athens before making their way to the historic grounds of the International Olympic Academy (IOA). In the evening, welcome speeches were given by key figures of the Olympic Movement, including Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC), Ilias Dalainas, Vice President of the HOA, Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the IOA, Dr. Uri Schaefer, President of the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE) and Prof. Manfred Laemmer, President of the EOA. The night was rounded off by a welcome dinner, setting the scene for the exciting programme that awaited the delegates over the next three days.
day TWO
The opening session, “The Olympic Programme: Between Tradition and Change”, set the stage for dynamic discussions. With contributions from Spyros Capralos, EOC President, and Dr. Klaus Schormann, President of the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM), participants explored how the Olympic Programme must adapt to societal transformations while preserving its historical roots. Key questions arose regarding how the values of Olympic sports are reflected in current changes, particularly concerning whether a sport should prioritise traditional aspects or cater to regional interests and the aspirations of NOCs/OCOGs. For instance, the inclusion of Breakdance in France sparked debates on its cultural significance and impact on the youth, while the potential for Lacrosse and Cricket to be featured in the Los Angeles 2028 Games raised inquiries about the balance between tradition and innovation in the Olympic context. These discussions highlighted the need for a nuanced approach to defining the Olympic Programme in an ever-evolving sports landscape.
This intense discussion was followed by a moment of reflection. A traditional photo was taken on the stairs of the IOA, after which a commemoration took place at the Monument of Pierre de Coubertin. Klaus Schormann planted an olive tree, which added a unique significance to the ceremony. The enduring presence of the growing tree will ensure that our Congress will be remembered for many years to come. After that, EOA President Manfred Laemmer, together with IOA Dean Kostas Georgiadis, laid a wreath at the Stele of Carl Diem and Jean Ketseas in memory of their merits for the establishment of the IOA.
Following this ceremony, the delegates listened to papers from Nuria Puig Brandes of the IOC Olympic Studies Centre and Xenia Kourgouzova of the IOC’s Olympic Values Educational Programme (OVEP). They emphasised the importance of education and collaboration between Olympic Organisations and academic communities. Nuria Puig highlighted the Centre’s diverse educational offerings, including Master programmes for students, courses for athletes, and teacher resources. Xenia Kourgouzova focused on the lessons learned from the Paris 2024 Games and her valuable and in-depth OVEP experiences, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. She described global education trends like competency-based education, social-emotional aspects, and the rise of digital learning. Moreover, she emphasised the importance of fostering a sense of togetherness through personal stories and artistic expressions in Olympic Education, highlighting the Olympian Artist Exhibition to visualise Olympism in Paris 2024.
The afternoon featured a series of interactive workshops, offering participants the opportunity to engage in hands-on discussions about the future of the Olympic Programme, led by Prof. Xenia Argeitaki and Bastian Grueger, as well as Gender Issues in Olympic Education, put forward by Dr. Clea Papaellina. Xenia Kourgouzova conducted two sessions focused on the aims and implementation of OVEP, equipping NOAs with practical insights and best practice examples to promote and further develop the programme in their respective countries.
day THREE
Like each day of the Congress, Thursday started with the “Sport for All – Sport for Ever” activity, led by the charismatic Prof. Gennaro Testa from Italy. Approximately 20 enthusiastic delegates gathered at 7 a.m. to engage in coordinative exercises, fueling themselves metaphorically with “gasoline” for the rest of the day. After that, an impressive guided tour of the archaeological site of ancient Olympia took place. Konstantinos Antonopoulos, an archaeologist from the Greek Ministry of Culture, provided valuable insights into the historical significance of the location where the Olympic Games were born.
One of the key highlights of this day was Session II, “The Legacy and Message of Paris 2024”. Dr. Dionyssis Gangas, IOA Senior Advisor and EOA Good Governance Officer, Prof. Arnaud Richard, President of the National Olympic Academy of France and Ioannis Psilopoulos, General Secretary of the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM), shed light on the political, media and social legacies of the Games in the French Capital.
Dr. Gangas stated that the 2024 Olympic Games were highly successful, with impressive and sustainable sporting venues contributing to the overall experience. Despite the political climate marked by military conflicts and internal strife against the Macron government, there were no reported attacks or demonstrations during the event. However, concerns remain regarding the handling and approach towards the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Near East, which continue to loom over international relations. Through two case studies examining the front pages of French, Belgian, and Swiss newspapers and editorials, Prof. Richard concluded that while the performances were highly controversial, the Games were generally regarded as a global success. However, the Francophone media also expressed the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the public and raised concerns about the long-term implications of the Games in France. Psilopoulos presented various Fair Play issues that emerged during the 2024 Games, including Canada’s football drone spying case, media coverage surrounding the Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, and questionable referee decisions. These topics sparked vivid discussions among the participants. The lectures highlighted how the Paris 2024 Olympics can serve as a model for future host cities regarding sustainability and social impact.
The workshops held by EOA Commissions on day three not only rounded off the afternoon with substantial content and fruitful discussions but also explored future fields of action for the work of the EOA. The Olympic Education Commission, co-chaired by Yarden Har Lev, explored the Role of Athletes in Olympic Education. The Development & Cooperation Commission, represented by Dr. Barbara Petri-Uy and Georgios Korellis, addressed the critical issue of Safeguarding Young Athletes in Sports. Additionally, the Communication Commission, under the guidance of Theodora Palli, presented case studies of both positive and negative publicity from the Paris 2024 Games. Finally, the Olympic Heritage Commission, led by Dr. Anita Sterea and Dr. Kyriaki Oudatzi, examined the Perspectives and Challenges for 2024 regarding Olympic Heritage and Legacy.
Thursday evening ended with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Olympia and the HOA. It established Olympia as the base for the “International Fairplay Passport” project, which will undoubtedly benefit in the long term from both the strong partnership and the historic setting. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our friends at the HOA, including President Georgios Alikakos, Theodora Palli, Denise Panagopoulou, and the project’s initiator, Professor Gennaro Testa, to this significant milestone.
Day Four
In the third and final session, “Collaboration of National Olympic Academies with Universities”, Prof. Konstantinos Georgiadis from the University of Peloponnese emphasised the importance of academic institutions in promoting and advancing Olympic values. The session featured insights from students of the Master Degree Programme in Olympic Studies and post-graduates of the IOA, who shared their experiences and perspectives. Additionally, Dr. Stella Leivadi expanded on the Legacy Programme of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee during the morning session, building on the thematic focus from the previous day. The final segment of the Congress contents was rounded off with reports on the projects currently undertaken by the host, the Hellenic Olympic Academy, and the European Olympic Academies. In particular, the delegates were informed about the latest developments in the Erasmus+ projects SOPROS and BESST, which have been pushed forward by the EOA and its partners over the last few months and will soon enter the dissemination phase.
After the last lectures, delegates had the opportunity to explore the Athens 2004 Historical Archives, further immersing themselves in the rich heritage of the IOA sites. Thereafter, a friendly football match took place against a local youth team, which the Mayor of Olympia joined. In a display of sportsmanship and respect, EOA delegates and some students from the master programme participated in the game under the expert refereeing of the internationally experienced Gennaro Testa. Although the Olympic Academies team performed strongly in the midday heat, they unfortunately lost in a close game.
Seventh EOA General Assembly & EOA Flame Awards Ceremony
The programme continued with the Seventh EOA General Assembly, discussing key decisions and future strategies. EOA President Prof Manfred Laemmer opened the session, welcoming the delegates and reviewing the Agenda. Several essential reports followed, including the Activity Report, highlighting personnel changes in the EOA office and the admission of two new NOAs from Georgia and Liechtenstein. The new members conveyed their enthusiasm for future collaboration with the EOA family. Both delegates are eager to contribute to the shared mission of promoting Olympic values across Europe and strengthening ties with fellow National Olympic Academies.
The General Assembly unanimously discharged the Board and approved new household resolutions based on the subsequent good governance and financial reports. The Assembly closed with reports from the EOA commissions that were newly formed at the beginning of the year.
After these lasting impressions and many old and newly established connections made throughout the week, the EOA Congress in Olympia culminated with the prestigious EOA Flame Award Ceremony and a Gala Dinner at Hotel Europa. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of a unique sunset, participants reflected on a productive week. The evening peaked under the starry skies of Olympia as three exceptional projects from the French, Greek and German NOAs, recognised for their outstanding contributions to Olympic education and Olympic heritage, were honoured with the EOA Flame Awards 2024. This final highlight was the perfect ending to a memorable Congress in an extraordinary setting.
The Days in Olympia created many enduring memories for the participants, fostering connections and advancing the Olympic Values across Europe. With new collaborations, projects, and strategies emerging from the discussions, the Congress has once again demonstrated its inspiring and encouraging impact on the work of our Member NOAs.