The Seventh EOA Congress has officially been opened in Prague

The Seventh Congress of the European Olympic Academies (EOA) was officially opened today in Prague, Czech Republic, under the patronage of the European Olympic Committees (EOC).

EOA President Prof. Manfred Laemmer and Alexandr Kliment, President of the Czech Olympic Academy, formally inaugurated the event and welcomed more than 60 guests including delegates from 30 National Olympic Academies to a week of exchange, dialogue, and reflection. Held under the overarching theme “Current Issues and Developments of the Olympic Movement – Commemorating the Olympic Congress in Prague, 1925: Lasting Legacy and Ongoing Challenges”, the event invites reflection on both the historic roots and the future directions of Olympism in Europe.

Inspiring opening addresses were also delivered by José Manuel Araújo, EOC Board Member and Chair of the EOC Culture and Education Commission, and Prof. Charilaos Tsolakis, President of the International Olympic Academy (IOA). Both emphasised the vital importance of education, cooperation, and values-based leadership in strengthening the Olympic Movement during times of transformation.

Throughout the week, the Congress will explore central themes, including Olympic education, gender equity, safeguarding in sport, and a critical examination of the format of Enhanced Games. Additionally, the Eighth EOA General Assembly will convene. A highlight of the week will be the festive evening at the historic Tyrš House, one of Prague’s symbolic sites of Czech sport and Olympic heritage, where the annual EOA Flame Awards will be celebrated in recognition of outstanding contributions to Olympic education and heritage.

“The Congress is not only a tribute to Prague’s Olympic legacy but also an opportunity to shape the next 100 years of Olympic education and values promotion in Europe,” said Prof. Laemmer.

With the participation of distinguished partners and guests such as EOC, IOA, the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM), the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE) and the Association of African National Olympic Academies (AANOA), the EOA Congress once again reaffirms its role as a unifying platform for knowledge exchange, dialogue, and cooperation across and beyond Europe — committed to preserving Olympic heritage and promoting fair play, education, and integrity in sport.