Andorran Olympic Academy

Factsheet

Country Andorra
Name of AcademyAndorran Olympic Academy
Comitè Olímpic Andorrà
Emailcoa@coa.ad
Websitehttps://www.coa.ad/
Name of PresidentJaume MARTÍ MANDICÓ
Contact PersonJosep Antoni GUERRA ALVAREZ
Foundation date1975
Year of accession to EOA2023
Social media linksN/A

Meet the Academy

Interview with Mr. Josep Antoni Guerra Alvarez, Secretary General of the Comitè Olímpic Andorrà

  • We would like to know more about your organisation. Can you outline the structure and functioning of your NOA/NOC, (the relationship with your NOC, if it is an independent organisation) and give us a brief history?

The Andorran Olympic Committee has been recognised by the International Olympic Committee since 1975, but it was founded in 1971. The Andorran NOC works independently, which means that it is not controlled by the Andorran government and receives funding from the Olympic Solidarity programme and the European Olympic Committees. Our NOA is united within the Andorran Olympic Committee. We used to have Mr. François Garcia as director, but unfortunately, he passed away due to COVID19. We are currently counting on Mr Jordi Cerqueda as Director of the Andorran NOA, who is also Vice President of the Andorran Olympic Committee. One of the most urgent and important tasks facing our NOA is to create a regulation, which would be the next step in the development of our organisation.

  • We are delighted that you are part of the EOA family now. Can you, as our main contact person of the organisation, briefly introduce yourself so that everyone gets to know you?

It is truly an honour. I am currently the Secretary General of NOC Andorra and the President of the Andorran Canoe Kayak Federation. Since we do not have a proper President in our NOA, I accepted the responsibility to help and assess Mr. Jordi Cerqueda as he has some language barriers. I will continue to hold these positions until the end of 2024 and at the same time help the organisation of the NOA.

  • Has there been any projects related to promoting the Olympic idea/values/heritage that have been carried out in your country?

There are a few projects that have been happening for a while now… One of our projects is the “The Games for the Elders” where, every two years, for two days, there is a friendly competition for the Andorran elders. Each municipality in Andorra puts sends a team to compete against each other in sports such as Table Tennis or Pétanque. We are very proud of this sporting event because it creates healthy habits and is a good example for all the grandchildren who see their grandparents competing.

  • Does your organisation have any new educational projects planned for the coming years, also with regard to the 2024 Paris Games?

Unfortunately, we haven’t planned an educational project yet… There are always ideas but realising them is difficult. What makes the development of educational projects even more difficult is that there are three different education systems in Andorra: The Andorran, French and Spanish system, and it is not easy to coordinate all these options and varieties.

  • What do you hope to derive from joining the EOA? Do you have expectations and wishes?

Of course. After our last EOA Congress in Vilnius, it is safe to say that the European Olympic Academies is a very productive and dynamic organisation, just like their President, and we look forward to learn as much as we can from you.

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