50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY Inspirations & Memories Photographs in This Book Comefrom Thepersonal Archives of the Writers and the IOA Photographic Archive

Home , 1998 World Youth Games, Olimpia Award, Olympic Museum, Yelena Isinbayeva

50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY Inspirations & Memories Photographs in this book comefrom thepersonal archives of the writers and the IOA Photographic Archive.

Co-editor: DIONYSSIS GANGAS Editorial coordination: ROULA VATHI

DTP,filmset:ANAGRAMMA Printed by: Petros Ballidis & Co. Graphic Arts June2011

ø International Olympic Academy 52, Dimitrios Vikelas Avenue, 15233Halandri,Athens,Greece Tel.: +30 210 6878809-813, +30 210 6878888 Fax: +30 210 6878840 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ioa.org.gr

ISBN: 978-960-9454-10-0 INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY Inspirations & Memories

Preface

ISIDOROS KOUVELOS JACQUES ROGGE President of the IOA President of the IOC

SPYROS CAPRALOS LAMBIS NIKOLAOU President of the HOC President of the IOC Commission for Culture & Olympic Education

Editor KONSTANTINOS GEORGIADIS Vice-Rector of the University of the Peloponnese Honorary Dean of the IOA

ATHENS 2011

With this volume, the International Olympic Academy wishes to offer to the wider international community a rich mosaic of autobiographical reminiscences from participants in its activities over the 50 years of its existence. In this anniversary album, the Academy has produced a social and scientific history based on these reminiscences. Since 1961, the Academy has provided accommodation and education to thousands of people from both Greece and the rest of the world. It has functioned as a small `Olympic Village', offering to its residents the joy of living and learning in an environment of multiculturalism and scientific pluralism. This contribution of the Academy, quite unique in the world, develops a fresh social awareness among the different people who meet for a short period of time in the same setting with its impressive history, following the same academic courses with the common goal of disseminating the Olympic ideals. Their cooperation and teamwork cultivate a feeling of deep solidarity and an acceptance of common values that are none other than the Olympic values. This experience is not easy to put into words. However, the Academy and the authors of this volume wish to attempt to convey the uniqueness of the experience and to relive it with the reader. I believe that this new presentation of the Academy's history, through the personal testimonies of the people who lived, taught or were taught, and formed bonds with Greece and Olympia during their stay, will provide a more personal view of the IOA's work and its significance for all those who have visited it over the years. The Academy, as ambassador for the ancient Greek ideal, the Olympic idea, modern Greek civilization and Olympism, has always contributed to international understanding and the promotion of humanism through sport. I am especially pleased to be writing the preface to this edition, which I believe will contribute to a better understanding of the Academy's history, while I also hope that it will constitute a legacy for the future and for young people all over the world.

ISIDOROS KOUVELOS President of the International Olympic Academy

Milestones are always a time to reflect on the past, and the 50th anniversary of the International Olympic Academy is the perfect opportunity for us to remember all the important work undertaken by the Academy since it first began in 1961. The Academy has come a long way in 50 years. Participants these days are housed on a beautiful campus replete with library, conference centres, an amphitheatre and sport facilities in the mountains of Ancient Olympia. The mountains were the same in the 1960s but the conditions were quite different, with the original participants then living and learning inside tents. The message, however, remains largely the same. The administrators and participants in 1961, like in 2011, shared the belief that embracing and promoting Olympic values can have a positive impact on society. Olympic values such as respect, fair play, excellence and joy in effort need not be confined to the world of sport. On the contrary, they should be applied to all walks of life. The Academy has become a cornerstone in Olympic education. Members of the Olympic family, including those from the International Olympic Committee, the International Federations and National Olympic Commit- tees regularly meet at the Academy for exchanges on a variety of Olympic-related topics. The Academy is, of course, open to people outside the Olympic Movement as well. On any given day, one can see intellectuals rubbing shoulders with athletes, artists learning alongside scientists, and young people taking part in cultural and educational programmes. The founder of the modern Olympic Movement, Pierre de Coubertin, was a staunch supporter of such an academy, although he never lived to see the IOA become a reality. I am certain that he would be very pleased with the centre and all the work that has taken place there over the last 50 years. As you read through this book, you will undoubtedly be impressed by how many lives have been touched and improved by the Academy. Perhaps even more impressive is that there are thousands of other stories just like these not contained in this tome. And that is as glowing a tribute as any to the last 50 years of the IOA. I would like to thank the Academy for its exceptional work during its first 50 years, and I wish it continued success in the years to come. I would also like to thank the Hellenic Olympic Committee for its strong, continued support of the Academy. It is highly appreciated.

DR JACQUES ROGGE President of the International Olympic Committee

Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the man who was inspired to revive the Olympic Games, said, many years ago, that Olympism is a Movement whose ideas we must study, safeguard and disseminate. Today, Olympism is an important social force that extends to all spheres of human life. There is no other human movement or ideology, of a philosophical, cultural, scientific or religious dimension, with as many proponents as Olympism, judging by the number of countries that have signed and applied the Olympic Charter. Thanks to its solid and always relevant philosophical base, Olympism has managed to survive world wars, acts of terrorism, political interventions, international boycotts and the scourge of doping, and continues to offer the world the perennial freshness of those democratic and humanitarian ideas conceived by the ancient Greeks, keeping the flame of hope alive for a much desired universal peace. This is where the mission of the International Olympic Academy has its purpose. Over the last 50 years, as a global academic institution, it promotes methods for the proper teaching of Olympism and the propagation of the Olympic ideals worldwide. In 2011, the International Olympic Academy is not simply celebrating 50 years of existence, but is entering into its most mature and active phase, under the guidance of its President Isidoros Kouvelos, who, in the first two years of his mandate, has taken initiatives that enhance the Academy's true dimension and upgrade its role and work. I have shared, together with everybody who has visited the host premises in Ancient Olympia, the philosophy of Olympism in this sacred place still vibrant today with that same powerful energy! And what is most positive is that this energy is not confined to the land that gave birth to the Olympic Games, but is carried to every corner of the world by the members of the Olympic family ± intellectuals, athletes, officials, ordinary people, and the young men and women who participate in the programmes of the International Olympic Academy and Olympic education. Thus, the deep and lasting impression that a visit to this fascinating place leaves on each individual's soul will produce one more ambassador for the Olympic ideals, who will carry, for as long as he or she lives, the philosophy of Olympism for a fairer, more peaceful and more united world. This promise I can make, both as someone who has breathed the air of Ancient Olympia and as President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee: my support for the mission of the International Olympic Academy will be, over the coming years, stronger than ever before, so that it becomes a major educational institution on the world stage and a shining `beacon' to Olympism. If all of us involved in Olympism and Sport join forces, then, without doubt, we can make the following years the most glorious in the history of the IOA! Happy anniversary to the IOA!

SPYROS CAPRALOS President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee L' AcadeÂmie Internationale Olympique, 50 ans apreÁs sa fondation, publie le preÂsent album dans le but d'informer la famille du sport sur ses activiteÂs et sur sa contribution aÁ l'olympisme. L' AcadeÂmie Internationale Olympique rend incontestablement, avec l'aide morale et financieÁre du ComiteÂ International Olympique, de preÂcieux services au mouvement olympique. Je souhaite que son úuvre creÂative soit poursuivie dans l'avenir.

LAMBIS NIKOLAOU PreÂsident de la Commission du CIO pour la Culture et l'Education Olympique

Contents

Introduction by KONSTANTINOS GEORGIADIS ... 19 MARIA BULATOVA,MyOlympia...... 67

LAMARTINE P. D ACOSTA, In search of a historical 8 and philosophical meaning for IOA at Ancient Olympia...... 71

TAMAÂS AJAÂN, Close ties between the HOA and the ANITA L. DEFRANTZ, The long road to the Inter- IOA ...... 27 nationalOlympicAcademy...... 77

S.A.S. LE PRINCE ALBERT II DE MONACO,L'AcadeÂ- GUDRUN DOLL-TEPPER, Inspiring the world with mie est le gardien de l'eÂducation aÁ l'olympisme 33 Olympism ...... 83

HEÂCTOR ARGUÈ ELLES,`Itwillchangeyourlife'... 37 CONRADO DURAÂNTEZ,OlympieetsonleÂgat histo- riqueetculturel...... 89 FERNANDO LIMA BELLO, The International Olym- picAcademy...... 43 JEAN DURRY,DedeÂcennie en deÂcennie une incessante eÂvolution ...... 95 FERNANDO BELTRANENA, My Olympic baptism . 47 MARIUS FRANCISCO, Un merci aÁ l'AIO du fond de LAUREL BRASSEY IVERSEN, Night class at the marble steps ...... 53 moncúur...... 101 DIONYSSIS GANGAS,MyfourseasonsattheIOA . 107 THEO BREUERS,ThelivestreamingoftheIOA sessions...... 59 NICOLE GIRARD-SAVOY,UnvoyageaÁ Olympie . . 113

SERGEY BUBKA, The 50th anniversary of the Inter- CLEÂMENT ANICET GUIYAMA-MASSOGO,L'AcadeÂmie nationalOlympicAcademy...... 63 Internationale Olympique depuis 50 ans : 16 Contents

Une richesse intellectuelle et culturelle mon- IOANNIS MOURATIDIS, International Olympic dialeexceptionnelle...... 119 Academy:Significance±Memories...... 189

ELIZABETH A. HANLEY, So we to Olympia's vale NORBERT MUÈ LLER, `Learning in Olympia for have come, And in silent rapture we will Olympia.' The International Olympic Acad- go...... 125 emy±Asuccessstory...... 195

JOHN HARMS,Aplaceofgreatspirit...... 131 LAMBIS NIKOLAOU,CinquanteansAcadeÂmie Inter- nationaleOlympique ...... 201 ZHENLIANG HE, Extraordinaire contribution aÁ l'eÂducationolympique...... 137 MARINA NISSIOTIS,MemoriesoftheIOA during the presidency of Professor Nissiotis (1977- ANJA JAÈRVINEN,Somepersonalmemories, thoughts and incidents describing the 1986)...... 207 Olympic spirit and feelings in the IOA FANI PALLI-PETRALIA,AnOlympic`journey'.... 213 inOlympia ...... 141 JIM PARRY, Olympia `asthesunrose'...... 217 CHRISTINA KOULOURI, Imagination, discovery, ex- JAN PATERSON, No explanation is necessary... . . 223 perience...... 147 SAM RAMSAMY, Olympic Academy, Olympia ± My STAVROS LAMBRINIDIS,TheIOA inspires and pro- memories...... 229 motesOlympicTruce...... 153 HAI REN,CradleofOlympiceducation...... 235 KARL LENNARTZ, Twenty-eight times in Greece . 157 VLADIMIR RODICHENKO, The Academy: The art of PETROS LINARDOS, A long, nostalgic journey the topical choice (the pattern of Russian ex- throughtime...... 163 perience)...... 241 JOHN APOSTAL LUCAS,Marvellouslyfondmem- ANTONIÂN RYCHTECKYÂ, To the 50th anniversary of ories...... 167 theInternationalOlympicAcademy..... 247 ANDY MIAH, The worth of the International SUPITR SAMAHITO, Unforgettable memory and ex- OlympicAcademy...... 171 perience...... 253 STEPHEN G. MILLER,TheIOA andNemea .... 177 BENOIÃT SEÂGUIN, Personal reflections on the 50th PERE MIROÂ ,LaSolidariteÂ Olympique et l'AcadeÂ- anniversary of the IOA ...... 257 mieInternationaleOlympique...... 183 MARTON SIMITSEK, The International Olympic 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 17

Academy:Thevision,thepassion,theloveof INGOMAR WEILER, The importance of eyewitnesses myfatherOttoSzymiczek...... 263 inAncientOlympia...... 283

IRENA SZEWINÂ SKA, My Olympic inspirations . . . 267 KEVIN WHITNEY, The Fine-Art Workshop at the IOA ...... 289 HENRY BENNY TANDAU, International Olympic Academy,50yearsanniversary...... 273 DAVID C. YOUNG, Olympism and the trees of the InternationalOlympicAcademy...... 295 WALTHER TROÈ GER, Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the International Olympic Acad- emy...... 279

Prof. Konstantinos Georgiadis Vice-Rector of the University of the Peloponnese, Greece Honorary Dean of theIOA

Introduction

HE PURPOSE of this anniversary album is to the creation of the world and the historical reality that T present the educational experiences and impres- permeates this place with all its archaeological re- sions of participants in the IOA's sessions. During its 50 mains. years of existence, the International Olympic Academy Myth and History have always been useful ele- has been a source of inspiration for Olympism through ments of the educational process. At Olympia they its exhaustive creative contribution to the humanitarian acquire major significance but they cannot, in them- goals of the Olympic Movement. selves, account for the magic felt by those from differ- From its first session (16-23 June 1961) until the ent age groups who participate in its sessions. present day, its educational activities have generated On the other hand, the beauty of the natural endless enthusiasm for learning and a strong desire to environment, the great variety of trees ± olive, orange create a better world community. The short time which and lemon, pine, oak and eucalyptus ± together with participants in its sessions spend together leaves a last- the wild flowers, the nightingale's song, all combine to ing impression on their lives. Memories remain vivid create the true sense of being in a small paradise. and all participants have a strong desire to return to the Olympia's natural environment embraces human cradle of Olympism, Ancient Olympia. presence. Nature does not impose itself on man. His So let us identify the elements that have made presence has remoulded the site with a respect for the Academy such an exceptional educational centre nature. This harmonious relationship between man for Olympism. In the shadow of the Kronion Hill and and nature soothes the instincts and nurtures the soul. in close proximity to the archaeological site, one way The energy radiating from the ancient stadium to interpret the appeal of the Academy's location is and the finds housed in the two museums at Olympia that it reflects an afterglow of the mythical struggle for is exceptionally powerful. 20 Konstantinos Georgiadis

The sculptures depicting the chariot race between Pe- to all the inhabitants of our planet. This site links the lops and Oinomaos and the battle of the Lapiths and ancient stadium with the IOA, the modern centre of the Centaurs convey humanity's struggle for change, Olympism, and symbolically connects the past with the wisdom and justice through the cultivation of man's present, and tradition with innovative concepts of the virtues. Visits to the Museum and to the archaeological brotherhood of man. site are a unique experience for everyone. Instructional The two men who influenced the IOA's creation, P. representations of the past convey their own educa- de Coubertin and Ioannis Chrysafis, derived their edu- tional messages, engraving them on our collective hu- cational ideas from history; their thoughts were then man memory. moulded by the contemporary educational ideas of the The IOA's accommodation facilities were built IOA's pioneers, John Ketseas and Carl Diem, to become close to the archaeological site after a period (1961- the mainstay of its vision. A vision that educators Otto 1967) during which participants lived in tents. The Szymiczek, as the IOA's Dean, Professors Cleanthis Pa- buildings and their surroundings were designed by ar- laeologos and Nikolaos Yalouris, George Papastefanou chitect Petros Tzanetos, who created a complex of func- (founder of the first Museum for the Modern Olympic tional buildings and sports facilities that blend harmo- Games, 1961) and Nicolaos Nissiotis as the IOA's Presi- niously with the natural landscape. dent have faithfully served. The IOA's scientific work Shaped like a huge amphitheatre, the Academy is was also supported by distinguished men of letters and located at the centre of the surrounding hill ranges. Its sport, both within and outside Greece. facilities were completed gradually, the last one being the One of its main features is also its brilliant educa- modern conference centre, which was completed by the tional work. In its fifty years of existence, the different Hellenic Olympic Committee during the presidency of presidents of the IOC have also developed their posi- Mr Lambis Nikolaou and inaugurated in 1994. The tions from its podium. Avery Brundage's contribution creative imagination of all those working for the IOA was decisive for its recognition and Lord Killanin's has shaped an ideal setting for educational activities. support uncontested. Juan Antonio Samaranch's inter- On the western side of the site lies the Pierre de est in the IOA strengthened its role within the Olympic Coubertin grove, where a commemorative stele erected Movement with the unreserved support of Olympic in his honour was unveiled in his presence in 1927. Solidarity. Jacques Rogge's educational concerns have This is the starting point of the torch relay, which helped National Olympic Academies to intensify their carries the educational messages of the Olympic Games activities as promoters of the Olympic ideal. 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 21

The support and contribution of the Hellenic ù 17 International Postgraduate Seminars in Olympic Committee and the IOA's Board (Ephoria) Olympic Studies (1993-2009) have also proved invaluable. ù 12 International Seminars for Sports Journalists Since 1961, the IOA's contribution to Olympic (1986-2009) education, which began with its first Session for Young ù An Olympic Studies Master's Degree Pro- Participants, has been impressive. Its facilities in An- gramme (2009-2011, 2010-2012) cient Olympia have hosted: In recent years, the increase in the number of events has ù 50 International Sessions for Young Partici- meantthattheIOA has been operating for longer pants (1961-2010) periods. The Academy is not only a `summer ù 9 International Sessions for Educators of High- university', since it welcomes students from all over er Physical Education Institutes (1978-1991) the world for at least eight months a year. ù 3 International Sessions for Directors and Of- Many alumni of the Sessions and the Postgraduate ficials of Higher Physical Education Institutes Seminar, in particular, return to the Academy as lec- (1986-1990) turers, having taught subjects related to Olympism in ù 8 International Joint Sessions for Educators and their own countries. This is, in fact, the most important Staff of Higher Physical Education Institutes part of the Academy's work because the people who have (1993-2008) lived and experienced Olympism during its Sessions ù 8 International Sessions for Members and Of- become the best advocates of its philosophy. Having ficials of National Olympic Committees and experienced Olympism, they know that `Olympism is International Federations (1978-1991) not the theory of practice, but the practice of theory'. ù 10 International Sessions for Directors of Na- One of the most beautiful and remarkable aspects tional Olympic Academies (1986-2009) of the Academy's activity is its cultural diversity. In this ù 10 International Joint Sessions for Directors of welcoming Olympic Village, the traditional costumes, National Olympic Academies, Members and the different languages and traditions, the songs and Officials of National Olympic Committees dances, movements and expressions, attitudes and and International Federations (1992-2010) games come from all corners of the globe, the colours ù 2 International Sessions for Olympic Medallists and ideas creating a blend of cultures that shows how (2007-2010) different and at the same time how similar people are. 22 Konstantinos Georgiadis

The sense of justice and equality is palpable at the ning of its activities. I experienced at first hand the joy Academy. Participants of different religions and ideo- and happiness one feels at the success of a vibrant logical views, from all social classes, intellectuals, gov- organization's action and development, as well as the ernment officials, professors, IOC members and stu- anxiety over its future direction. dents abide by the rules and take part in democratic The creation of the NOAsmarkedanewperiod academic debates on the Olympic Movement. As they because the IOA's active involvement in their coordina- themselves admit, this creates a sublime and idealistic tion was becoming essential. The IOC gave its full sup- atmosphere, far from today's reality, which all wish to port to these efforts, and educational activities now experience even for a short while. focus on issues relating to the academic quality of The Academy has its own tradition and the people studies in the philosophy, objectives, methodology, con- who are no longer with us but have left us the legacy of tent and evaluation of Olympic education pro- their work are part of this tradition. They are the pre- grammes. The steadily growing number of NOAs sidents who contributed to its creation and develop- meant that the Academy's educational activities had ment, Ioannis Ketseas (1961-1965), Theodosios Pa- to be adjusted in order to provide adequate ongoing pathanassiadis (1965-1966), Prince George of Hanover training to their members. In addition, it was decided (1966-1969), Epaminondas Petralias (1970-1974), to launch new educational programmes, such as the Athanasios Tzartzanos (1974-1976). When Professor Postgraduate Seminar (which I personally proposed Nicolaos Nissiotis took over the presidency (1977- in 1991), aimed at a specific target group: students 1986), the Academy's specific role and theoretical ap- specializing in Olympic issues. Each year meant a proach became more clearly defined. New concepts new step forward and these efforts continued under such as the `Olympic education' became subjects of the presidencies of Fernandos Serpieris (1993-1996) study and research and a plan of action was drawn up. and Minos Kyriakou (2006-2008). The following two decades were characterized by New objectives and innovative educational pro- the presence of Nikos Filaretos at the helm of the IOA jectssuchastheOlympicStudiesMaster'sDegreePro- (1986-1992, 1997-2005), when this author's collab- gramme were initiated during the presidency of Isi- oration with the IOA began. Together with its Presi- doros Kouvelos (2009-2012). In collaboration with dent and the late Dean Otto Szymiczek (1962-1990), the University of the Peloponnese and under the for a shorter period in his case as he was reaching the author's direction, the first international Master's De- age of retirement, I was actively involved in the plan- gree Programme in Olympic Studies was initiated. Its 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 23 realization came about thanks to the generous sponsor- grated into the educational programme, enriching its ship of the John Latsis Foundation. activities. ThestaffarealsopartoftheIOA's tradition and Sport is probably the most important aspect of the one of the pillars of its sessions' success. Their services Olympic educational process; traditional and Olympic have always been of the highest quality thanks to their events are an integral part of the Academy's activities. commitment, availability and readiness, allowing par- Moreover, students can live and share their experiences ticipants to devote themselves fully to their educational with Olympic medallists, role models accessible to all, activities. Of course, over all these years, we have also without the stress of competition. hadtofacedifficultsituationsrelatedtoeverydaylifein the IOA,suchashealthproblemswhichwehaveover- come thanks to the devotion of the IOA staff. This edition showcases the Academy's activities as seen Ceremonies, including the singing of the Olym- through the personal experiences of people who at- pic anthem, laying of wreaths and awarding of diplo- tended its Sessions in various capacities and roles. An mas at the opening and closing of the sessions, are alphabetical presentation of testimonies was considered another integral part of the IOA's tradition. preferable to a chronological display. Because of the The idea of Olympic education was created by the anniversary character of this edition, only fifty texts Academy. What makes its work stand out, however, is have been symbolically included. This edition comple- that the educational material and the ideas that are ments existing studies on the history of the IOA since it developed for Olympic education programmes are enhances the emotional aspects of its work. the outcome of a collective effort and the participation of thousands of people from every corner of the world. Among these participants there have been many uni- The Academy has become a modern workshop of versity professors who have left their educational mark Olympism as envisaged by P. de Coubertin on the on the Academy and we are thankful to them. model of the ancient gymnasium: a place of dialogue Working groups have devoted time to dialogue and reflection for the Olympic family, which offers the and the exchange of ideas and proposals between par- best teaching opportunities in the birthplace of the ticipants. Their work is governed by fairness and equal- Olympic Games. ity. In a similar spirit, painting, sculpture, dance, poetry and photography workshops have been gradually inte- 41st International Session for Young Participants, 2001, Olympic Day Run. From left to right: J. Rogge (IOC member), Rosa Mota (Olympic Gold Medallist in marathon), N. Filaretos (IOA President) and K. Georgiadis (IOA Dean).

14thInternational Seminar on Olympic Studies for Postgraduate Students, 2006. 3rd International Postgraduate Seminar on Olympic Studies, 1995.

Students of the Master's Degree Programme 2009/2010 in front of the Temple of Hera, after the official rehearsal for the lighting ceremony for the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games 2010. In the centre the high priestess Maria Nafpliotou withthe IOA President I. Kouvelos (on the left) and K. Georgiadis (on the right). 19611961

e e e e Dr TamaÂ s AjaÂ n

Honorary Member of theIOC = President of the Hungarian Olympic Academy = President of the International Weightlifting Federation

Close ties between theHOA and the IOA

IFTY YEARS in the history of an organiza- preserve the Olympic traditions and values, and initiate tion's life symbolize a respectable age, as scientific research to discover and document the past. well as a wonderful opportunity to look It is of paramount importance for us that on 23 back on the past and remember the good November 1985 the Hungarian Olympic Academy was moments, assess the path covered. The 50th anniversary founded as the 26th Academy in the world. At its found- of the foundation of the International Olympic Acad- ing session Juan Antonio Samaranch, then IOC Presi- emy makes all of us, involved in the activities of this dent, emphasized that our country was among the most noble enterprise either internationally or nationally, very outstanding members of the Olympic family. Nicos proud. In the following lines let me give you an inven- Nissiotis, IOA President, was also present. Time, full of tory of the facts, the events and most of all the people activities, seemed to fly and in 2010 we held a jubilee that have marked the common history of the IOA and session in Budapest celebrating the 25th anniversary of the HOA and left an imprint on these organizations. the HOA. The festivities were honoured by the presence It is absolutely clear to all that the goals of both of Mr Isidoros Kouvelos, President, and Mr Dionyssis organizations are the same: to spread the Olympic spirit, Gangas, Director of the IOA,aswellasotherdignitaries. 28 TamaÂsAjaÂn

Let me highlight a few events as evidence of the researches of Professor Ferenc TakaÂcs, Vice-President of close ties between the HOA and the IOA for many years, the HOA. He found the first poem about the modern which have expanded from year to year. In fact, the Olympic Games, written by Anastasia Hadziarapi cooperation with the International Olympic Academy in 1896 in the Greek language. The young lady ex- goes back to 1961, i.e. much earlier than the actual presses her love towards the Hungarian Olympians, founding of our own Academy. We were present fifty pronouncing a eulogy of their wonderful participation years ago at the first International Session for Young at the first modern Olympics. Anastasia sent her poem Participants. Later on, lecturers of the sessions included to Dr Ferenc KemeÂny, one of the founders of the IOC, Dr AÂrpaÂdCsanaÂdi, IOC member (1977), and Mr PaÂl Hungarian IOC member, with an accompanying letter. Schmitt, IOC member, current President of the Repub- These pages, turned yellow with age, found by accident lic of Hungary (1988). in a second-hand bookshop, are proof that Greek- The IOA-HOA relations were highly promoted and Hungarian Olympic relations in fact have a more than aided by Otto Szymiczek, who received his diploma of a hundred-year-old history. physical education teacher in Budapest. Although he In my capacity as the President of the Hungarian spent most of his life in Greece, he remained a Hun- Olympic Academy I travelled to Olympia for the first garian at heart. time in 1978. I was elated and thrilled by the mere fact The first Hungarian student at the youth camp that I could walk on those famous stones, engulfed in was Ms Csilla Komosnik in 1966. Ever since, we have the atmosphere of the ancient Olympic Games and continuously sent young people to these camps. spirits, but I was all the more fortunate to visit these Since 1988, the HOA has been present in Olympia venues in the company of the participants of the IOC at the International Sessions for Directors of National Session, among them Lord Killanin, then IOC Presi- Olympic Academies by altogether 23 delegates. dent, and H.E. J. A. Samaranch, next IOC President. In addition, the Hungarian Olympic Academy is These wonderful memories, which I always asso- a regular participant by its representatives in each type ciated with the values and ideals represented by the of sessions or seminars hosted by the IOA. IOA, remained with me in the years to come. Never- We have organized altogether 16 study tours to theless, it was only in 1991 when I returned to Olym- Olympia for our Olympic champions and the mem- pia±atthetimerepresentingtheIOC, being a member bers of the Olympic Friends' Circle. of the IOC Sport for All Commission. My emotions Let me mention the result of one of the recent were by no means weaker the second time. 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 29

Ten years ago Nikos Filaretos had a great idea to President, inaugurated the sculpture and in his speech establish an Olympic Sculpture Park in Olympia, in a warmly thanked the HOA President Dr TamaÂsAjaÂn beautiful area belonging to the IOA.TheNOAswere and Ms MaÂria JakabhaÂzy MezoÂÂ, General Secretary, invited to donate items to the park. for the precious gift. In 2009, during the study tour of the HOA delega- Finally, allow me a few personal reflections: to me tion, the bronze statue Olympic Allegory by the Hun- the IOA (apart from the IOC, of course) is the most garian sculptor Mr Ferenc NeÂmeth was erected in the important organization in the Olympic Movement. It beautiful area of the IOA, near the venue of the ancient is the connection, the bridge between the past and the Olympic Games. In fact, the sculpture was delivered to future; between history that must be discovered, docu- its place twice. We originally donated it in 2005, but, mented and duly honoured, and the next generations owing to an accident, the sculpture and its foundation that must learn about these Olympic values and cherish fell apart before it reached its destination. This is why it its treasures. That is why I am especially honoured and had to be remade and transported to Olympia again. proud to be the awardee of the IOA Prize `Athina' This piece of art reflects the close connection between (2010). Congratulations to the IOA on the 50 years sports and art; the grace of five gymnasts and the five and best wishes for a continued glorious history in Olympic rings describe the Olympic idea and symbol- the next 50 years! ize the five continents. Mr Isidoros Kouvelos, the IOA Awarding of the IOA prize `Athina' to T. AjaÂn by the Minister of Culture and Tourism P. Yeroulanos and the Olympic Gold Medallist in weightlifting P. Dimas during the opening ceremony of the 50th International Session for Young Participants, Hill of the Pnyx, 2010. The Hungarian Olympic Academy's delegation at the stele of Pierre de Coubertin in Olympia, 2009. 19621962

e e e e S.A.S.le Prince Albert II de Monaco

Membre du CIO = PreÂsident du ComiteÂ Olympique MoneÂgasque

L'AcadeÂmie est le gardien de l'eÂducationÁ a l'olympisme

OUR AVOIR PARTICIPEÂ moi-meÃme, en mainedusport,deseretrouversurdessiteschargeÂs tant que membre du CIO, aux sessions de l'histoire olympique et d'eÂchanger sur un theÁme organiseÂes par l'AcadeÂmie Internationale commun, porteur d'ideÂal sportif. Olympique, j'ai pu mesurer l'extraordi- Ces rassemblements permettent de mieux mesurer naire atmospheÁre d'amitieÂ qui y reÂgnait ainsi que l'es- ce qui unit la jeunesse de notre monde, au delaÁ de ses prit de partage treÁs particulier qui animait ses partici- apparentes diffeÂrences. Et si, aÁ l'occasion des ces seÂmi- pants. naires, les participants, au cours de soireÂes conviviales, L' AcadeÂmie est le gardien de l'eÂducation aÁ l'olym- reÂalisent des spectacles pour preÂsenter leur folklore na- pisme aÁ travers le monde. Elle deÂbat des grandes ques- tional, c'est bien autour des valeurs de l'olympisme tions lieÂes au sport et, en cela, s'adresse aÁ la jeunesse de qu'ils se retrouvent. l'ensemble des pays. Ces valeurs proÃneÂes en son temps par le Baron de Ilesteneffetcaptivantpourlesjeunesfillesetles Coubertin conservent plus que jamais leur pertinence : jeunes gens de tous horizons, deÂsigneÂs par leur ComiteÂ le deÂpassement de soi, le respect de l'autre et le senti- National Olympique, athleÁtes, eÂtudiants dans le do- ment d'appartenance aÁ une meÃme famille olympique. 34 S.A.S. le Prince Albert II de Monaco

Ces principes de vie et d'eÂducation contribuent aÁ il est facteur de paix entre les hommes. Cette paix l'eÂpanouissement de chacun d'entre nous, de l'adoles- olympique est aujourd'hui une notion reprise par l'Or- cence aÁ l'aÃge adulte, toute sa vie durant. ganisation des Nations Unies elle-meÃme qui proÃne C'est encore particulieÁrement vrai aujourd'hui, l'ideÂed'unetreÃve olympique pendant le deÂroulement meÃme si le monde du sport a eÂvolueÂ.EndeÂfinitive, des jeux. le sport a encore plus d'importance de nos jours qu'il Facteurs de deÂveloppement personnel et eÂleÂments n'en avait aÁ l'eÂpoquedePierredeCoubertin. de rapprochement entre les hommes, le sport et l'ideÂal C'est pourquoi il nous faut saluer la vision qui olympique veÂhiculent, aujourd'hui comme hier, des eÂtait la sienne et son roÃle preÂcurseur : l'admiration qu'il valeurs fortes qui nous sont communes. eÂprouvait pour la GreÁce antique et pour les jeux olym- En veillant aÁ maintenir la flamme de cet ideÂal piques des temps anciens lui a permis de deÂvelopper commun, l'AcadeÂmie Internationale Olympique exerce une vision moderne et fondatrice : non seulement le un roÃle majeur aupreÁs des jeunes geÂneÂrations. Qu'elle sportetlesvaleursqu'ilveÂhicule est indispensable aÁ en soit ici remercieÂe. l'eÂpanouissement de chacun d'entre nous, mais de plus Photo commeÂmorative sur le grand escalier de l'AIO, Session de la FeÂdeÂration HelleÂniquedePatinage,1996.

28e Session de l'AIO, 1988, S.A.S. le Prince Albert II de Monaco (aÁ gauche) et O. Szymiczek (Doyen de l'AIO). 19631963

e e e e HeÂctor ArguÇÇelles

President of theIOAPA

`It will change your life'

TWILLCHANGEYOURLIFE'Iwastold Fortunately, chances are that the IOA will have an before travelling to Greece for the first impact on your life from the very first visit. What time to attend the IOA Young Participants makes this place so special? There is a unique combi- Session in 2002. nation of the people and the setting. You live in a Indeed. parallel reality while at the Academy; it is an intense Little did I know that for the next ten consecutive and fascinating experience. More importantly, the im- summers ± and hopefully counting ± I would be com- pact of the Academy reaches well beyond your days in ing back to the inspirational place that for all of us is Olympia. Everything that you learn there has enor- Olympia. During those years I have had the enormous mous applicability in your life when you return to your privilege of attending several YP Sessions, Postgraduate home country. Seminars and IOAPA Sessions; either as a participant or The experience has a huge empowerment effect, as a volunteer coordinator. brings you energy and drive to achieve more, makes Not only did it change my life, it became part of you think bigger and broader, connects you strongly my life. Indeed. with others and, as a result, you become more under- 38 HeÂctor ArguÇÇelles standing and empathetic with everyone. It is a boost of That is what you see everywhere at the IOA;theen- positive energy that might help you avoid ill feelings, thusiasm permeates everything. If you take a picture of overcome setbacks and guide you through your next any group at any IOA session, there is no need to say challenges. `smile' or `cheese': everyone is smiling already. It is up to you how you would like to apply all the IOA lessons. IOA participants have been active in all spheres and at all levels, from volunteering in small HavingthechancetoexperienceallthisattheIOA gave communities to leading the organization of the Olym- me the energy and motivation to be involved in many pic Games. The impact can be very significant. And it other activities where I could use, apply and spread is also important to note: there is no downside to IOA what I have learned in Olympia; from volunteering participation. at the Olympic Games or at the Spanish Olympic There are actually countless of positives at any Academy to giving talks at different arenas or organiza- given day at the Academy. At the Young Participants tions I am involved with. Session you can start the day learning capoeira from a I am in my second term as IOAPA President and in Brazilian friend, go for breakfast with a New Zealander my fourth as IOAPA Executive Committee member; I and understand what jet lag really means, listen to a hope that the time and dedication of all of us that have lecture from a world-class academic, engage with your served the organization over the years have helped IOA discussion group in a real multicultural conversation, participants to keep engaged with and to help the learn some Japanese greetings over lunch, develop your Olympic world in different capacities. For all of us that artistic side with some of your new African friends, play have had the privilege to be at the IOA, IOAPA is a great volleyball with someone who is in his national team in way to give back to the institution and the ideals that it the afternoon ± all that, before you realize that only half serves. a day has passed. Over this last decade it has been very interesting to Everything happens in a great atmosphere of ca- observe different trends on the IOA participants. Gen- maraderie that makes the personal connection just natu- erally, they arrive to Olympia more and more prepared ral. How many great conversations, jokes and stories at from their countries and more aware of the world the marble stairs? around them. They observe and absorb the concepts Coubertin used to say that anyone wanting to live very quickly. Specific selection processes in more NOCs, an Olympic life should have first of all joy of living. a more interconnected world through Internet, and 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 39 access to rich and varied educational experiences at an The IOA has influenced thousands of participants early age are probably behind these slow but steady over the last 50 years. It is fantastic that the current IOA shifts. For the same reasons, participants from years leadership is extending the programmes organized at back showed probably more spontaneity, creativity the Academy with the intention to reach more groups, and heterogeneity. There is no better or worse in this in a more targeted way, and get the most of the out- observation. There is definitely a trade-off in the gen- standing facilities. eral traits of the groups coming to Olympia over time. These are just the first 50 years; even catastrophes Nevertheless, the most important aspects have not as the fires in 2007 have not had any significant impact changed: motivation, enthusiasm and energy have al- on the running of the sessions ± none of the good ways been outstanding. spirits burnt. Not only can the experience at the Academy have Years will go by and the IOA will continue ful- a significant impact on the outside world, the outside filling its educational and inspiring purpose: returning world trends can be well reflected in the IOA sessions better human beings to the real world after a stay in too. As the IOA moves forward, it will be catering to a Olympia. more connected and more globalized world and it will become an even closer reflection of the global village. Sports activities, 42nd International Session for Young Participants, 2002.

Discussion group under the guidance of H. ArguÈelles, 46thInternational Session for Young Participants, 2006. The Olympic Rings and the ancient stadium in Olympia, 2005. 1964

e e e e Fernando Lima Bello

Honorary Member of theIOC

The International Olympic Academy

BEGAN APPRECIATING sport very young, By chance I was chosen to integrate the Executive taking interest in the athletics during the Board of our NOC and started to understand that Berlin's Olympic Games (1936), and as I Olympism was not only the Games, but an educational was learning more about each sport, tool, mainly through meeting the Portuguese that had I liked all of them, but my choice was sailing. been in previous sessions of the IOA. I competed during 30 years and was twice Olym- When I was elected President, one of my aims was pian, Mexico 1968 and Munich 1972, and by the fact to develop the potential of Olympism for Education that our Olympic Village was in a different location each and Culture. time, I had the chance to appreciate the prestigious com- What better way to do it than pursue to send petitions and the meeting of a lot of friends from other every year young people, if possible more than one, countries. However, I never felt the true universality of to the IOA? the Games before being Team Leader in Moscow, living After that, the logical step was to create a National in the Olympic Village and, after that, going, in differ- Olympic Academy, as we would have the possibility, ent functions, to all the Summer and Winter Games. with less pedagogic baggage and means, to reach many 44 Fernando Lima Bello more people, taking advantage that all over the country Now my main concern is the future work of the many municipalities were interested and gave a sub- IOA and the renovation of the installations, with the stantial financial help to have our sessions there, and so financial problems of your country, but, considering we attained decentralization. that the IOA is the true arm for Olympic education, We also take advantage to choose the future par- the IOC feels the problem and can give a more sub- ticipants not only with a written formality, but with stantial aid, until we have better times. appreciating personally their real interest. AnotherwishIwouldliketoexpresswasthe Later, after becoming an IOC member, I person- perseverance in leadership of the IOA in the work of ally had the chance to go to Olympia for short times, to the National Academies; they could collect the docu- appreciate the ruins, to take part in meetings originally mentation of the different Academies and give them of the IOC Commission for the IOA and then of the guidelines to their work. IOC Commission for Culture and Olympic Education A possible option would be to organize a booklet or to attend the Sessions for Young Participants. with the best pedagogic concepts, possibly taking ad- I was always impressed by the Greek tradition in vantage of some of the illustrations and make a text for Olympia and the simple but efficient installations of it; then, you could offer the publication for the several the IOA. NOAs, that would look after the translation, possibly My best memories were my presence in the open- with some adaptations, in the main languages, getting a ing ceremony at the Pnyx in 1990 and, after going to betterpriceforbiggereditionsand,evidently,you Olympia, the first round table consisting of nine IOC wouldbereimbursedoftheexpensesbytheNOCsor members. The participants were very interested to meet the Olympic Solidarity. so many of us and expressed their questions and My only pity is not to be younger and go to a doubts. We were choosing who would give the answer session (we are always learning) and feel the eagerness each time and later we formed smaller groups and of the pupils and the confraternization among all of continued the discussions. them, from all parts of the world. I know that it would be very expensive, but, if a IwishtheIOA at least another 50 years of the good possibility arrives, I recommend that you take that education that it provides. advantage, doing similar meetings, mainly with the younger members. In the lecture hall, 30th IOA Session, 1990, (from left to right) the IOC Members:D.S.Sibanze,V.CÏernusÏaÂk, M. Mzali, I. DiboÂs, F. L. Bello. 19651965

e e e e Dr Fernando Beltranena

Director of the Guatemalan Olympic Academy

My Olympic baptism

FTER MY ELECTION as a member of the had the name of Ephoria, which gave me the idea that Executive Guatemalan Committee, the they were a very happy bunch because they should be President invited and designated me as `euphoric' most of the time. Director of the National Olympic Acad- When I arrived in Athens, at the hotel I found a emy. I had been an athlete all my life, and member of group of the participants, mostly men, talking about a the executive boards of sport organizations ± the place that they had been to, called `Plaka'. It seemed to Autonomous Sport Confederation and the Equestrian me the place to have fun. In Spanish that name sounds Federation ± but I do confess that I did know very little, as `plaque'. Is it possible to have fun at a `plaque'? But if nothing, about Olympism. my information, instruction and knowledge had just The convocation to attend the Session for Direc- started. Next morning, the trip by bus to Olympia. We tors of National Olympic Academies in 1990 was a did a stop just after crossing over the Corinth Canal ± a surprise to me. I read whatever I had at hand about marvellous view to the gulf and of course to the bottom the IOA, but I only learnt about its location in Greece, of the canyon ± to watch the ships crossing through. its objectives and origin and that its Board of Directors The trip by bus and the stopover became a good be- 48 Fernando Beltranena ginning to know the other participants, some neo- was alive and that the universal ethical values could be phytes as myself, but others people that had been in- part of the life of the athletes called to compete at the volved in Olympism, in the Olympic Movement, uni- every four years meeting of the modern Games. Feeling versity professors in physical education, history, sociol- and hearing that those heartbeats were giving such a ogy, and so forth. They were a fantastic source of message sent shivers along my spine. It was a very deep knowledge, but besides their academic merits they were emotion, even though we had not visited the ruins of very nice and friendly people. Among a small group of Ancient Olympia where the athletes and artists gath- Directors of Academies of Spanish- and Portuguese- ered to compete in the Olympic Games! speaking countries we had just founded the Association The voice of Mr Conrado DuraÂntez guided us, ofIbero-American OlympicAcademies, under thepresi- step by step, in the visit to the sanctuary. He told us dency of Dr Conrado DuraÂntez, President of the about the myths that get lost in time, and the history Spanish Olympic Academy. The Association's objec- that accounts for more real facts. We learnt about im- tives were to spread in the continent the principles portant names, gods, goddesses, athletes, heroes, sculp- andphilosophyofOlympism.Theexperienceofour tures and sculptors, cities, wars, and all kind of events gathering in the IOA promised to be a unique one. related to the Games. We heard about Kronos and In the afternoon of our arrival we visited the Rhea, Gaia, Hercules, Hera, Oinomaos, Hippodamia. monumentdedicatedtoBaronPierredeCoubertin, We walked through the ruins of the temple dedicated the man that had restored the Olympic Games from to Zeus imagining the colossal statue of him, one of the the lethargy of more than 27 centuries. While his body Seven Wonders of the World; the Palaistra, the Treasur- was buried in Switzerland, his embalmed heart lies in a ies, the Stoa of the Echo, the Nymphaion, the Leoni- special urn inside the stele in this monument. It would daion. We heard about the two rivers, the Kladeos and not have been any other way. His believes and love for the Alpheios, that flow through Olympia. When we the idea that through sport the youth of the world visited the stadium we knew about Koroivos, the ath- could be educated in body, mind and spirit, were right lete from Elis that won the footrace in the stadium, there as a symbol of his presence in the very centre being the very first historical record of the Games in where the ancient Olympic Games took place. 776 BC. Our enthusiasm was growing. We got at the Yes, when I came close to the stele I could hear the starting line and ran the almost two hundred metres of beat of Coubertin's heart telling everybody willing to the length of the stadium. When I was running I could listen, that the spirit of the ancient Olympic Games still hear the beats of Coubertin's heart, which made me 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 49 understand more and more the reason that he had to left a permanent mark in my spirit. After these 20 years restore the Olympic Games. I am aware that there are more Olympic Academies in The lectures that we attended at the old confer- America: PASO, the Pan-American Sport Organization, ence room, the lecturers and the discussion groups gave organizes under the leadership of Mr Mario VaÂsquez their contribution to reinforce our decision to spread RanÄa seminaries for Olympic Academies. The fight the knowledge and practice of the true values of against doping is a war, and it seems that it is being Olympism to all levels of society, but more importantly won. Olympic education is common practice. I see in totheathletesthatshouldbeformedasrolemodelsto these advancements a common factor: the influence of youngsters. the International Olympic Academy, through which My first participation in the session at the Inter- many of its participants have received, as myself, the national Olympic Academy, more than 20 years ago, Olympic baptism that left on us its permanent mark. Awarding of participation diploma to F. Beltranena by K. Georgiadis, 9th Joint International Session forPresidentsorDirectorsofNOAs and Officials of NOCs, 2008.

At the commemorative monument of John Ketseas and Carl Diem. Commemorative photo at the ancient stadium in Olympia, 9th Joint International Session forPresidentsorDirectorsofNOAsandOfficialsofNOCs, 2008. 19661966

e e e e Laurel Brassey Iversen

Olympic athlete= Former President of theIOAPA

Night class at the marble steps

SAPARTICIPANTIN1986,Iwasinspired roundings of the Academy. Olympia is like a second to rekindle the Olympic flame that was skin, with her perfect fit. Wrapped in her embrace, we extinguished by the 1980 boycott and ul- shared unforgettable experiences and formed enduring timately competed in the Seoul Olympic friendships. Games. This pivotal point in my life was the beginning Many of my best memories took place on the of a great love affair with the IOA. As an elite athlete I felt marble steps. A `great cultural exchange'took place there a deep connection to the birthplace of the noble ideals of every night. It was Facebook LIVE! The atmosphere was Olympism. During that first session, Professor Nissiotis stunning with stars so thick and close you could reach encouraged us to form an alumni organization for the up and grab a handful. Initially bonded only by sport, IOA. I was a founding member and the first President of we grew together in respect and tolerance for each other. the IOAPA, which has kept participants until today. We shared our emotions and culture in our life's stories. I returned to Olympia 18 times in 23 years as a Laughing,singing,talking,westayeduntilthewee coordinator and IOAPA member, each time easily tran- hours of the morning, savouring every moment. sitioningfrommynormallifeintotheidyllicsur- Our passions were exposed and we began to real- 54 Laurel Brassey Iversen ize that we had more commonality, than differences. and indeed he was. There was joy in everything he did We began to live within the spirit of Olympism; not and it radiated through him. only discuss it, argue its merits and shortcomings, but Understanding: There used to be a fair amount of really embrace its philosophy. To really know and un- grumbling about the breakfast at the IOA. One of our derstand people whom you thought so completely dif- young friends told us how he loved the breakfast so ferent from yourself, to empathize with them, to ex- much every morning. He told us that normally he only change your thoughts and feelings freely, to agree or had some sugar water and maybe a piece of bread for disagree, and ultimately accept them as equals, is a breakfast. No one complained about breakfast any- powerful and life-changing experience. more after that. Tolerance : There was a Korean boy in my group, Respect : Through these years, it was a great plea- whohadsuchahardtimetospeakEnglish.Attheend sure for me to develop a close relationship with the IOA of the session, he asked to share something. He President Nikos Filaretos. He made me so mad at times struggledtospeakandeveryoneleanedinclosertohear and yet I could see how much he loved the Olympic every halting word. He said he was terrified to come to idealandallofus.Itdidgivemesomepleasureto Greece, his first time away from his homeland. There know that I, in turn, made him crazy and so he gave me were no other Korean participants. He was afraid no the name of `Mrs Impossible', as I was always asking for one would talk to him and he would be so lonely and something for the Young Participants or for the IOAPA. unhappy. BUT,hefeltlikehewaspartofafamilyinthe I did not take `no' for an answer very often and so we group and he was so happy that everyone tried so hard appreciated each other's stubbornness and a great re- to help him understand and included him in the spect developed between us. group. He was so motivated to return home to study I took the very best from each one of them. I only and share his experience. We all cried. hope I gave them as much as I received. I came home Joy in effort : There was a sweet young boy from each time with more precious treasures for my memory Zambia, whose face was dark as the night and his smile box, renewed in spirit, empowered, joyous, yet with so as bright as the stars. He was always happy and over- much nostalgia. I am reminded so often in my daily life flowed with confidence. He showed me pictures of his of these profound lessons I learned at the IOA. country and told me that his parents were dead. He was Volunteering as a coordinator, it was very reward- raising his younger siblings while working as a police- ing for me to watch these young people change in just manandtraininginjudo.Hetoldmehefeltsoblessed, two-weeks' time: to have helped facilitate their Olym- 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 55 pic education; to see them `Get it'! Nothing is better to emerge on the west hill where my favourite hut had than encouraging people to be their very best! We burned to the ground. The human values of Olympism coaxed them to discuss everything, try all the sports, continue to thrive, nurtured by exceptional people arts, dances, games and foods. We told them to eat in from every corner of the world. The marble steps await Miraka, dance at `Zorbas', then walk home down the the next generation. pitch-black road to the Academy, and hear the frogs My friends in Olympism deserve my deepest grat- under the bridge. Our mantra was `Learn and play itude for they have had a profound impact on my life. I now, sleep later, and be in the lecture hall at 8.30 a.m.'. would be remiss not to mention them. The memories Recently, I sat atop the marble steps and for the of them are the inspiration for this short paper and first time I could see the Kronion Hill, the west hill, the made its writing a pure joy: Professor Nissiotis, Jim east hill and all the way to the road below, because fires Parry, Kostas Georgiadis, Professor Yalouris, Nikos Fi- had burned so many of the beautiful trees. The land- laretos, Panos Vassilaras, Jan Paterson, Lamartine Da- scape had changed, but the spirituality of the place Costa, Youla Pipilis, Maha Zaoui, Carlos Manzur, and remained, untouched. Tiny new pines were beginning Naghmeh Kariminezhad. Coordinators at the 41st International Session for Young Participants, 2001.

First IOAPA meeting in Olympia, 1989. Torch relay for the Atlanta Olympic Games, 1996. IOAPA members carry the Olympic flame through Mt Taygetos in the Peloponnese. 19671967

e e e e Theo Breuers

Responsible for the live streaming of theIOA sessions on the Internet

The live streaming of theIOA sessions

ARLY IN 2000, the President of the IOA Dr linkID, and Twitter, to name a few. These new media Nikos Filaretos met the President of the bring people with the same interests together and create German Olympic Committee Mr Walt- the possibility to communicate and discuss various top- her TroÈger to discuss the influence of the ics in relation to the Olympic Movement. It also opens Internet on sport, especially the relationship between doors for the rest of the world to see what happens Internet and the Olympic Games. during the sessions in Olympia, therefore widening After this discussion we were invited by Dr Nikos participationtothoseunabletotraveltothecentreof Filaretos to do as a test a streaming of the Sessions for action. Young Participants of 2000. The success of this first Streaming media is very different from television: event, a live streaming of these sessions on the Internet, it is a video stream of a whole session without cuts, was the basis of the long-term relation between the IOA special effects, or external content. It allows the viewer and DB1. to see, hear and relate to what is actually happening at Streaming media was one of the first projects, but that very moment, which creates an opportunity to since then this has expanded with Chat, Facebook, pick up the buzz of the lecture in its pure form. 60 Theo Breuers

Since 2003 there is also a group of participants prospect of seeing how this medium will strengthen the who follow the lectures through the Internet. They are bond between students and the sessions in Olympia in from all over the world and they have group discus- general. sions, ask questions to the lecturers and deliver input These media have the ability to turn a 50-year-old for the final conclusions of the sessions. All of this is organization into a cutting-edge project which makes organized by a chatting forum which is only available maximum use of the available media. Our aim is to for the online students. Within the last years an Eng- make it a young and accessible organization which is lish- and a French-speaking group of Internet partici- ready for the challenges ahead and we hope to add to pants have been formed and their discussions and con- the magic of the Olympic sessions by giving people the tribution have added to the overall development of the tools to connect and improve this wonderful project. sessions, which is exciting to see and it spurs us on to There is no doubt in our minds that the IOA will continue our support for this development. continue to build on its success from the past and we Since 2010 there are also groups of participants hope that it will go from strength to strength within the who are active on Facebook: they stay in touch with years to come, keeping its spirit fresh and its eyes set on each other after the sessions and develop ideas and a bright future for the Olympic Movement. communication lines. WewouldliketothanktheEphoriaandthe With the successes of previously launched net- membersofthestaffoftheIOA for their support to work and communication media, we now feel the time us in the past eleven years and we have strong hopes to is right to introduce Twitter in 2011. This will further continue a long and successful cooperation within this expand the opportunities for people to respond to each exciting Olympic arena! other in a very immediate way and we are excited at the Working for the live streaming on the Internet, 48th International Session for Young Participants, 2008.

Opening ceremony of the 42nd International Session for Young Participants, Hill of the Pnyx, 2002. 19681968

e e e e Sergey Bubka

Olympic champion= Member of theIOC = President of theNOC of Ukraine

The 50th anniversary of the International Olympic Academy

HAVE A GREAT HONOUR to send you my YouthOlympicGamesinSingaporewaslitinOlympia. sincere greetings on the occasion of this Olympia is a sacred place for all of us who devote wonderful Olympic jubilee. their life to sports and the Olympic Movement. And it I always have particular feelings is quite reasonable that just this ancient town has been a while remembering my stay in Olympia ± the birth- home for the International Olympic Academy for al- place of the Olympic Games and the homeland of the ready 50 years, as the powerful means for the develop- International Olympic Academy. ment of Olympism, which constantly enriches the In 2004 it was an inexpressible pleasure for me as world with its creative and educational ideas. an athlete and the IOC Athletes' Commission Chair- The International Olympic Academy's activity is of man to visit Olympia and be a witness of the great great importance for Ukraine, as it supports the imple- victory of the Ukrainian shot putter Yuriy Bilonog at mentation of efficiently innovative educational Olym- the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad. pic projects in our country. For 20 years, since our NOC's And in 2010 I had again a lucky chance to feel the foundation, more than a hundred Ukrainians ± athletes unique spirit of this place, when the first flame of the and coaches, educators and scientists, journalists ± were 64 Sergey Bubka honoured to visit Olympia and to connect with the IOA It is a pleasure for me to mention that mostly all activities, participating in its forums and programmes. sports scientific and educational forums in Ukraine Thanks to the significant support of the IOA,the were held under direct participation and support of Olympic Academy of Ukraine has published the the International Olympic Academy. unique manual Olympic Sport for higher education in- On behalf of the Ukrainian Olympic family I am stitutes, which was presented at the XII Olympic Con- happy to extend my warmest congratulations on the gress in Paris in 1994 on the occasion of the first 50th anniversary of the International Olympic Acad- centenary of the modern Olympism. The wonderful emy and send my best wishes of new success and en- OlympicliteratureforUkrainian secondary school pu- thusiasm, new creative ideas and prosperity. pils also appeared with the IOA considerable assistance. Press conference in Ancient Olympia for the lighting ceremony for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. From left to right: S. Bubka, S. M. Ng (SYOGOC Chairman), J. Rogge (IOC President) and Yelena Isinbayeva (Olympic Gold Medallist).

43rd International Session for Young Participants, 2003. From left to right: M. Bolly (Coordinator), L. Palenfo (IOC Member), K. Keino (IOC Member), A. Boukhtouche (Algerian NOC 1st Vice-President), S. Bubka (IOC Member). 19691969

e e e e Prof. Maria Bulatova

President of the Olympic Academy of Ukraine

My Olympia

Y FIRST RECOLLECTIONS of legendary letes' functional preparation for the Olympic Games. mysterious Olympia bring me back to I would like to admit that, in the period of my the year of 1997 when my long-term professional progressing, in our country a great political cherished dreams at last have come true. importance was given to the Olympic Games and the That long-desired visit was like some kind of a reward value of Olympic medals stood fabulously high. So we, to me, the impressions of which strongly affected my the scientists, did our best to enhance athletes' perfor- further professional activities. mance. But for all those years we seldom thought about Being a Ph.D. and D.Sc. in Pedagogy and Ex- the spiritual, ethical and educational values of Olymp- ercise Physiology as many scientists with academic ism which were generously gifted to the whole man- background from the former USSR, I always con- kind by ancient Greeks and further developed by Pierre nected my scientific interests with physiological studies de Coubertin and his colleagues, among whom there in the system of Olympic preparation. For a lot of was our outstanding compatriot General Alexei Bu- years I was focused on research and publication activ- towsky, the name of whom had been intentionally ities relating to various biomedical aspects of the ath- ignored up to the 1980s. 68 Maria Bulatova

My visit to Olympia and a meeting with the IOC The IOA has become the horn of plenty (Cornu- President Juan Antonio Samaranch have completely copia) in Olympic education for all of us, especially for changed my mindset and become a watershed in the those young countries as Ukraine is. For those 20 years sphere of my professional interests. of the OAU's existence more than 150 members could Since that time I devote all my energy and passion join the Olympic educators' family at the IOA seminars to the development and reinforcement of the Olympic and sessions in order to get valuable experience, much educationsysteminmycountry. necessary for the development of Olympism in Now the Olympic Academy of the 46 million Ukraine ± the country that has got both rich athletic Ukrainians enjoys its membership in a truly friendly legacy (more than 600 athletes climbed the victorious family of NOAs under the paternal umbrella of the Olympic podiums) and dreams to put it ahead by International Olympic Academy. At present the OAU means of Olympic education. designs educational programmes, publishes books and There is one more unique event to link us, the posters, issues films, and holds numerous various Ukrainians, with Olympia. The only athlete of the events, including international congresses devoted to modern era who has become the Olympic champion the Olympic ideas. The OAU performs all its activities at the ancient stadium in Olympia is our Ukrainian in accordance with the recommendations of the IOA. Yuriy Bilonog at the 2004 Games of the XXVIII Olym- The noble mission of human perfection by means piad ± this is really a subject of our national pride and of Olympic education has been put on the Interna- glory. tional Olympic Academy by the International Olympic The Olympic Academy of Ukraine would like to Committee through the courtesy of the Hellenic express its sincere gratitude to the IOA Ephoria and its Olympic Committee, in order for the IOA to dissemi- President Mr Isidoros Kouvelos for their distinguished nate and implement the precious Olympic ideas all role in inducing our inspiration to develop Olympic over the world. education in a global scale. Since 1961, in the site of Ancient Olympia the Long live the International Olympic Academy on IOA has been fruitfully functioning and disseminating the eve of its 50th anniversary! Many happy returns of the Olympic spirit among all those who are eager to this glorious day! bring the eternal values of justice, honesty, nobleness and fair play to the people. Laying of wreath by Maria Bulatova and I. Kouvelos at the stele of Pierre de Coubertin, 10th International Session for Directors of NOAs, 2008.

Awarding of participation diploma by F. Serpieris (IOA President) and K. Georgiadis to Maria Bulatova, 3rd Joint International SessionforPresidentsorDirectors of NOAs and Officials of NOCs, 1996. 19701970

e e e e Prof. Dr Lamartine P. DaCosta

University Gama Filho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil= University of East London,UK

In search of a historical and philosophical meaning forIOA at Ancient Olympia

WAS A LECTURER for the first time at the would be potentially able to constitute a central refer- International Olympic Academy in 1991 ence to sport, one of today's main stems of globaliza- and throughout two decades I have vis- tion. This presupposed need holds particular true in ited Ancient Olympia as a collaborator, as the case of IOA by its pedagogical potentialities and well as for the first Postgraduate Seminar in 1993. My impacts on its participants from different parts of the theme for the 1991 Young Session referred to a philo- world without cultural and ethnic prejudices. sophical review of the Olympic Games as a rationale This approach might be integrated within theor- for sport for all. Since then I was also attracted to the etical accounts that frame Ancient Olympia - IOA com- philosophical meaning of Ancient Olympia as illumi- position into a micro representation of the world which nated by the IOA in earlier times. is basically concerned to humanity, and to man and By the year 2000, my working hypothesis focused woman roles. In this context, the Olympic Games on the role of Ancient Olympia as a lieu de meÂmoire would also play the role of a macro representation of (place of memory) of the Olympic Games and more the world when transformed to a media event. In retro- recently of sports in general. As such, that historical site spect, this account of world's views was constructed by 72 Lamartine P. DaCosta pre-Socratic philosophers and it has been nowadays tively, both approaches remain today as modes of pro- representing the globalization direction in which the moting cultural identity in international perspective. world is heading. Philosophically speaking, the observation of the As the impact of these and further interpretations Greeks as order seekers is just an evidence of their from the first philosophers of ancient Greece cannot be overall reflection on nature and man as common told here in its full complexity, I intend to capture grounds of the universal knowledge (logos), as early merely some of the more fascinating aspects of that proposed by Herakleitos. successive construction of world's views. Socrates, him- Unsurprisingly, the notion of world's views made self, in his lifetime was in conscious rebellion against also appearance in old Greek culture as a theatrical the prevailing cosmogonies. Living in the fifth century vision of the world with the sense of transforming BC already, Socrates maintained that men must know citizens into spectators of themselves, when bringing how they themselves ought to live, not how nature city centres' spaces to their measures and perspectives. It works. Therefore, what should be needed to consider is equally remarkable that the expression theatrum first and foremost were moral questions. mundi appeared among Renaissance thinkers ± mainly Such accomplishment of making order from pre- architects ± as a legacy from ancient Greece. Socratic thinking combined with the search of perfec- The theatrical vision of the world was additionally tion should have as a symptomatic example the Olym- a conception from the first-century AD Greece as a pic Games, which notably congregated the ancient Stoic proposal of education. In the Enchiridion,Epic- Hellenic world located in different parts of the Medi- tetus introduces another role for the traditional theatre, terranean for more than one thousand years. But the giving opportunity to spectators to discuss moral-poli- communal pledge of the Olympiads was firstly headed tical arguments. This proposal may be initially ap- to Hellenic ethnic groups for their need of contemplat- proached by reading Plato's Politeia (The Republic) ing themselves in a glorified and ordered ritual. For- when he calls for a prudent use of the theatre as a eigners, i.e. barbarians, belonged to the chaos and the pedagogic tool. In opposition to Epictetus, Plato de- hostile variety of the world's parts. tected a paradoxical effect in the theatrum mundi which Later, foreigners were accepted as participants of could also teach vicious and unjust deeds to youth. the Games but still peace control was exerted by level- Theambiguityofthetheatricalviewoftheworld ling down differences while Greeks continued to praise has been shared by the mass media in present days. As similarities as a means for their own unification. Sugges- yet, the emphasis in the spectacle is not a deviation but 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 73 a limitation of mimetic learning, as already depicted by world in terms of one place with universal Plato in his time. As a result, the dramatic revelation of meanings. the world should not be rejected as Plato did, or em- ù Ancient Olympia as the sanctuary of the Games phasized as Epictetus did, but recommended with ad- was a fixed stage in a fixed location, creating a ditional examples from history. place of memory in Greek and Western cul- To conclude, from all these standpoints let me tures. forward the issue of lieux de meÂmoire in more specific ù The form of this vision is a philosophical, his- termsasfollowing: torical and scientific foundational knowledge, focusing men and women, i.e. the humanity, in ù Should the celebration of humanity constitute their insertion in the world from pre-Socratic historically the unchanged implicit and primor- Greece until today's globalized society. dial element of the Olympic Games, following there is a synthesis of previous conclusive inter- Ultimately, the IOA as portrayed by Ancient Olympia pretations: the vision of the world is a Greek became part of that place of memory along with its fifty cultural invention which presents historical yearsofexistenceandsofarithasturnedouttobe continuity as observed in today's globalization. more a symbol than an institution. This meaning ù Ancient Greece, Ancient Olympia, Olympic brings light to the rare interplay among different Games and IOA have close historical intersec- people from all parts of the world inside at the IOA, tions that may jointly represent a vision of the as mostly connected by shared expectations for sports. Commemorative photo, 6th International Postgraduate Seminar on Olympic Studies, 1998. First row, from left to right, the professors K. Georgiadis, F. Landry and L. DaCosta.

Guided tour at the archaeological site in Ancient Olympia, 1994, L. DaCosta and L. Chalip. Lecture by L. DaCosta, 14th International Seminar on Olympic Studies for Postgraduate Students, 2006. 19711971

e e e e Anita L. DeFrantz

Member of theIOC = Olympic Bronze Medallist

The long road to the International Olympic Academy

NTHEWORLDof the Olympic Games, pic Games with a gold medal and then focus all my the first experience generally makes the efforts on my legal career. most lasting impression. Iwas selected a Iwas successful in being selected to the US Olympic member of the United States Olympic Team. But a completely unanticipated event, the refusal Rowing Team for the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. of the US Olympic Committee to enter a team at those My memories of the opening ceremony, of living in the Games, completely destroyed my goal of ending my Olympic Village and competing at the Games are still rowing career with competition at those Games. I crystal clear. After that first experience, Idecided that I worked very hard to change that outcome. Isued the wanted to compete for another quadrennial to capture US Olympic Committee for the right to compete in a gold medal. Moscow. The Solicitor General of the United States The year 1980 was both very difficult and yet a joined the law supporting the USOC as the US adminis- year of enlightenment for me. My plan for the year was tration sought to enforce its boycott of those Olympic to finish my rowing career at the 1980 Moscow Olym- Games. 78 Anita L. DeFrantz

Our lawsuit failed. During the months leading up pastthegateawayfromOlympiafornearlyanhour to the Games, rowers throughout the world had been and realized that we must have passed the IOA. working together to find ways to help as many athletes We trudged back and reached the museums, so as possible get to the Moscow Games. It was both again we missed the IOA. My friends began to doubt exhilarating and sad to work for others and share stra- that such an institution existed. As dusk fell, we realized tegies that made it possible for some to survive their that we would need to continue our journey and bid governments wish to keep them home. farewell to Ancient Olympia. After the final international regatta before the Much to my delight, Ihad the opportunity to give Olympic Games, two of my rowing friends and I back to the Olympic Movement as Ijoined the Los decided to go to the place where this all began, Ancient Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee (LAOOC)in Olympia. We were in search of the inspiration that had August of 1981. The LAOOC had fewer than 30 people created the Olympic Movement thousands of years ago on staff when Ijoined. The small number made it and had inspired us to fight for the right to compete. possible for us to work together well. We were deter- Our band of three had many adventures along the minedtodothebestpossiblejobfortheathletesofthe road to Ancient Olympia, but finally we were there. world. Iwas given the responsibility for planning the The all-encompassing heat that creates a special silence Olympic Villages and ultimately for ensuring that the covered us. We walked into the stadium and pretended NOCs from Africa attended the Olympic Games. that we were in Moscow. We visited the museum and It seemed impossible that the athletes of the world read the literature. We learned about the stele, where would be threatened again by government forces keep- laid the heart of Baron Pierre de Coubertin. The in- ingthemawayfromtheGames.TheLAOOC staff formation indicated that the stele was adjacent to the worked very hard in 1984 to get every National Olym- International Olympic Academy. I had learned about picCommitteetobringtheirathletestotheGames.It the IOA during my studies of the Olympic Movement. breaks my heart that athletes were used as pawns for We had a new destination; we needed to find the nothing in particular, since the absence of athletes only International Olympic Academy. hurt the athletes. But it did happen twice in a row and Itisstillastonishingtomethatweweresoclose if one considers the actions by several National Olym- yet no one could tell us where it was. We found the pic Committees from Africa, three times in a row. pathway to the stele, but the path had a locked gate, so The Games of the XXIII Olympiad were a great we could only look toward the opening. We walked success and even changed the face of the IOC as a check 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 79 for 20 million dollars was given to the IOC in 1980 as was the first of six visits to the Academy for me, at least payment for the television rights for the 1984 Olympic so far! Games. No longer would the IOC be made up only by Over the years, Iwas asked to discuss various topics those who could afford to be members. in my lectures. Ispoke about the problems of doping In 1985, one year after the Games, I received an and cheating at the Games. The topic of women and invitation to visit the IOA. Iwas invited to lecture about sport became a central focus of my work as a member of the Los Angeles Olympic Games. This opportunity the IOC,sonaturallyIwasabletosharethoseexperiences changed my life again. Iwas finally going to the place with the students who came to the Academy. It is true where it all began, but this time Iwould most certainly that the founder of the Modern Olympic Movement, be allowed to enter the Olympic Academy! Baron Pierre de Coubertin, was not interested in women Ihad the opportunity to speak about how the competing at the Games. Perhaps staying true to his call 1984 Olympic Games were organized. It was a great to the youth of the world, he did nothing to prevent responsibility and a wonderful chance to learn from the women from competing at the Olympic Games. students who attended. During the 1985 Academy, The IOA askedmetolectureonethicsandsport, people from the 1980 Moscow Olympic Organizing which is another set of ideals that are important to me. Committee also were invited to speak. This provided The concepts of fair play and mutual respect form the the possibility of anger over the way the two govern- basis of the Olympic ideals which the world has come ments used their athletes. But this time in the peaceful to appreciate. setting of the Olympic Academy, the story of why first Each time Ivisited the InternationalOlympic the US and then the USSR chose to use their athletes as Academy Ileft refreshed with the knowledge that there pawns was discussed. The conclusion was again that are young people determined to experience what the the only outcome of the boycotts was to deny athletes ancient people experienced at Olympia. Looking at of the opportunity to experience the Olympic Games. pictures from the first few editions of the IOA,itis The world lost generations of ambassadors for peace. impressive to see that the students stayed in tents and Itisathrillingexperiencetobewiththestudents had the most rudimentary classrooms and lecture halls. who were using this opportunity to learn about the Today's students have air-conditioned lecture halls and Olympic Movement so that they would be able to a wonderful library for study. From what was essen- share the Olympic ideals in their classrooms around tially a campground to the Academy of today, a long the globe. Ithoroughly enjoyed the experience. It road has been travelled. 80 Anita L. DeFrantz

It is tremendous to have a wonderful institution steadfastly supported this institution. Ialso wish to across from the fields and ruins of gymnasia where the thank the loyal staff people who spend their time year notion of sport and the tradition of excellence have in and out making certain that there is a place where been honoured for millennia. It has been a great pri- serious study on the Olympic Movement can take vilege to take part at so many sessions and Itruly hope place. To all of those who in ancient and present time that Iwill have opportunities to share with students honour the ideals of fair play and mutual respect which from around the world again. form the basis of the Olympic Movement, Ioffer my Iwish to express my thanks to the citizens of heartfelt gratitude. Greece and the City of Ancient Olympia who have Lecture by Anita DeFrantz, 46th International Session for Young Participants, 2006.

Anita DeFrantz at the Montreal Olympic Games, 1976. 19721972

e e e e Prof. Dr Gudrun Doll-Tepper

Freie UniversitaÈt Berlin = Vice-President for Education / Olympic Education of the German Olympic Sports Confederation= Chairperson of the German Olympic Academy Willi Daume

Inspiring the world with Olympism

NYONE WHO HAS had the opportunity to CHANGES AND CHALLENGES attend courses at the International Olym- Since its foundation in 1961, the IOA has made tre- pic Academy in Ancient Olympia would mendous contributions to the Olympic Movement by never forget its unique atmosphere and offering open forums for discussions and debates on compelling spirit. Entering the Academy for the first topics related to Olympism and the development of time was an overwhelming moment for me because I sport in a globalized world. Today, global networks and have been following the IOA's activities for many years new technologies connect us all as witnesses and parti- through its publications and participants' reports. I cipants in the economic, political and cultural changes hope that as many people as possible who wish to share happening at international, national and local levels. their knowledge and interest in the Olympic Move- All these developments influence the world of sport ment can come to the IOA and experience this interna- just as it influences our lives. tional gathering in a truly historical setting. Foroverfivedecades,theIOA has been providing various forums in which global change and its impact 84 Gudrun Doll-Tepper on the Olympic Movement are analysed and discussed. (YOG) in Singapore also promoted the growth of It brings together people from different generations, Olympism. Athletes aged 14 to 18 had the opportunity who have diverse cultural backgrounds, professional to compete in 26 sports and were offered a multidi- education and training. It is common to see students, mensional `Culture and Education Programme'. This teachers, coaches, administrators and officials exchang- innovation is an exciting challenge for future YOG to ing ideas and experiences with each other at IOA fo- consider its connection to the Olympic Games, and rums. The IOA has created a wide-ranging professional also to examine the relationship between competition, atmosphere by facilitating interdisciplinary exchanges education and culture. and contributions from experts across the scientific, Societal change around the world is an often-dis- economic, cultural and political spheres. The IOA cussed topic within the IOA, especially concerning phy- should continue to follow this avenue. sical education and sport since Pierre de Coubertin's The IOA makes dialogue possible ± even through inception of the modern Olympic Games. Among political obstacles and language barriers ± by addressing the challenges to the world of sport, Iwould like to global visions of education, ethics, peace and fair play, highlight the IOA's efforts to address the issue of gender along with international concerns relating to doping, equality. The roles of the Olympic Movement and the racism and other forms of discrimination. The chal- IOC in promoting gender equality regarding both par- lenge is to discuss areas of conflict and identify new ticipation and leadership positions in sport have re- approaches and solutions. This must remain central to ceived special attention in many sessions. These efforts the future of the IOA. need to be not only continued, but also intensified. ThescopeoftheIOA's achievements is so large that it exceeds the limits of my reflections, but its focus LINKING THE IOA TO NATIONAL OLYMPIC on events for athletes must at least be mentioned. In ACADEMIES addition to the Olympic Games, growing sport movements have received increased public and media atten- On behalf of the German Olympic Sports Confedera- tion in the past few decades, which makes them prime tion and of the German Olympic Academy Willi issues to be studied and discussed at the IOA.This Daume Iwish to express our sincere gratitude to the includes events for athletes with disabilities, especially IOA for their outstanding cooperation. the Deaflympics, Special Olympics and Paralympics. Our main focus as a National Olympic Academy The IOC's inaugural 2010 Youth Olympic Games is to promote Olympism and Olympic education with- 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 85 in Germany. We thereby aim to introduce the global MANY THANKS AND BEST WISHES Olympic vision into local contexts through various FORFUTURECHALLENGES approaches. We publish and distribute educational ma- The IOA has come a long way during the past 50 years. terials about the Olympic Movement, Olympic Games Everyone who is or has been involved with its devel- and Paralympics to primary and secondary schools. We opment deserves sincere congratulations for the con- offer a German translation of the Olympic Charter and tributions that this unique institution has made to the publications on the past, present and future of the Olympic Movement and the worldwide promotion of Olympic Movement, very often connected to symposia Olympism. and conferences organized by us. We organize sympo- However, we must realize that challenging ques- sia and conferences on issues related to the Olympic tions about the Olympic Movement will be asked Movement. Although the main activities take place in while our world continues to grow: What are tradi- our home country, the various global opportunities tional Olympic values, and how will they endure or that the IOA offers are greatly appreciated. Teachers, adapt to global change? What is the role of Olympic researchers and students alike take tremendous pleasure education in the age of electronic social networks and in attending the IOA sessions. The inspiration gathered decreased physical activities among young people? from their stay at the IOA is palpable; it clearly affects How can the Youth Olympic Games succeed in com- and stimulates others. The German Olympic Academy bining sport competition, culture and education? How prepares all of our carefully chosen participants for the can the Olympic Games contribute to a peaceful IOA sessions and keeps contact with them after their world? The will surely address these questions. return. Among other ways of staying in touch, we IOA May the enjoy continued success in offering regularly invite them to follow-up sessions every two IOA open debates and discussions about the Olympic years. Movement while inspiring the world with Olympism. The network of National Olympic Academies has Congratulations on your 50th anniversary, and enormous potential and should be further developed in the best of luck for years to come! close cooperation with the IOA. These networks have proven to foster mutual understanding and respect. It is an important task to stay on this course for the future. Olympic Anthem in the amphitheatre, 7th International Session for Educators and Officials of Higher Institutes of PE, 2006.

Laying of wreath at the stele of Pierre de Coubertin by Gudrun Doll-Tepper (on the left) and Maria Bulatova, 7th International Session for Educators and Officials of Higher Institutes of PE, 2006. Commemorative photo, 7th International Session for Educators and Officials of Higher Institutes of Physical Education, 2006. 19731973

e e e e Conrado DuraÂntez

PreÂsident de l'AcadeÂmie Olympique Espagnole

Olympie et sonÂ legat historique et culturel

E 24 AVRIL 1961,leComiteÂ Olympique le 14 juin, apreÁs un voyage accidenteÂ, perte de bagages Espagnol recËut, au sein de ses locaux, comprise. Je fus logeÂ dans l'une des tentes ameÂnageÂes une lettre envoyeÂe par Carl Diem, direc- en pension pour l'eÂveÂnement, dans laquelle et parmi les teur de la Haute Ecole de Sport de Co- autres repreÂsentants inviteÂs, se trouvait eÂgalement Ger- logne. Cette lettre en rappelait une preÂceÂdente et an- hardus Porgieter, classeÂ quatrieÁme pour l'eÂpreuve des noncËaitquepourlemoisdejuinsuivanteÂtait preÂvue 400 m plat aux jeux de Rome preÂceÂdents. l'inauguration de l'AcadeÂmie Olympique Internatio- Lorsque le lendemain, sous la lumieÁre aveuglante nale aÁ Olympie (en GreÁce). De meÃme, elle priait le et ardente du matin, je pus contempler les ruines re- ComiteÂ de choisir et d'envoyer un repreÂsentant aÁ cet preÂsentatives et eÂvocatrices du sanctuaire d'Olympie, je acte. La deÂcision de seÂlection fut confieÂeaÁ la FeÂdeÂration recËus un impact profond et saisissant duÃ aÁ ma double Espagnole d'AthleÂtisme, qui, en seÂance pleÂnieÁre et aÁ condition d'athleÁte de haute compeÂtition et d'universi- l'issue de longues deÂlibeÂrations sur les candidats pro- taire avec certaines connaissances du leÂgat historique de poseÂs, me choisit. la culture grecque, inteÂreÃtquieÂvolua en une fascination Je suis donc arriveÂ aÁ Olympie par le train de nuit, eÂblouissante aÁ mesure que, graÃce aÁ la bibliographie 90 Conrado DuraÂntez obtenue sur place, je pus appreÂcier peu aÁ peu in situ le mouvement olympique ou de centre spirituel mondial sens et la porteÂe des ruines veÂneÂrables et mythiques : de l'olympisme. Tout au long de son parcours, l'AcadeÂ- Palestre, Gymnase, Temple de Zeus, Temple d'HeÂra, mie, eÂmergeant de la phase initiale spartiate, d'heÂberge- Stade, Leonidaion... L'eÂmotion eÂtait plus grande par ce ment sous tente et dans une preÂcariteÂ geÂneÂraliseÂe, s'est qu'on devinait et ce qu'on imaginait, que par ce qu'on transformeÂepeuaÁ peu pour acqueÂrir des installations voyait et qui restait... Ci et laÁ, commencËa mon travail confortables qui de nos jours lui octroient une qualiteÂ passionnant sur le theÁme d'Olympie et de son leÂgat maximale en raison du milieu ouÁ elle se trouve. historique et culturel. Depuis lors, j'ai travailleÂ et je Olympie, comme symbole et leÂgat, a atteint une travaille toujours sur ce theÁme si riche du point de notorieÂteÂ mondiale graÃce aÁ l'intervention de l'AcadeÂmie vue historique, humanistique, culturel et sportif. qui tous les ans, impreÁgnedel'ideÂologie olympique les C'est la raison pour laquelle, aÁ mon avis, de nos centaines de participants du monde entier qui prennent jours, l'AcadeÂmie d'Olympie reÂunit une double qualiteÂ part aÁ ses diffeÂrents programmes. Cela renforce, de deÂterminante qui produit chez les assistants un impact facËon permanente, la notorieÂteÂ de l'enclave qui, depuis eÂmotionnel impeÂrissable sur la seÂquence de leurs ex- 1936 n'eÂtait eÂvidente que lors de la ceÂreÂmoniedel'al- peÂriences vitales et, ainsi, aÁ la rigoureuse dimension lumage de la flamme pour l'inauguration des jeux, tous scientifique des confeÂrences et seÂminaires qui y sont les quatre ans. organiseÂs s'allie la forte attraction eÂvocatrice de son Je crois qu'Olympie aujourd'hui, ainsi que son enclave idyllique, puissante fascination tellurique qui AcadeÂmie, sont les deÂpositaires de la spiritualiteÂ et du a fait de cette zone milleÂnaire une destination de peÁ- savoir olympiques, refleÂteÂs dans les ruines eÂvocatrices et lerinage et de culte. Se laisser impreÂgner par le calme les museÂes, teÂmoinsdelagloireetdel'exempledu idyllique d'Olympie, c'est recevoir une sorte de bapteÃme passeÂ,allieÂs aux fonds bibliographiques de l'AcadeÂmie olympique qui captera aÁ jamais l'aÃme de l'assistant pour et au preÂcieux contenu scientifique des proceÁs-verbaux l'úuvredelagrandecauseolympiquequiyeutson de ses programmes, proceÁs-verbaux qui recueillent tous envol deÂsormais trimilleÂnaire. les courants du savoir sur l'olympisme. Au cours de ce demi-sieÁcle de vie, la taÃche et les Le ComiteÂ Olympique Espagnol a toujours eÂteÂ un reÂsultats obtenus par l'AcadeÂmie Olympique Interna- fideÁle collaborateur de l'AcadeÂmie Olympique en en- tionale ont justifieÂ une position et une valeur excep- voyant systeÂmatiquement des repreÂsentants aÁ tous les tionnelles. DeÂjaÁ aÁ sestousdeÂbuts, le professeur autri- cours programmeÂs ; en creÂant en 1968 la premieÁre chien Josef Recla qualifia l'AcadeÂmie d'Âecole d'eÂteÂ du AcadeÂmie Olympique Nationale comme collaboratrice 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 91 de celle d'Olympie ; en fondant de meÃme en 1990 la rables et admireÂs que j'ai eu le privileÁge de connaõÃtre et premieÁre Association des AcadeÂmies Olympiques com- de freÂquenter durant toute cette peÂriode d'espoirs poseÂe de 27 pays. Le but de cette Association est de olympiques, ni de ceux qui par leur enthousiasme et propager en une langue commune les principes olym- leur savoir rendirent possible le succeÁs de cette ambi- piques, en encourageant la diffusion de l'olympisme et tieuse entreprise, entre autres Carl Diem, Jean Ketseas, de son enseignement par la voie de la creÂation et de Georges de Hanovre, Otto Szymiczek, Nicolaos Nis- l'impulsion des Centres d'Etudes Olympiques au sein siotis, CleÂanthis Paleologos, Otto Misangyi, Josef Recla des universiteÂs, aÁ l'heure actuelle au nombre de 28. et Paul Vialar, personnes qui serviront d'exemple et de Si j'eÂtablis le bilan de l'AcadeÂmie d'Olympie et guide aÁ nous tous qui militons dans le sens du grand que j'en eÂvoqueledemi-sieÁcle d'histoire, je ne peux mouvement olympique. me deÂroberausouvenireÂmouvant des pionniers admi- Couverture et premieÁre page du cahier du 1er cours de l'AIO.DanslapremieÁre page, le cachet philateÂlique speÂcial pour l'occasion et la signature de Carl Diem, pionnier de l'AIO. Le 16 juin de 1961. PremieÁre reÂunion des repreÂsen- tants du 1er cours de l'AIO. De gaucheÁ a droite, debout : F. Lotz (Allemagne), chef d'eÂtude, C. Du- raÂntez (Espagne), G. Tower (Etats-Unis), D. Lyon (Kenya), G. Mariner (Canada), D. de Groot (Hol- lande),S.Mazzi(Italie),A.Miri(Argentine),W. Boomer (Etats-Unis), J. de Hegedius (Uruguay), M.Gesto(Uruguay),S.Badr(Egypte),M.Kranz (IsraeÈl), P. Mills (Grande-Bretagne), G. Willmann (Allemagne), T. Avgidis (GreÁce) et G. Porgieter (Afrique du Sud). Assis : C. Romero (Argentine), R. Friederichs (Chili), N. Nasser (UAR), H. Knosels (Mexique), N. Mansur (UAR), M. Obal (Uganda), H. Donner (Autriche), R. Moutquin (Belgique), I. Varasteh (Iran), A. Omo-Osagie (NigeÂria),G.Fab- rizi (Congo) et R. Kamoshita (Japon).

J. Ketseas (aÁ droite), pionnier de l'AIO,parleavec C. DuraÂntez. 19741974

e e e e Jean Durry

Historien du sport= Fondateur du MuseÂe National du Sport, France

De deÂcennie en deÂcennie une incessanteÂ evolution

AIR EST D'UNE FINESSE exquise, l'odeur un spectacle aÁ la mesure des hommes ; pour voir et ac- des pins, celle du laurier et du thym le clamer : celui qui court le plus vite, celui qui saute le plus parfument. Dans la seÂreÂniteÂ de la nuit, le loin, celui qui force tous les adversaires aÁ toucher le sol. clair de lune entoure les vignes et les peu- Est-ce possible qu'il y ait de cela deux milleÂnaires ? pliers de la plus douce des lumieÁres. Sur la route qui Non, ce n'est pas vrai, puisque nous voici dans la tendre meÁne au village, on s'arreÃte, on se tait. Silence gonfleÂ nuit d'Olympie et que le temps « disparu ». d'eÂmotion, mais silence plein de joie et d'attente. Voici De ces lignes enthousiastes, de cette eÂmotion aÁ qu'apparaõÃt, en contrebas de la route, le stade : le stade fleur d'aÃme, deÂbut d'un article intituleÂ « Aux sources d'Olympie. du sport » et inspireÂ par la 5e Session de l'AcadeÂmie C'est donc vers les pentes leÂgeÁres encadrant cette Internationale Olympique, alors que nous feÃtons enlarge ligne droite de sable blanc que durant plus de dix semble le cinquantieÁme anniversaire, je n'ai aujourd'hui sieÁcles se dirigea, toutes les quatre anneÂes, le monde pas un mot aÁ changer. antique. C'est laÁ que la GreÁce entieÁre se reÂunissait ± C'eÂtait donc en... 1965. A l'instant de cette deÂ- pendant la TreÃve sacreÂe ± pour vibrer de passion devant couverte eÂmerveilleÂe, de ce bonheur, je me trouvais 96 Jean Durry dans une position intermeÂdiaire en quelque sorte entre quiteÂs grecques, ou Mohamed Mzali membre du CIO les jeunes participants, l'Ephoria et les confeÂrenciers. et Premier Ministre de Tunisie avec lequel le premier Mais l'anneÂe suivante, j'avais la joie d'eÃtre inviteÂ aÁ dialogue se noua plateau aÁ la main dans la queue du donner aÁ mon tour, sous les arbres, car il n'y avait « self » alors qu'il s'appreÃtait aÁ choisir une salade de encore aucun baÃtiment-amphitheÂaÃtre permanent, ma tomates, Nicolaos Nissiotis, philosophe de haut vol et premieÁre confeÂrence : « L'eÂcrivain et le theÁme sportif ». d'une fraternelle simpliciteÂ,ouJuanAntonioSama- Les confeÂrenciers eÂtaient alors logeÂs sur la colline au- ranch repartant bientoÃtdanssonheÂlicopteÁre. Et tant dessus du MuseÂeexistantaÁ l'eÂpoque, aÁ l'hoÃtel SPAP,ce d'autres devenus des amis. meÃme hoÃtel de la terrasse duquel Pierre de Coubertin, En 1998, moment particulieÁrement fort dans la fin novembre (ou tout deÂbut deÂcembre) 1894 et en lumieÁre nimbant la Pnyx, dos au PartheÂnon, lorsqu'il avril 1927, avait contempleÂ l'Altisdans«lanuiteÂtoi- me fut donneÂ de deÂlivrer au nom des confeÂrenciers le leÂe»,puisaumatins'eÂtait « haÃteÂ seul vers les ruines ». A message de la ceÂreÂmonie d'ouverture de la 38e Session, cette Session de 1966, j'eus notamment le grand plaisir en vibration partageÂe avec un auditoire combien reÂcep- d'eÃtredanslesereindeÂcor du meÃme theÂaÃtre le guide tif ; et confeÂrence sur « Les eÂveÂnements culturels aux privileÂgieÂ du charmant Emil ZaÂtopek ± l'un des plus jeux olympiques et la penseÂedePierredeCoubertin». grands athleÁtesdel'histoire±,etjelerevoisplacËant son En 1999 : « Des manifestations culturelles durant pied au creux de la ligne de deÂpart du stade sous le l'olympiade. Pourquoi ? ». regard et les applaudissements des touristes masseÂslaÁ- Olympie et l'AcadeÂmie sont aÁ jamais dans mon hautcontrelegrillageprotecteur. cúur. L' AcadeÂmie. Ce fut un honneur que d'y revenir Bouclant la boucle, j'ai de nouveau sous les yeux les souvent et de pouvoir appreÂcier de deÂcennie en deÂcen- quelques lignes par lesquelles se terminait cet article de nie son incessante eÂvolution, tout en poursuivant ma 1965 ± il n'eÂtait pas encore question d'une piscine et l'on queÃte et en creusant diffeÂrents sujets. Par exemple en se douchait en plein air ± que presque par hasard j'ai 1971 : « L'eÂcrivain et l'inspiration olympique », 1986 : retrouveÂ il y a peu : « Vous viendrez aÁ Olympie. Vous «LesMuseÂes du Sport face aÁ l'olympisme » (Session des nagerez dans les eaux de l'AlpheÂe, atteint aÁ travers les Educateurs sportifs) et « Le sport, l'olympisme et les vignes, vous vous promeÁnerez parmi les ruines sacreÂes, Beaux-Arts ». Que de rencontres, que d'heureux mo- vous courrez le long des berges du fleuve dans le creÂpus- ments, avec les eÂtudiants d'abord, mais aussi avec Ni- cule. Vous retrouverez laÁ-bas le sens du sport, les sens de kolaos Yalouris le grand archeÂologue et chef des anti- la vie : le soleil, les arbres, la beauteÂ.Lemiraclegrec». Un joyeux footing. De gaucheÁ a droite: J. Durry, Prince Georges de Hanovre (PreÂsident de l'AIO), E. ZaÂtopek (medailleÂ olympique d'or), 6e Session de l'AIO, 1966. Culture physique matinale, 6e Session de l'AIO, 1966. ConfeÂrence par J. Durry, 11e Session de l'AIO, 1971. A gauche O. Szymiczek et E. Petralias (PreÂsident de l'AIO), etÁ a droite E. Panas. 19751975

e e e e Marius Francisco

PreÂsident du CNOS du BeÂnin = PreÂsident de l'ANO du BeÂnin

Un merciÁ al'AIO du fond de mon cúur

UEL HONNEUR,quelplaisirquedesevoir s'organisait des jeux olympiques dont depuis toujours non seulement citeÂ,maisretenuaunom- personne n'a de cesse de chanter la ceÂleÂbriteÂ.Maison bre des personnaliteÂs marquantes dans n'entendait presque pas parler de l'olympisme. l'eÂdification de l'histoire d'une aussi ceÂleÁ- Et pourtant, quelle importance ne lui accordait bre institution qu'est l'AcadeÂmie Internationale Olym- pas le ComiteÂ International Olympique aÁ travers ses pique. colloques, forums et congreÁs! Bref, me voici deÂsormais PreÂsident du ComiteÂ Merci aÁ vous tous, autoriteÂsactuellesdeslieux. National Olympique de mon pays, CNO qui a pour Pour la petite histoire, je dois avouer que jusqu'en toute premieÁre disposition juridique de reÂfeÂrence la 1982 ouÁ l'ensemble des feÂdeÂrationsnationalessportives charte olympique. de mon pays deÂcidait de me porter aÁ la teÃte du ComiteÂ Des principes fondamentaux eÂdicteÂsparlacharte National Olympique aÁ l'occasion de l'assembleÂegeÂneÂ- olympique, l'olympisme en est le point de mire. rale de renouvellement de ce dernier, je n'avais que Dans mon pays, le reÂgime politique aÁ l'eÂpoque quelques ideÂes vagues de l'olympisme. Je savais qu'il eÂtait un reÂgime dictatorial reÂgentant tous les secteurs 102 Marius Francisco de la vie y compris l'animation du sport national. Au pique BeÂninoise. Ce fut aÁ la fois un acte deÂterminant et point aÁ asseoir paralleÁlement au CNO,unConseilNa- un acte de treÁshauteporteÂe historique. Ce fut la toute tional des Sports (CNS)dontlePreÂsident eÂtait le Minis- premieÁre ANO en Afrique au Sud du Sahara, la seconde tre des Sports seul habiliteÂ aÁ assurer du point de vue pour toute l'Afrique apreÁs celle de l'Egypte. La propa- des activiteÂs sportives la coordination des feÂdeÂrations gation de l'olympisme en Afrique fut ainsi mise sur sportives. orbite avec pour base strateÂgique le BeÂnin. Puisque, Le leitmotiv de l'eÂquipe que je dirigeais eÂtant d'eÂvi- pour les besoins de la cause, et aÁ ma sollicitation, le ter toute logique d'affrontement avec le pouvoir en place CIO afaitdeÂpeÃcher au chevet de mon CNO,l'undeses et de mener pacifiquement des actions qui releÁvent des intreÂpides combattants, l'inalteÂrable adepte de l'olym- attributions et de la mission du CNO, nous avions deÂcideÂ pisme, MaõÃtre Conrado DuraÂntez de nationaliteÂ espa- de contribuer, autant que les dispositions nationales gnole que je n'ai plus besoin de preÂsenter aux feÂrus de leÂgales nous le permettaient, au deÂveloppement du sport l'AIO. et aÁ la preÂparation des athleÁtes de notre pays pour pren- MaõÃtre Conrado DuraÂntez, assisteÂ du jeune parti- dre part aux jeux olympiques, mais eÂgalement travailler cipant de la session internationale 1984 de l'AIO,a aÁ la propagation de l'ideÂal olympique. conduit de bout en bout la premieÁre session de l'Aca- En 1984, nous inscrivons un beÂninois aÁ la session deÂmie Nationale Olympique BeÂninoise aÁ laquelle j'ai de l'AIO pour jeunes. S'inspirant des conclusions du preÂsenteÂ une communication inaugurale intituleÂe rapport produit deÁs le retour du participant aÁ ladite « Olympisme et valeurs humaines », fruit de mes nom- session, et aÁ ma requeÃte aupreÁs du Ministre des Sports, breuses lectures de Mzali, des rapports de sessions de une communication, en Conseil des Ministres, autorise l'AIO et des MeÂmoires de Coubertin ajouteÂsaÁ mes officiellement la creÂation de l'AcadeÂmie Nationale reÂflexions personnelles. Olympique BeÂninoise (ANOB) avec pour instruction, En 1986, toujours avec le jeune participant de la l'introduction de l'eÂducation olympique dans les pro- session 1984 de l'AIO et quelques autres cadres du grammes scolaires. sport, l'ANOB, a organiseÂ sa deuxieÁme session. Les com- En 1985, le PreÂsident du CIO Juan Antonio Sa- munications ont fait l'objet de publications dans les maranch a eÂteÂ en visite officielle au BeÂnin. A l'occasion, organes de presse du CIO et aupreÁsdefiguresmar- non seulement il a inaugureÂ le sieÁge du CNO BeÂnin, quantes du mouvement olympique international. Des mais il a eÂgalement proceÂdeÂ au lancement des travaux observations et autres mots d'encouragement me sont de la premieÁre session de l'AcadeÂmie Nationale Olym- parvenus de partout. 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 103

En 1988, le PreÂsident de l'AIO me fit l'honneur de me donnaient l'impression de me retrouver dans un m'inviter aÁ me rendre aÁ la deuxieÁme session internatio- monde compleÁtement transfigureÂ, tant l'esprit olympi- nale pour directeurs des AcadeÂmies Nationales Olym- que aÁ chaque fois m'habitait. Rares sont les sessions piques pour y preÂsenter une communication sur le destineÂes aux preÂsidents et directeurs des ANO aux- theÁme « Contribution des valeurs olympiques aÁ l'eÂduca- quelles je n'ai pas eÂteÂ preÂsent, meÃme sans y eÃtre convieÂ tion ». Cela me fit eÂnormeÂment plaisir, vous l'imaginez. en qualiteÂ de confeÂrencier mais en tant que simple Ce fut pour moi l'occasion en or de deÂcouvrir une participant. bonne partie des nombreux sites historiques de la Qu'il me soit ici permis de saluer la meÂmoire de GreÁce, que peut-eÃtrejen'auraisjamaispuvoir,notam- certains de mes colleÁgues confeÂrenciers aÁ savoir : feu le ment le splendide, somptueux cadre de l'AIO et l'Altis Professeur Pierre-Yves Boulogne de l'UniversiteÂ Paris- sacreÂ d'Olympie, berceau des jeux antiques et base de Val-de Marne (France), feu le Dr Otto Szymiczek, ex tous ces reÂcits mythiques qui les accompagnent. Doyen de l'AIO, feue Mme Nadia Lekarska de Bulgarie, Les sessions pour directeurs des ANO eÂtaient pro- feu le Professeur Marc Maes de Belgique, et bien d'au- grammeÂes, me semble-t-il, de manieÁre aÁ faire coõÈncider tres dont la densiteÂ dans les analyses m'a particulieÁre- la cloÃture avec la ceÂreÂmonie d'inauguration de la prin- ment frappeÂ, mais dont je n'ai plus malheureusement cipale session, celle des jeunes, sur la colline de la Pnyx jamais entendu parler lors de mes nombreuses autres au pied de la ceÂleÂbrissime Acropole d'AtheÁnes, veÂritable preÂsences aux sessions de l'AIO apreÁslesanneÂes quatre- cadre de recueillement et source inouõÈe d'inspiration. Je vingt-dix. Il s'agit du Professeur Fernand Landry du n'oublierai jamais cette fabuleuse traverseÂe sur fond de Canada,deMeLucSilancedeBelgique,duDrJohn transbordement qui s'offrait aÁ tous les deÂleÂgueÂssans Talbot Powell du Canada, du Dr Norbert MuÈller de distinction pour passer d'une berge aÁ l'autre au cours l'ex-RFA pour ne citer que ceux-laÁ. du voyage d'AtheÁnes aÁ Olympie aÁ l'eÂpoque. Il me fallait donc l'occasion et les conditions pour Plus que jamais galvaniseÂ face aÁ un auditoire com- faire reÂpandre aÁ ma manieÁre tout ce charme intellectuel poseÂ pour une grande partie des deÂleÂgueÂsdesCNO au et spirituel aÁ travers le monde qui m'entoure. Une fois devant desquels on notait une impressionnante preÂ- les bases d'un bon fonctionnement de l'AcadeÂmie Na- sence du colleÁge des eÂminences grises de l'AIO et des tionale Olympique BeÂninoise mises en route, ma preÂ- dignitaires du ComiteÂ Olympique HelleÂnique, toutes occupation a eÂteÂ de tenter de semer au sein des autres les preÂsentations que j'ai eu l'honneur de faire, notam- CNO de l'Afrique de l'ouest avec lesquels mon CNO ale ment en 1990, 1993 et plus tard en 2000 puis en 2005, francËais en partage, l'esprit olympique. Je m'y suis atteleÂ 104 Marius Francisco et finis par reÂunir aÁ Cotonou une douzaine de deÂleÂgueÂs Aujourd'hui, selon les statistiques, l'Afrique compte 38 des diffeÂrents CNO de l'Afrique de l'Ouest. Et laÁ encore ANO, alors que l'AmeÂrique dispose de 32, l'Asie 28, avec l'engagement, la geÂneÂrositeÂ de MaõÃtre Conrado et l'OceÂanie 3 et l'Europe 42 ANO.LadernieÁre action aÁ l'appui financier de la SolidariteÂ Olympique, une ses- laquelle je me suis essayeÂ et aÁ laquelle je croyais, mais sion de vulgarisation des ideÂes olympiques a eÂteÂ tenue qui malheureusement a eÂteÂ deÂvoyeÂeenmelaissantun par l'ANO BeÂninoise et permit aÁ tous les participants de arrieÁre gouÃt de travail inacheveÂ, est mon souci de voir retourner dans leur CNO respectif pour non seulement toute cette flopeÂed'ANO des CNO africains se feÂdeÂrer mettre en place les structures d'animation d'une Aca- pour s'obliger aÁ rester en eÂtatdeveillepermanentafin deÂmie Nationale Olympique pour leur pays, mais jouer de s'eÂviter le danger de scleÂrose qui pourrait les guetter pleinement le roÃle de pionnier qui devrait eÃtre deÂsor- au cours de la longue et peÂrilleuse marche induite par mais le leur. Mais avant, ne m'eÂtait-il pas aussi arriveÂ toute action d'eÂducation. de me rendre aÁ mespropresfraisdanscertainsCNO Mon optimisme en l'avenir me couvre tout de juste pour preÃcher la bonne nouvelle ? De quelle occa- meÃme in fine d'une certaine fierteÂ que, jetant un regard sion de regroupement des CNO d'Afrique n'ai-je pas reÂtrospectif sur la trajectoire arrieÁre de mon parcours profiteÂ pour tenter d'eÂveiller les attentions des diri- olympique, je n'heÂsite pas un seul instant aÁ preÂsenter aÁ geants sur la neÂcessiteÂ pour chacun de nos CNO de faire l'AIO un merci du fond de mon cúur. la diffeÂrence par rapport aux autres structures de ges- tion du sport, en se consacrant effectivement aÁ l'eÂduca- tion olympique aux coÃteÂs de la recherche des performances sportives. Photo commeÂmorative, 10e Session Internationale pour Directeurs des ANO, 2009.

Les confeÂrenciers de la 33e Session de l'AIO, 1993, (de gaucheÁ a droite) Y.-K. Yuen, G. Dellamary, S.-P. Kang, M. Francisco, W. LiponÂskietB.Lalaoui. 19761976

e e e e Prof. Dionyssis Gangas

Director of theIOA

My four seasons at theIOA

TISSAIDthat one's most wonderful mem- of symbolisms and historical and philosophical quests. ories from a place of enchantment stem My relationship with the International Olympic from one's first visit. Academy has been a long one and can be divided into This is not true or rather does not four different periods, each under different conditions, apply in the case of the International Olympic Acad- but always with the same emotions and feelings. emy at Ancient Olympia! The uncanny thing about IfirstvisitedtheIOA's facilities in 1980 as a this place is that each visit conveys a different picture, member of the Ethics Commission participating with without any change having occurred in the elements its President Dimitris Leontidis in the 20th Session for that compose it. Again and again, one finds oneself Young Participants. As observers, we were able to study admiring things afresh, following the same routes, lis- the strong personality of Otto Szymiczek, Dean of the tening to the same birdsong, marvelling at the same Academy, as he guided, firmly but methodically, the environment, treading the same paths, sensing the same small team of volunteers handling administrative mat- influences, remembering the same things and won- ters. We also observed the gentle character of the IOA dering when one will be returning to this place full President Nicos Nissiotis, whose simple words inspired 108 Dionyssis Gangas serenity and optimism. The Academy's surroundings ities cradled the nests of numerous nightingales and had never been disturbed by a human hand; the vege- other rare birds that accompanied visitors on their early tation was wild but tranquil, reminding one of better morning walks! The setting was a unique source of days, far from the current reality. This was a period inspiration to both teachers and students. when the IOA's role within the Olympic Movement was We tried to make the Academy more accessible to strongly being called into question. various sports and other organizations, wishing to That year coincided with a change of IOC Presi- make Olympia the cradle of Olympic education. An- dent, beginning a new era for the IOA.JuanAntonio tonis Tzikas, President of the HOC at that time and a Samaranch had been a leading figure in the Olympic fervent admirer of Olympism, supported our efforts. Movement and, in particular, in the IOC.NikosFilar- Here, I must also mention the active and steady pres- etos, who took the helm of the IOA in 1986, after Nicos ence at Olympia of Otto's son, Marton Simitsek, Vice- Nissiotis' untimely death, often referred to Samaranch's President of the HOC, with whom the Ephoria had huge support for this international institution. The entrusted the running of the facilities during the presi- introversion of the IOA up until the beginning of the dency of Freddy Serpieris. 1980s ended and its work quickly expanded on many From 1997 until 2009 I visited the facilities occa- levels, contributing to the establishment of a large sionally, always happy to relive, albeit for a short while, number of National Olympic Academies. As a member the magic of the place. In 2001, in spite of his con- of the HOC, I followed these changes closely through servatism and understandable dependence on the IOC, my frequent visits to the constantly expanding facilities. Nikos Filaretos managed to make the IOA an indepen- During the presidency of Lambis Nikolaou, the HOC dent organization, operating as a private legal entity. completed the facilities one sees today, with the Con- What did this mean? At that time, the IOA's formal ference Centre at its core. status was not of great importance, since its adminis- In 1993, I was honoured to be elected the HOC's trative structure had not changed. The HOC had the Secretary General and ex officio member of the Epho- final word on the composition of the Ephoria, its ac- ria of the IOA, and I regularly visited the facilities. In tivities were dependent on the IOC's objectives. And 1994 and in 1995, two Seminars for the Secretaries this could not have been otherwise, since the purpose General of the European Olympic Committees were of the IOA, as the only institution recognized by the held at the IOA, an unforgettable experience for all Olympic Charter, is to disseminate the Olympic ideals participants. The burgeoning trees all around the facil- and support the development of Olympic education. It 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 109 appears, however, that the legal form adopted in 2001 the reduced state subsidy. The academic year 2009/ will henceforth be playing an important role in deter- 2010 heralded a new approach to Olympic education, mining the future activity of the IOA. the creation of the Master's Degree Programme in The devastating fires of 2007 in Olympia also left Olympic Studies, led by IOA Dean Kostas Georgiadis. their inevitable mark on the IOA's facilities. The lush This new level of education, which Isidoros Kouvelos vegetation that we, older visitors, were familiar with introduced as an idea, came to life through cooperation had disappeared and the Kronion Hill, once covered with the University of the Peloponnese and a generous with pine trees, had been reduced to ashes within hours grant from the John Latsis Foundation. by the flames! The trees that gave shelter to our gather- Today, fifty years after its inauguration, the IOA is ings were no more, the birds that accompanied us ready to begin a new course. National Olympic Acad- during our walks had gone, and the evenings were emies have multiplied and now number 143. The IOA no longer as cool! What could not be destroyed, how- is committed to supporting their development and ever, were our memories of the magical atmosphere providing guidance. Its commitment is to act as a that permeated this place, harmoniously blending its model while propagating the Olympic principles and rich past with today's reality! enhancing Olympic education. The IOA must move When Isidoros Kouvelos, the new President of the ahead independently, on the course set by the Olympic IOA, asked me in February 2009 to help him `build a Movement, in order to become an independent discus- new Academy', with a stronger international presence sion forum exploring the ideas that led to its establish- and open to any institution wishing to promote the ment. The Olympic Movement needs an active and development of Olympic education, I was overjoyed! dynamic International Olympic Academy that will The new administration's first concern was to give the support its educational goals. IOA's activities a higher profile and establish closer cooperation between the HOC and the IOC.TheAcade- my's grounds were replanted after the fire and once Today, these words of Pierre de Coubertin seem to be more began to attract visitors and Olympic Family more timely than ever: `I could not finish what I wanted institutions. To this end, the HOC, on the recommen- to achieve. I believe that a centre of Olympic Studies would dation of its President Spyros Capralos, reduced ac- contribute, more than anything else, to the preservation commodation and boarding costs, while the IOC cov- and continuation of my work and would protect it from ered the financial losses we had incurred as a result of the deviations, which I am afraid will happen'. Awarding of participation diploma to D. Gangas (on the right) by I. Kouvelos, 10th Joint International Session for Presidents or Directors of NOAs and Officials of NOCs, 2010.

From left to right: D. Gangas, K. Georgiadis, HRH Princess Sarah Al-Feisal, HRH Prince of Jordan Feisal bin Al-Hussein and I. Kouvelos, 50th International Session for Young Participants, 2010. 2nd Symposium of EOCs' Secretaries General, 1995. From left to right: V.Mota,D.Michaelides,S.Capralos, Gunilla Lindberg, D. Gangas, T. Jagodic, D. Sherlock.

2nd Joint International Session forPresidentsorDirectorsofNOAsand Members and Staff of NOCs, 1994. From left to right: N. Yalouris (IOA Honorary Vice-President), A. Tzikas (HOC President) and D. Gangas. 19771977

e e e e Nicole Girard-Savoy

Cheffe de section et des finances de la SolidariteÂ Olympique duCIO

Un voyageÁ aOlympie

TEÂ 1999.DeÁsmasortiedel'avion,lacha- des lieux. Je deÂcouvre mon logement, la cafeÂteÂria, l'au- leur est omnipreÂsente. La traverseÂe d'AtheÁ- ditorium et la bibliotheÁque, les espaces exteÂrieurs ouÁ les nes prend plus d'une heure, l'autoroute de groupes de travail se reÂunissent dans de petites cabanes, contournement de la ville ne sera cons- le reÂveil chaque matin en musique. La magie opeÁre truite que quelques anneÂes plus tard pour les jeux immeÂdiatement. Mais pour quelles raisons ? olympiques de 2004. La route se poursuit entre oliviers, Tout d'abord, l'endroit meÃme, proteÂgeÂ et calme, bord de mer et canal de Corinthe... propice aÁ la reÂflexion et ouÁ le temps semble suspendu. Quelques heures plus tard, je traverse le site de Mais paradoxalement, celui-ci reste animeÂ et vivant, car l'ancienne Olympie avec ses museÂes, son site archeÂolo- c'est avant tout un lieu culturel et sportif, un lieu de giqueetsonstadeantique.MevoilaÁ aÁ preÂsent devant le rencontres entre personnes de tout horizon et de cul- sieÁge de l'AcadeÂmie. Le gardien ouvre la grille du por- tures diffeÂrentes. Et cet environnement reÂpond parfai- tail, aÁ gauche les terrains de tennis, aÁ droite la piscine, tement aÁ ce que le fondateur du mouvement olympi- puis les autres installations bordeÂes d'orangers et d'une que moderne espeÂrait comme centre d'eÂtudes, de re- veÂgeÂtation luxuriante. Je fais peu aÁ peu connaissance cherches et d'eÂducation olympique pour les geÂneÂrations 114 Nicole Girard-Savoy aÁ venir d'hommes et de femmes. D'ailleurs son cúur guecontinuedemanieÁre plus informelle aÁ l'occasion repose sur cette terre. des repas en commun ou aÁ la croiseÂed'unchemin. Depuis cet eÂteÂ 1999, je suis retourneÂereÂgulieÁre- Toutes ces rencontres et ces eÂchanges m'ont per- ment aÁ Olympie ouÁ j'ai eu le plaisir d'intervenir sur le mis de mieux comprendre les structures organisation- theÁme de la SolidariteÂ Olympique lors des sessions nelles, ainsi que la complexiteÂ et les difficulteÂs de fonc- pour les jeunes participants ou celles pour les dirigeants tionnement de ces organisations dans lesquelles les par- des AcadeÂmies Nationales Olympiques et des ComiteÂs ticipants úuvrent souvent aÁ titre beÂneÂvole. Nationaux Olympiques. Cette expeÂrience unique, que j'ai eu la joie de vivre AnneÂeapreÁs anneÂe, experts, passionneÂs, futurs di- aÁ plusieurs reprises aÁ Olympie, je la souhaite aÁ tous ceux rigeants sportifs, enseignants et jeunes gens se reÂunis- qui se passionnent ou qui travaillent pour le mouve- sent aÁ Olympie pour deÂbattre des aspects philosophi- ment olympique. Mais bon nombre d'entre eux n'au- ques et peÂdagogiques de l'olympisme. Ce theÁme eÂtant ront peut-eÃtre pas la chance de participer aÁ une eÂdition si vaste, ce qui m'a frappeÂedepuisledeÂbut, ce sont les des jeux olympiques. C'est laÁ qu'intervient l'AcadeÂmie. diffeÂrences d'interpreÂtation et les points de vue conver- De par son roÃle, elle permet aÁ des milliers de personnes gents qui en ressortent lorsqu'il s'agit de parler de prin- de s'impreÂgner de manieÁre diffeÂrente de l'esprit olym- cipes eÂthiquesuniverselsoudesvaleursintrinseÁques du pique, de pouvoir partager et vivre des moments uni- sport pour soutenir les actions des collectiviteÂs. Non ques,delierdebellesamitieÂsetdetransmettreaÁ leur seulement les deÂfinitions varient selon le contexte cul- tour leurs nouvelles connaissances de retour chez eux. turel de chacun, mais la diversiteÂ se trouve dans les Le 50e anniversaire de l'AcadeÂmie nous offre un moyens d'appliquer ces ideÂes et concepts selon son heÂritage remarquable s'agissant des travaux d'eÂtudes et environnement et ses possibiliteÂs.UniesdansunmeÃme de recherches sur l'olympisme ainsi que sur les jeux ideÂal, les valeurs se traduisent de mille facËons et c'est olympiques antiques et modernes. L'enseignement dis- certainement cette diversiteÂ d'expression qui en fait la penseÂ permet de mieux comprendre les origines de ses richesse et l'inteÂreÃt. principes fondamentaux et de nous rappeler que l'en- Le dialogue qui s'instaure treÁs rapidement est con- gagement de l'AcadeÂmiesefaitavanttoutsurunplan stant. Il commence lors des preÂsentations et de la seÂance social ouÁ la diversiteÂ culturelle, de par sa compleÂmen- de questions qui s'ensuit, et se poursuit pendant les tariteÂ,doiteÃtre maintenue bien au-delaÁ des jeux olym- discussions de groupes ouÁ les deÂbats sont parfois ani- piques. La creÂation d'AcadeÂmies Nationales, qui ont la meÂs, mais toujours empreints de respect. Puis le dialo- responsabiliteÂ d'eÂlaborer des programmes eÂducatifs et 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 115 culturels ou encore des actions speÂcifiques mettant le son action eÂducative se poursuivent pendant de nom- sport au service du deÂveloppement, sont les fruits de breuses anneÂes afin d'apporter une contribution posi- son travail depuis maintenant un demi-sieÁcle. tive au deÂveloppement de la jeunesse et aÁ une connais- Je souhaite aÁ l'AcadeÂmie que son engagement et sance approfondie de l'olympisme. Nicole Girard-SavoyÁ a la salle des confeÂrences, 10e Session Internationale Commune pour PreÂsidents ou Directeurs des ANO et Cadres des CNO, 2010. Participants de groupe de discussion avec Nicole Girard-Savoy sur le grand escalier, 9e Session Internationale Commune pour PreÂsidents ou Directeurs des ANO et Cadres des CNO, 2008. 19781978

e e e e Prof. Cl. A. Guiyama-Massogo

PreÂsident de l'ANO Centrafricaine= PreÂsident de l'Association Francophone des AcadeÂmies Olympiques (AFAO) = SecreÂtaire GeÂneÂral Adjoint duCNO de Centrafrique

L'AcadeÂmie Internationale Olympique depuis 50 ans : Une richesse intellectuelle et culturelle mondiale exceptionnelle

EST EN 1995 que j'ai participeÂ pour la comparativement aÁ celui d'autres pays d'Europe que premieÁre fois aÁ une session de l'AcadeÂmie j'avais visiteÂs auparavant. Non seulement AtheÁnes eÂtait Internationale Olympique aÁ Olympie. Je une ville ouÁ la pollution eÂtait eÂleveÂe, mais la monnaie n'eÂtais pas le premier de mon pays aÁ ef- nationale, la drachme, eÂtait faible. fectuer ce peÁlerinage au berceau de l'olympisme puis- En deuxieÁme lieu et en contraste avec la situation que j'eus l'agreÂable surprise d'y deÂcouvrirlesphotosde du pays, les superbes installations de l'AIO aÁ Olympie deux de mes compatriotes fixeÂes aux murs du restau- qui fascinaient par leur splendeur et le calme qui y rant. Et c'eÂtait dans une GreÁce qui ne connaissait pas reÂgnait. encore son deÂveloppement socioeÂconomique actuel. En troisieÁme lieu, l'ambiance treÁs conviviale entre Aussi, lors de cette premieÁre visite de la GreÁce et les participants aÁ la session venus d'horizons divers mais d'Olympie, trois choses me frappeÁrent et marqueÁrent qui semblaient se connaõÃtre depuis toujours et qui en meÃme temps mon esprit. manifestaient surtout un grand inteÂreÃt pour la forma- En premier lieu, le faible deÂveloppement du pays tion dispenseÂe par des confeÂrenciers eÂminents. 120 Cl.A.Guiyama-Massogo

Je compris alors que j'avais eu une chance excep- qui me fit le grand honneur et l'immense plaisir de tionnelledeveniraÁ cette session qui eÂtait d'abord l'oc- retarder son retour sur AtheÁnes pour assister aÁ ma preÂ- casion d'acqueÂrir des connaissances solides sur l'olym- sentation. Depuis lors, je suis revenu presque reÂgulieÁre- pisme que je connaissais sommairement aÁ travers mes ment aÁ Olympie et aÁ chaque fois j'ai eu le privileÁge cours de philosophie ; que cette session eÂtait ensuite le d'eÃtre deÂsigneÂ coordonnateur d'un groupe franco- moment d'eÂchanges avec des personnes de tous les phone, taÃche dont je m'acquitte chaque fois avec beau- coins du monde, y compris apreÁs la formation et qu'en- coup de seÂrieux et de responsabiliteÂ. fin l'olympisme eÂtait d'un grand inteÂreÃt scientifique En outre, Olympie a eÂteÂ le lieu de lancement de pour moi. Pour toutes ces raisons, je pris la reÂsolution l'Association des AcadeÂmies Nationales Olympiques d'approfondir mes connaissances en matieÁre de philo- d'Afrique qui a eÂteÂ creÂeÂeendeÂcembre 2008 aÁ Tunis sophie olympique, ce que je commencËai aÁ faire deÁs apreÁs un laborieux travail accompli en marge des ses- mon retour au pays, paralleÁlement au travail de vulgari- sions de l'AIO et dont j'ai eÂteÂ eÂlu 2e Vice-PreÂsident. Il en sation et de sensibilisation aux ideÂaux olympiques qui est de meÃme pour l'Association Francophone des Aca- m'incombait au sein de notre AcadeÂmie Nationale deÂmies Olympiques (AFAO)creÂeÂeaÁ Beyrouth en sep- Olympique. tembre 2009 et dont j'ai eÂteÂ eÂlu PreÂsident. Sans fausse Comme reÂcompense du travail accompli, de Vice- modestie, je puis donc affirmer qu'au cours de ces 50 PreÂsident de notre ANO que j'eÂtais, je fus promu PreÂ- ans de l'AIO j'y ai acquis une place et peut-eÃtre meÃme sident en 2001 lorsque ce poste fut laisseÂ vacant dans une notorieÂteÂ quifontquejefigureparmilesperson- des circonstances tragiques. Je mesurai alors l'ampleur naliteÂs respectables de cette institution. La preuve : l'in- et l'importance de la mission qui m'eÂtait ainsi deÂvolue vitation qui m'a eÂteÂ adresseÂe parmi tant d'autres de et m'investis davantage dans le rayonnement de mon contribuer aÁ l'album commeÂmoratif dont je suis pro- AcadeÂmie aÁ l'eÂchelle sous-reÂgionale et ensuite aÁ l'eÂchelle fondeÂment reconnaissant au PreÂsident Isidoros Kouve- de l'Afrique. Lorsque je fus inviteÂ comme confeÂrencier los et aÁ la direction de l'AIO. aÁ Olympie en 2004, cela m'ouvrit la voie d'une plus Au-delaÁ de mon itineÂrairepersonnel,jecroispou- grande reconnaissance en sein de l'AIO dont j'eÂprouvais voir dire que mon statut de chercheur et de dirigeant une leÂgitime fierteÂ. A propos, je ne pourrai oublier le d'une ANO depuis une deÂcennie m'ont conduit aÁ deve- souvenir deÂfeÂrent de l'ancien Premier Ministre tunisien nir un observateur averti de l'eÂvolution de l'AIO et, aÁ ce Mohamed Mzali par ailleurs membre du CIO et auteur titre, m'autorisent aÁ mettre en exergue, aÁ l'occasion de ce de l'ouvrage « L'olympisme en Afrique aujourd'hui » cinquantenaire, les aspects essentiels de cette eÂvolution. 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 121

Sortie du reÃve du Baron Pierre de Coubertin pour ception des probleÁmesquin'existaientpasaudeÂpart et eÃtre reÂaliseÂe par ses amis Jean Ketseas et Carl Diem, qui eÂtaient susceptibles d'impacter sur l'histoire du l'AIO a traverseÂ une eÂpoque au cours de laquelle malgreÂ sport ou du mouvement olympique. Ainsi, aÁ coÃteÂ du des difficulteÂs en tout genre, elle s'est affirmeÂe comme theÁme geÂneÂral quasi invariable des sessions de forma- la gardienne fideÁle de la tradition de l'olympisme. De- tion, tous les sujets touchant aÁ l'actualiteÂ ont eÂteÂ abordeÂs puis sa creÂation jusqu'aÁ ce jour, elle est incontestable- sous la forme de sujets speÂcifiques. Progressivement, ment le plus grand centre mondial d'eÂducation olym- d'autres programmes de formation sont venus s'ajouter pique et, partant, une source exceptionnelle de connais- aux programmes initiaux, comme le master ou la session sanceetdediffusiondecetteeÂducation. Elle est le des meÂdailleÂs olympiques. En plus de l'aspect qualitatif conservatoire des valeurs fondamentales du sport de cette adaptation, l'aspect quantitatif n'a pas eÂteÂ perdu qu'elle a reÂussi aÁ propager aux quatre coins du monde de vue. Pour preuves : la construction d'une nouvelle sous la forme d'une religion d'un nouveau style de vie salledeconfeÂrences tout en marbre avec des moyens fondeÂe sur la combinaison du sport, des arts, de la techniques de communication plus performants ; la culture et de l'eÂducation. A Olympie, cette fideÂliteÂ aÁ construction d'une nouvelle bibliotheÁque et de nou- la tradition est toujours fortement ressentie aÁ travers le veaux bureaux ; la reÂhabilitation progressive des cham- rituel du deÂroulement des sessions mais surtout aÁ tra- bres aÁ coucher, mais aussi des infrastructures de distrac- vers la deÂvotion des participants pour les personnaliteÂs tion. Tout cela teÂmoigne d'une capaciteÂ d'adaptation qui ont contribueÂ aÁ asseoir celle-ci. Si bien que toute exceptionnelle qui a fait que chaque anneÂeonal'im- attitude iconoclaste est toujours mal accueillie, comme pression de deÂcouvrir une nouvelle AIO mais qui n'est lors de cette session de 2009 ouÁ un confeÂrencier certes pas fondamentalement diffeÂrente du temple initial. brillant, mais audacieux, a visiblement heurteÂ la sensi- MalgreÂ tout, il reste aÁ l'AIO d'anticiper l'avenir et biliteÂ des participants en deÂfendant des ideÂes peut-eÃtre de conforter son leadership dans le domaine de l'eÂdu- aveÂreÂes, mais qui sortent de la tradition. cation olympique aÁ un moment ouÁ eÂmergent d'autres Cependant, ce statut de gardien impeÂnitent de la centres, structures ou groupes de structures qui ont traditionn'apasempeÃcheÂ l'AIO de s'adapter aux situa- aussi l'ambition de porter le message olympique dans tions nouvelles et aux mutations dans le monde des le monde entier ou dans certaines parties du monde. ideÂes et du sport. En tout cas, tous les dirigeants de Comme cela a eÂteÂ reconnu lors de la session bilan des l'AIO, de Ketseas aÁ Kouvelos en passant par Filaretos, ANO de 2006, le deÂfi de l'avenir, c'est l'accroissement et ont su inteÂgrer aÁ la marche de cette institution la per- l'extension de l'eÂducation olympique. L'atout majeur 122 Cl.A.Guiyama-Massogo dans ce cas, c'est la force des nouvelles technologies de de l'eÂducation olympique plus que jamais le veÂritable l'information et de la communication qui vont permet- levier d'un monde plus pacifique et meilleur. Fort heu- tredereÂduire certaines dispariteÂs et favoriser une plus reusement, on sait que l'AIO peut compter pour cela sur grande accessibiliteÂ aux personnes des coins les plus l'appui du CIO qui, plus qu'auparavant, devrait con- reculeÂs. En misant sur ce support indispensable, la sentir des moyens plus importants pour soutenir les capaciteÂ d'adaptation de l'AIO deÂjaÁ eÂprouveÂedevrait actions de cette institution qui n'est plus seulement maintenant consister aÁ deÂvelopper une synergie avec grecque, mais internationale. Bon vent aÁ l'AIO pour tous ces centres, toutes ces structures ou groupes de les prochaines 50 anneÂes. structures qui essaiment de par le monde afin de faire DeÂcernement de diploÃme de participationÁ a Cl. A. Guiyama- Massogo (aÁ gauche) par I. Kouvelos, 10e Session Internationale Commune pour PreÂsidents ou Directeurs des ANO et Cadres des CNO, 2010.

10e Session Internationale Commune pour PreÂsidents ou Directeurs des ANO et Cadres des CNO,2010. 19791979

e e e e Elizabeth A. Hanley

Associate Professor Emerita, Department of Kinesiology, Penn State University,USA

So we to Olympia's vale have come, And in silent rapture we will go...

LYMPIA,hometotheInternationalOlym- lectures by IOA President Nicolaos Nissiotis, Dean pic Academy, offers a unique ambience Otto Szymiczek, and Cleanthis Palaeologos, together and often changes forever those who have with other noted lecturers, laid the foundation for my beenfortunatetoexperienceanIOA ses- dedication to the ideals of Olympism: friendship, fair sion. My life was one that was changed forever! play, understanding, respect... ideals that permeated In 1977, the USOC selected six of us for the IOA my 40-year career at Penn State, as artistic director of Young Participants (YP) Session. We attended the in- the Penn State International Dance Ensemble, and as augural United States Olympic Academy in Chicago professor of dance, figure skating, and History and prior to heading to Greece, received a detailed orienta- Philosophy of the Modern Olympic Games classes. tion regarding the history, purpose, and aims of the IOA It was not only the intellectual aspect of the IOA ± we were to become `ambassadors' of Olympism when that changed my life; it was the opportunity to interact we returned home ±, and we submitted a report as to with others from different countries and exchange in- how we would implement what we learned at the IOA formation on education, culture, religion, and sport. in our respective careers. Inspirational and historical Social Evenings were often the highlight and brought 126 Elizabeth A. Hanley us closer together in one common bond. To this day in Greece was awarded to IOAPA in 1996 prior to the my 1977 IOA friends remain some of my best! Atlanta Olympic Games; forty members from around The year 1977 was only the beginning of my `love the world gathered at the IOA in March to run a leg of affair' with the IOA and Olympism. Through my ex- the Greek torch relay over Mt Taygetos, thanks to the pertise in dance (modern, folkloric) I was invited to efforts of Mr Nassos Kritsinelis. It was truly a `spiritual' return to the IOA many times thereafter; initially, to experience, and I still recall that time with reverence help Head Assistant Vassos Constantinou (CYP)with and gratitude. My torch has been featured in numerous Social Evenings, and later, to direct/teach the Dance lectures/presentations to classes and to different organi- Workshop, which became a formal part of the pro- zations over the years, and remains a constant reminder gramme under IOA President Nikos Filaretos and Dean that I have an obligation to promote Olympism, even Kostas Georgiadis. For many years, artist Kevin as a retiree. To me, this torch will always be the most Whitney (GBR) organized an `Arts Happening' toward beautiful torch ever made! the end of each session, which included art, poetry, and As a direct result of meeting IOC and NOC mem- dance presentations. The marble steps provided the bers, and IOA participants, during my years at the perfect `theatre' for the audience! Additional opportu- Academy, I have been fortunate to attend Olympic nities to return to the IOA over the years included being Games: Lake Placid 1980 (guest of Liechtenstein NOC), invited as a discussion group coordinator and as a Sarajevo 1984 (guest of IOC member Phil Coles), lecturer. It was also a privilege to attend a Session for Sydney 2000 (guest of SOCOG member Kristine Directors of NOAs and a Session for Educationists. Toohey), Athens 2004, Torino 2006, and 2008 Beijing In 1986, at the conclusion of the YP Session, a (I attended the Hong Kong equestrian events and spent group of us formed the International Olympic Acad- adaywithIOA friend Sze Sze Hon). London 2012 is emy Participants Association (IOAPA), the goal of which now on my calendar and I look forward to another was to stay in touch, meet every two years at the IOA, gathering of IOA friends. and share what we had accomplished for the Olympic Over the years, from 1977 to the present, I have Movement in our respective countries. Our first meet- saved lectures, participant lists, photographs, and all the ing was in 1989 and we have continued to meet bien- memorabilia given to me by participants, lecturers, or nially since then. July 2011 will be our next meeting to others: wooden shoes from Holland, slippers from Tu- celebrate the 50th anniversary of the IOA. nisia, pottery from Cyprus, colourful banners from A rare opportunity to run with the Olympic torch NOCs, a Sarajevo commemorative medal, an Iranian 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 127

(Persian) table scarf, a Greek wall hanging, Olympic donated funds of over 12,000 euros in person to those books, and so much more. Each gift is not important who fought the fires. This was another `spiritual' experi- in itself; it is the person who gave it that makes it an ence for all of us; the gratitude was palpable and real. important part of who I am. We celebrated together in a Linaria taverna with food, Early morning runs to Mt Kronion to catch the drink and dancing. Tiny pink blossoms of wild cycla- sunrise were special each year! In 1996, as we arrived at men were already bringing a rebirth to the area as we left the top of the hill in silence, Milada Baresova (Czech for home, from Coubertin's stele to the Academy Republic)serenadeduswithflutemusicasthesunrose grounds and beyond ± a positive sign for the future. quietly in the distance. Eleven years later, the summer Congratulations to the International Olympic fires of 2007 devastated Kronion Hill and the surround- Academy on being a positive force for Olympism ing countryside ± and would have destroyed the IOA and the Olympic spirit for 50 years! and the museum if it had not been for the hard work So we to Olympia's vale have come, And in silent of locals. In November 2007 I joined the `Pilgrimage to rapturewewillgo...(From Olympia's Quietness by Pro- Olympia' of 40 scholars from eleven countries to deliver fessor John Powell (CAN), IOA lecturer.) Sunrise on Mt Kronion. Aparticipant from the Czech Republic is playing the violin, 1996.

IOA Dance Workshop. Elizabeth Hanley (on the left) is reading the poem `Olympia's quietness' by J. Powell, 32nd Session for Young Participants, 1992. Elizabeth Hanley is planting a willow tree at the IOA as a gift from the IOAPA, 1991. 19801980

e e e e John Harms

Writer = Broadcaster

A place of great spirit

OMETIMES, when I am feeling a little sad good knowledge of the modern Olympic Games: I with life, I allow my mind to wander back knew of the many Australian Olympic champions to Olympia, to the summer of 1994, when whose places are fixed in the public memory in Aus- I attended the seminar for postgraduate tralia; I knew of many of the great athletes from around students at the International Olympic Academy. the world. As many sports-loving Australians do. It was a magic time; I met some wonderful people: As a young historian, I knew something of the professors, scholars, students, villagers. I sat and talked revival of the Olympic Games; I knew something of with them, ate and drank with them, and talked some Pierre de Coubertin; and I had a working knowledge of more. My understanding of history, philosophy, sociol- the ancient Olympic Games. ogy, and archaeology was much enhanced. And I was But it wasn't until I saw Kronion Hill and the site free to enjoy the magnificent surrounds of the ancient of the ancient Olympic Games, and took up residence site, the International Olympic Academy, and the vil- among the eucalypts and oleanders of the Academy, lage of Olympia. that I understood what a remarkable place I had been Before coming to the Academy I had a pretty invited to. 132 John Harms

I recall my first visit to the ancient site, on the day yearning and hopefulness, in a spirit of fraternity and that we arrived at the Academy. A few of us, having good will. dumped our worldly possessions in our rooms, headed acrosstheroadtoseetheruinsforthefirsttime,andto runthatonestade,andthenanother,onthetrack.To There was certainly plenty of good will among us all: feel, for a moment, connected to all those who had professors, scholars, organizers. In the evenings, having competed there all those years ago, and to feel con- tussled with Stepan (the Russian) and Azgan (the Al- nected to all those who had been drawn to the site in banian triple jump champion) and Halvard (from Lil- this age of travel and communications. lehammer) and Soula (the Cypriot volleyballer) and And then, the following morning, in the warm Zenon (the Greek) and Kostas (the Dean and star foot- late-May sunshine, to be taken across by Professor ball player) and many others on the football field amid Weiler and Professor Decker, to walk among the pillars the athletics track, I would shower and return to the which lay there, as they had fallen in 551 AD,likeaset dining room to enjoy a beer and the wonderful Greek of kid's building blocks. To see the various archaeologi- food. There was always so much to talk about; so much cal teams ± the Germans led by a man still hippy-ish to ask. Such difference and such similarity among the in appearance with his beard and bandanna and cheese- 30 or so people involved. cloth shirt, and another team led by a man who looked And then we would walk to the village of Olym- like he was straight from the Royal Society in 1876, pia, along the ancient site, among the fireflies, under smoking a pipe. I liked their scholarship, their enthu- the Mediterranean moon and stars, to sit in the `Kla- siasm, their need to know and understand. deos' taverna, and drink retsina and eat bread and This began our intense study of sport in antiquity, octopus and taramosalata and tzatziki and halva, talk- and the ancient Olympic Games. Which became a study ing so much, and laughing. Finding links through of the discovery of the deeply silted site, of sport in the common understandings and cultural references (I mid nineteenth century, and of the revival of the Games. think it was Choi who said `Just like that time in Ali This inevitably led to a study of de Coubertin and Barber and the Forty Robbers'), losing things in trans- the philosophy of Olympism. As an idealist myself, I lation, and me feeling a sham for having one language could see the worth of such a hopeful philosophy: that when others had four and five. Such a free spirit of such good could emerge out of an international sport- fraternity had descended that no one noticed the time ing and cultural festival which celebrated striving and disappearing. 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 133

Which is what this place is about. The time has bottles at our feet, and in the deputy mayor Apostolos passed since 776 BC, and yet people continue to gather who, just before the sun was rising, in one particularly here in that same spirit. Spirit? Spirit is a word which long session of conversation, told me how Greeks live. has copped a fair share of criticism in the contemporary `In Greece, if we have tomatoes, we eat tomatoes', he intellectual milieu. Those who have grown up im- said. `If we have peaches, we eat peaches. And if we mersed in the postmodern condition will tell you spirit don't have any money, we find someone who does.' is a mere construction. How can a place have a spirit? All these experiences I had because of the ancient Those people haven't visited Olympia, where col- Olympic Games, which celebrated the body and the lective memory permeates every citrus grove and or- mind, the agon of the athlete (and the writer), and the chard. It blows through the pines and among the ruins, pursuit of excellence. through the tunnel that leads into the stadium. It re- And so, now in 2011, back in Australia, having sidesinthepeople:whenIwasatOlympia,inKostas allowed these memories to come flooding back, my Georgiadis and Themis (the god of hard work, and soul is repaired. I look forward to the day when my librarianship), in Eleni Theodoraki who helped organ- wife,Susan,andmyownchildren(allunderthreeand ize the seven-week seminar so well. It could be found ahalf),Theo,Anna,andEvie,willcomebacktoenjoy in the village: in Nondas (the jeweller) who insisted we the beauty and the stillness, and the peace of Olympia. go to `Zorbas' nightclub with him and broke plates and It is a place of great spirit. During the works of the 2nd International Seminar for Selected Graduate Students, 1994.

Closing address by J. Harms, 2nd Postgraduate Seminar, 1994. On the right K. Georgiadis. Running at the ancient stadium in Olympia, 2nd Postgraduate Seminar, 1994.

Commemorative photo of the 2nd Postgraduate Seminar, 1994. 19811981

e e e e Zhenliang He

Membre honoraire duCIO = Ancien PreÂsident de la Commission duCIO pour la Culture et l'Education Olympique

Extraordinaire contributionÁ al'eÂducation olympique

L'OCCASION du 50e anniversaire de l'Aca- blir une socieÂteÂ respectant la digniteÂ humaine, et de deÂmieInternationaleOlympique,jeme contribuer aÁ eÂdifier un monde meilleur et pacifique. permets d'adresser mes sinceÁres feÂlicita- On peut meÃme dire qu'allier sport et eÂducation est la tions et mon hommage aÁ l'AIO pour son raison d'eÃtre des jeux olympiques. C'est pour cela que extraordinaire contribution aÁ l'eÂducation olympique Pierre de Coubertin tout en n'eÂpargnant aucun effort dans le monde. pour assurer la bonne tenue des jeux olympiques en Baron Pierre de Coubertin, fondateur de mouve- suivant une direction correcte, reÃvait toujours aÁ l'expan- ment olympique moderne, a consacreÂ toute sa vie pour sion de l'eÂducation des valeurs olympiques. Son reÃve a eÂduquer la jeunesse et inspirer la socieÂteÂ. Sous son ini- pu eÃtre concreÂtiseÂ par la creÂation de l'AcadeÂmie Inter- tiativelemouvementolympiqueatoujoursmisl'eÂdu- nationale Olympique, graÃce aÁ l'effort de plusieurs geÂ- cation au premier plan de ses activiteÂs. Alliant sport et neÂrations d'adheÂrents aux ideÂaux olympiques, surtout culture-eÂducation, son objectif est de former une jeu- au puissant soutien des autoriteÂs grecques. nesse ayant un deÂveloppement harmonieux et eÂquilibreÂ Commenc Ëant par de modestes seÂminaires inter- des qualiteÂs du corps, de la volonteÂ et de l'esprit, d'eÂta- nationaux des jeunes participants qui duraient chaque 138 Zhenliang He fois deux semaines, l'AIO est devenue une institution un temps ici aÁ l'AIO, dans cette ambiance imbue de authentiquement acadeÂmique, englobant annuelle- l'esprit olympique, afin de mieux comprendre l'olym- ment de multiples types de confeÂrences, seÂminaires et pismeetl'importancedeleurtaÃche. activiteÂsacadeÂmiques traitant des sujets treÁsvarieÂs. La J'ai assumeÂ la preÂsidence de la Commission du richesse des programmes, la qualiteÂ des lectures, l'op- CIO pour la Culture (1995-1999) et puis de la Com- portuniteÂ des theÁmes eÂtroitement lieÂsaudeÂveloppe- mission du CIO pour la Culture et l'Education Olym- ment du mouvement olympique font de l'AIO la plus pique (2000-2009). Ce qui m'a permis de mieux con- importante institution au monde dans le domaine de naõÃtre les grands efforts qu'a fait l'AIO dans la formation l'eÂducation olympique. En plus, l'extraordinaire envi- d'une geÂneÂration apreÁs l'autre de jeunes propagateurs ronnement voisinant Olympie, lieu de naissance des de l'olympisme ainsi que les eÂclatants succeÁsobtenus jeux olympiques de l'AntiquiteÂ, l'ambiance cordiale et dans cette noble mission. Dans le but de nous inspirer solidaire dans le campus, la vivaciteÂ des jeunes partici- de l'ambiance exceptionnelle aÁ l'AIO, notre Commis- pants, tous ces facteurs pour que l'AIO devienne une sion a tenu sa reÂunion pleÂnieÁre et les reÂunions des ses sortedelieudepeÁlerinage pour tous ceux qui cheÂrissent groupes de travail aÁ l'AIO en juin 2007. ApreÁs la con- l'esprit et les ideÂaux olympiques. Et plus encore, le clusion des ses reÂunions, tous les membres de la Com- tombeau ouÁ repose eÂternellement le cúur de Pierre mission se sont rendus au tombeau de Pierre de Cou- de Coubertin situeÂ dans la foreÃt qui entoure l'AIO cons- bertin pour lui rendre hommage. Cette reÂunion aÁ l'AIO titue un lien organique entre les jeux olympiques de est jusqu'ici la plus meÂmorable des reÂunions annuelles l'AntiquiteÂ et ceux de l'eÁre moderne. de notre Commission. J'ai eu le plaisir de seÂjourner plusieurs fois aÁ l'AIO. Au moment ouÁ l'AIO ceÂleÁbre son 50e anniversaire, Bien que tous assez courts, ces seÂjours m'ont laisseÂ une je voudrais exprimer aÁ l'AIO mes sinceÁres souhaits de profonde impression. Chaque fois plus forte est ma plus grands succeÁs, mon hommage aÁ tous ceux qui conviction qu'il est souhaitable que les membres du s'adonnent aÁ la noble mission de l'eÂducation olympi- CIO, les membres des Commissions du CIO et les col- que et notre gratitude aux autoriteÂs grecques. laborateurs de l'Administration du CIO viennent passer DeÂposition de couronneÁ a la steÁle de Pierre de Coubertin par Z. He (aÁ gauche) et M. Mzali, au nom de la Commission du CIO pour la Culture et l'Education Olympique, 2007.

Pendant un intervalleÁ a l'amphitheÂÃatre de l'AIO, 47e Session Internationale des Jeunes Participants, 2007. 19821982

e e e e Anja JÇÇarvinen

Honorary President of the Finnish Olympic Academy

Some personal memories, thoughts and incidents describing the Olympic spirit and feelings in theIOA in Olympia

TISWITHASENSEof responsibility and seat. It was next to Juan Carlos Uriburu from Argen- respect that I write my memories, experi- tina. He was my first friend of the Olympic family. It ences and feelings as a participant of wasalwaysnicetomeethimintheIOA. many sessions of the IOA. The first bus stop at the canal of Corinth was a It was 1988 when I first took part in a session of memorable experience to me. I still remember those the IOA in Olympia. I was a new member of NOC and emotional feelings, when I first saw the IOA's functional our Olympic Academy was founded in 1987. I must and elegant buildings surrounded by beautiful green admit that my knowledge about Olympism and Olym- trees and hilly countryside. pic education was very poor. When I arrived in Athens My first opening ceremony of a session was in the everything was new to me; I didn't know any of the Otto Szymiczek Hall with the Olympic Anthem, lay- other participants. I was like Alice in the Wonderland, ing wreaths at the stele of Pierre de Coubertin and at that's why I had very exciting feelings when we left the commemorative monument of John Ketseas and Athens for Olympia. In the bus I took the first free Carl Diem. It was and still is a very emotional tradition 142 Anja JaÇÇrvinen that creates the special atmosphere of the IOA and lights countries and different continents walked together to the Olympic spirit. Olympia. We were sitting in a restaurant round a big I lived the history lessons in reality during the table, when someone of us suggested that each one of guided visit to the archaeological site and the Museum us could sing a folk song. I said that I am not a good of Ancient Olympia. Our visit to the Museum of Mod- singer, and then my friend Valdemar from Iceland said ern Olympic Games was interesting. It is true, if you that we could sing together, because he knew some don't know the history, you cannot understand the Finnish songs. And so we did. It was a wonderful present and the future. evening, a lot of beautiful songs from different parts It was fascinating to hear lectures and meet new of the world. We travelled through different cultures friends in discussion groups and talk about connections with music. It was real, warm friendship in the spirit of between the themes which many of us may not have Olympism. considered before. The circle of my friends widened My first visit to the IOA was exceptional because, very quickly. I soon understood that in the IOA we among other reasons, we drove from the IOA to Athens practise Olympism in many ways daily: to live together via Delphi. It was interesting to see those places I had and share the room with a person maybe from a totally studied during history lessons at school. In Athens we different culture encourages our interaction with one took part in the opening ceremony of the International another. It is astonishing how well we can understand Session for Young Participants on the sacred Hill of the each other though sometimes we don't even have a Pnyx. There was Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of common language. The only concrete problem has the IOC, other members of the IOC and the IOA,and sometimes been the key, where to put it so that both Melina Mercouri representing the Greek government. of us can use it. Friendship, understanding and toler- Next time I was there was in 2007, when we had the ance emerge in various other ways daily: when we dis- opening ceremony of the common session of the Es- cuss, debate or evaluate in formal discussion groups, but tonian and the Finnish Olympic Academies. especially in informal discussion groups; sometimes by Dr Otto Szymiczek, Dean of the IOA,whohad walking to Olympia and back or by enjoying a siesta at experienced the IOA since its birth, said: `I wish that all the pool or by waking up with morning music or during you participants in the sessions of the IOA become true the walking to see the sunrise on Kronion. apostles of Olympism, confident that you serve a hu- From my first session I remember well one inci- manistic idea which contributes to friendship, coop- dent in Olympia. A big group of people from different eration and understanding among peoples'. These 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 143 words have been in my mind ever since and they have conclusion that it is better that girls, too, run. We also conducted my personal activities in the NOA. understood that when we promote Olympism and During my first session in the IOA Igainedmore Olympic education with Olympic values we have to knowledgeaboutthemissionoftheIOA.Itistopre- do it through our own history, culture, religion and serve and spread the Olympic spirit, study and imple- political situation in the country. ment the educational and social principles of Olymp- The IOA also motivates us to strengthen and de- ism. After participating in a lot of Sessions for Directors velop educational cooperation between NOAs. It gives of NOAs I have seen that the IOA really is an interna- us the possibility to meet people of the Olympic family tional cultural centre which brings together people and create lasting personal human relationships of from all over the world in the spirit of friendship and friendship. They lead to new forms of cooperation cooperation. It is a place where people from the Olym- between NOAs. The Finnish Olympic Academy has pic family can express and exchange their ideas and had many kinds of cooperation. We were participants experiences face to face. It also motivates us to use in so-called Central-European NOAs' meetings in Ber- the experiences and knowledge gained in the IOA lin, where Robert Marxen and Norbert MuÈller were the through lectures, group discussions and presentations organizers. They have a long tradition in the field of of other NOAs. Every time we can learn something new. Olympic education and they gave good advice for edu- It has been a great honour for me to be a coordi- cational materials, how to teach Olympic values at nator several times in discussion groups. The task is different levels through different subjects and using very interesting, but sometimes difficult, too. We have different kinds of methods. Every NOA should develop discussed, debated and sometimes criticized, but always its educational activities so that they support its na- in the spirit of Olympism. Once we talked about the tional curriculum. Next time we had an excellent meet- Olympic Day Run: how do NOAsorganizeit?One ing in Prague. Every time we deepened our friendships participant of the group told us that they organize it and cooperation. During some years we had active for boys and girls at the same time, but at separate cooperation with Scandinavian NOAs, and a very keen places. The question was spontaneous: Where is equal- and interesting cooperation with the Estonian OA.We ity, one of the Olympic values? Why they cannot run organized so-called `School Olympic Games' for many together? We had a long discussion about equality and years, every second year, in Helsinki and Tartu. We had what it means in different countries. The other possi- a common session in the IOA in 2002. We wanted to bility would be girls not running at all? We came to the share the atmosphere of the IOA and the Olympic spirit 144 Anja JaÇÇrvinen with those teachers who had organized Olympic weeks IwanttothanktheIOA for the privilege the in their schools. Through Olympic education, children Olympic family has, when every year people can come and youngsters can personally realize the meaning of to the sessions of the IOA. Thanks to the Deans Otto fair play, tolerance and community spirit in their daily Szymiczek and Professor Kostas Georgiadis and the lives. For schools, Olympic education is a means of Presidents of the IOA Dr Nikos Filaretos and Mr Isi- attaining their educational objectives, which are similar doros Kouvelos for the excellent sessions of the IOA and to the objectives of the Olympic Movement. for their encouraging attitude toward the participants. Participants of the Finnish Olympic Academy in the IOA, 1997.

Breakfast with friends, 1994. 19831983

e e e e Prof. Christina Koulouri

Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece

Imagination, discovery, experience

OR VISITORS to Ancient Olympia, the planning of the world's future through the education of International Olympic Academy comes young people from every corner of the globe blend as a surprise, a well-kept secret. When together. youpassthroughtheentrancegate,you The natural landscape is the first thing that makes wonder why you were never aware of this Olympic city. a deep impression: the beauty of the site and its colours, A visit to the IOA is above all a process of discovery ± an as well as the clarity of the air, the scent of the bitter experiential discovery and a scientific discovery, an orange trees and the special stillness of the night. At the emotional discovery and an intellectual discovery. This first place, the IOA has a visual identity. Aesthetic pleas- multifaceted experience is linked to the character of this ure is not only derived from the present landscape, but unique Olympic institution, which has succeeded in also from historicity that gives symbolic dimensions to integrating modern educational activities into the time- the place and to nature. Natural beauty thus operates as less beauty of the landscape. At the IOA, the ancient the ideal framework for an educational process that memories that cling to the antique stadium, the Greek goes beyond the goal of conveying knowledge, focusing present as reflected in the small nearby town, and the especially on the transmission of a value system and a 148 Christina Koulouri life stance. The organic relationship between the land- ential knowledge of others, who are different and un- scape and the Academy's work seals the institution's known, a fascinating lesson in universal consciousness. history with the visitor's experience. This is why the IhaveknowntheIOA in a number of capacities, rupture of that relationship during the fire of summer the result being that those experiences have accumu- 2007 was such a dramatic turning point. One of the lated and become entwined: as a student, a researcher, a most traumatic memories was when, in November co-worker, a lecturer and a professor. My personal re- 2007, with an international commission of scientists search on the history of sports and the Olympic Games from all over the world, we visited Ancient Olympia to has led eventually to a standing collaboration with the actively express our support for the efforts at repairing Academy that has brought rich results. As a result, I did the damage caused by the fire. I shall never forget the not come to know the IOA only from `outside', but also dull, grey picture of the facilities, the wounded land- from `inside', through long-term archival and historical scape and the violence of the destruction. I shall also research. Thanks to meeting people at the IOA with never forget the little trees that survived, the shoots that enthusiasm, passion and love for the institution itself, were springing up here and there, reminding us of the I was entrusted with the classifying and recording of its power of life and the wonder of nature's regeneration. historical archives (as well as the Archives of the Hel- The message of hope, a message that the IOA seeks to lenic Olympic Committee). Greek Olympic history, convey at all times, was still present even in this darkest combined with the history of the Academy, is now fully moment. documented and preserved for posterity ± for the bene- The IOA's human landscape has a beauty which fit of researchers from Greece and the rest of the resembles while differing from the natural landscape. If world. we consider that the classical beauty of the Olympic The book on the history of the IOA was the cul- landscape is universal, the multicultural beauty of the mination of this activity; through teamwork, we could human landscape is also characterized by universality. explore many aspects of the Academy's historical pro- Professors, lecturers, Olympic medallists, students, gress from its establishment in 1961 until the present men and women of all ages from all continents and day, all recorded in an impressive publication. The from the most remote countries on the planet view the `History of the IOA' is a compendium, the result of a IOA as a place for meeting, communication and social study of Olympism and its institutions (International contact. Life in its facilities creates a real community Olympic Committee, National Olympic Committees, where the learning process is associated with the experi- etc.), Olympic education worldwide, the content of the 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 149 education programme of the IOA itself (lectures and cient Olympic Games, which have been a source of lecturers), the discovery of Ancient Olympia through inspiration to their modern revivers. As you walk in the archaeological excavations, Olympia's modern history area where the ancient Games were celebrated, in mind and, finally, the Academy's relationship with its place of you travel through time in order to listen to the noisy establishment. crowd that camped in the valley every four years, to The IOA is therefore both History and Education. admire the athletes and relive a past that you never In fact, its history is not restricted to its years of opera- experienced. The choice of Ancient Olympia for the tion but goes back to the time of the revival of the establishment of the IOA was not intended simply to Olympic Games and the birth of Olympism. The confirm the symbolic bond that exists between the moral and educational dimension of Olympism is modern Olympic Movement and its ancient Greek the cornerstone of an educational institution like the roots, but also to serve as a constant reminder of this IOA. The Academy unquestionably reflects the modern symbolism. In a sense, the IOA together with the site of Olympic Games and their evolution to this day. It gives the ancient Games define and represent the boundaries expression to all those who have militated for the of Olympism on the map. Olympic ideal since the nineteenth century, the period A stay in this `topos' of Olympism is in itself a when the revival of the Olympic Games materialized. unique experience that combines aesthetic enjoyment The monuments to Pierre de Coubertin, John Ketseas with physical exercise, intellectual stimulation and in- and Carl Diem in its facilities are testament to this. spiration. All who come here leave their mark on the At the same time, moreover, this Olympic educa- imagined continuity of Olympism. When they leave, it tional institution is located next to the site of the an- is with Olympia and its spirit in their hearts. Students of the Master's Degree Programme (academic year 2009/2010) with Christina Koulouri at the steps of the Conference Centre. Students of the University of the Peloponnese at the IOA with Christina Koulouri and K. Georgiadis, 2008. 19841984

e e e e Stavros Lambrinidis

Vice-President of the European Parliament= Former Director General of the International Olympic Truce Centre

The IOA inspires and promotes Olympic Truce

EKNOWthat in ancient times the Olym- These efforts were able to rely, from the very be- pic Games represented a period of real ginning, on the decisive support and partnership of the peace. To be precise, the main purpose International Olympic Academy. The whole philoso- of the Olympic Games, from their incep- phy of the IOA, that education, culture and peaceful tion, was to ensure that hostilities would cease for a coexistence are the core values of Olympism, has in- period before, during and after the Games, thus creat- spired the Truce movement. Nikos Filaretos, the ing a window of opportunity for the peaceful settle- President of the IOA at the time, together with the Acad- ment of disputes. emy's outstanding contributors, organized numerous Since the end of the 1990s, Greece and the IOC events and symposia, at which the Truce movement have worked hard in order to revive the institution of was debated, analyzed and enriched; in addition, par- the Olympic Truce. The aim has been the difficult task ticipantsintheIOA's programmes, young people and of achieving a cessation of hostilities during all future teachers from all over the world, contributed their own Olympic Games, and after their closing, with a view to experiences and ideas, which were subsequently disse- arriving at a peaceful resolution to conflicts. minated. 154 Stavros Lambrinidis

Understandably, for some people the idea of re- for a few days, the cycle of violence during the Olympic viving the Truce nowadays may appear utopian. But in Games and beyond. Our appeal aimed at utilizing the 1896, when Pierre de Coubertin and Dimitrios Vikelas Olympic Games and the power of their worldwide revived the ancient Olympic Games in Athens, that impact to give the United Nations, individual states, must have appeared equally utopian. Over just a few and the belligerents themselves a tried and tested in- decades, however, the Games developed into the great- strument for peace. And it is perhaps not a coincidence est world celebration of Humanity. that a few years later, in 2003, the UN adopted unani- Just like the revival of the Olympic Games more mously, for the first time in the Organization's recent than a hundred years ago, the revival of the Olympic history, a Resolution in favour of the Olympic Truce. Truce today combines romanticism with hard realism. IamdeeplygratefultotheIOA for its valuable It is neither a panacea nor utopian. The Olympic Move- support during the first steps of this major undertaking. ment is fundamentally a non-political movement. It Sport cannot impose peace, but it can inspire it. And if does not therefore have the power to `impose'the Truce, we can have peace for 16 days then maybe, just maybe, nor does it pretend to possess a magic wand that could we can have it forever. bring peace where governments, international organ- In this and other such initiatives, the IOA is and izations or even religious leaders have failed. will remain for decades to come an unrivalled source of The IOA, however, and all of us who have worked inspiration for all those who have had the good fortune for the revival of the Truce, sent a strong symbolic to come to its facilities and participate in its life and appeal from its serene surroundings, to stop, albeit activities. Lecture by S. Lambrinidis, 41st International Session for Young Participants, 2001.

In the lecture hall, 41st International Session for Young Participants, 2001. First row, from left to right: L. Silance, K. Kartalis and S. Lambrinidis. 19851985

e e e e Prof. Karl Lennartz

President of ISOH = Former Director of the Carl and Liselott Diem-Archives, German Sport University, Cologne

Twenty-eight times in Greece

GLADLY ACCEPT the invitation to write driver announced: `We are at war. I have to report back. something about my experiences in the In- You have to continue on foot'. That evening the session ternational Olympic Academy, which will at the Academy was cancelled. be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. We had to remain in Greece as guests; could, Since 1969, until today, I visited Greece no less however, move freely. A few days later, all over the than twenty-eight times and attended sessions in the streets we heard the call: `Freedom!' ± and everyone, Academy at least twenty times. including ourselves, streamed to the Syntagma Place. It did not start so well in 1974. I had been invited The `Colonels' regime' had been dumped and we ex- as a lecturer. On Saturday morning, one day before the perienced the return of democracy. In the night of July departure to Olympia, the traditional visit took place to 24, we listened to the speech by Konstantinos Kara- the National Historical Museum in Athens. During the manlis, who had returned from exile in Paris. Two days return trip by bus, the music which was played on the later, during our departure there was another delay. The loudspeakers suddenly changed from light to very mel- airport was full of people, because the actress Melina ancholic. Then suddenly the bus stopped and the Mercouri had just returned. 158 Karl Lennartz

One year later, I could finally give my lecture, and personally met Melina Mercouri ± at the time Minister at the Academy I met for the first time the then IOC for Culture in Greece. President Lord Killanin. I presented him with my latest In 1994, I was once again invited as a lecturer. On book, which, on his request, I signed for him. the evening before the departure to Olympia, we sat in In 1976, I attended the Academy again. My wife the cellar of a hotel in Athens, watching the final of the and our two children came by plane and I took them Football World Cup. Brazil won from Italy in the to the camping in Olympia, where they stayed in a penalties. I sat between two Italian participants and tent. In some way, the Dean of the Academy, Otto had a hard time drying their tears. Szymiczek, must have heard about this. He called me In the stands of the stadium in Los Angeles, we up and then berated me, `If I had no idea what Greek saw Juan Antonio Samaranch. Twenty-four hours later, hospitality was'. At least four times, he told me to get he opened the Session of the Academy on the Pnyx Hill my wife and children to the Academy. These were in Athens. One day later, the new Congress building wonderful days for my children, who could swim in was officially inaugurated. the swimming pool with the young participants and Together with the inauguration, an exhibition was truly enjoy themselves. At the departure, my wife and opened about the Zappas Games and the Olympic both children also received participation diplomas, Games in Athens in 1896 and 1906. Here I met the which still take an honoured place in their homes collector Georgios Dolianitis for the first time, with today. whom I formed a long-lasting friendship which en- I have always had great admiration for Otto Szy- dures to this day. miczek. We experienced his hospitality for the last time In 1998, Wolfgang Decker, Georgios Dolianitis in 1989, when he invited us for a chicken dinner at and I organized a big exposition in Cologne about `100 Linaria. He was already very weak then. Years Olympic Games: The Greek Origin', which was The year 1989 was an important year for the later also organized in Thessaloniki ± at the time cul- history of sport. At the Academy, the ICOSH and the tural capital of Europe. West-oriented organization HISPA held a meeting Dolianitis has invited me time and time again to where they decided to merge into the International come to Greece for Olympic expositions and manifes- Society for the History of Physical Education and Sport tations. (ISHPES). This occurred three years before the collapse Lecturing about Olympic history at the Academy of the Communist world. During this session, I also in Olympia has always brought me great pleasure. 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 159

ThreetimesIwasaskedtolectureatthePostgraduate of Dimitrios Vikelas, the first President of the Interna- Course in Olympia. It is wonderful to discuss the new- tional Olympic Committee. est information about the research into Olympic his- A few weeks later, during the opening ceremony tory with 35 young graduates from 35 different coun- of the Session for Young Participants on the Hill of the tries. Pnyx, I had the honour to present the ISOH Award for In the past two years, I was involved twice in 2007 to the two `grand old men' of Olympic history in lecturing at the newly established Master's Degree Pro- the United States: David Young and John Apostal gramme. It is a privilege to teach young men and women Lucas. This award consists of a bronze bust of Pierre from many countries about Olympic knowledge. de Coubertin. The newly established Foundation makes it pos- At the same time, we attended a meeting of the sible that the participants are guests of the University of IOC Commission for Culture and Olympic Education the Peloponnese from the moment of their arrival in in the wonderful green surroundings of the park of the Athens. The driving power behind the Foundation is Academy. my friend Kostas Georgiadis, as Dean of the Interna- Only a few weeks later, the terrible bushfires tional Olympic Academy, the successor of Otto Szy- which swept across Greece and in particular over the miczek, and also Professor and Vice-Rector of the Uni- Peloponnese during a period of several weeks destroyed versity of the Peloponnese. I came to know him when great parts of the Academy grounds and its surround- he was still a student at the University of Mainz. ings. Of course, we all felt very sad and concerned. The In 2006, Kostas Georgiadis invited the Executive International Society of Olympic Historians, sup- Committee of the International Society of Olympic ported by several other organizations, started an initia- Historians (ISOH)toorganizeameetingintheAcad- tive to accumulate funds to replant the area around the emy. This meeting was a big success. During that meet- Academy grounds. At the end of November 2007, I ing it was decided to implement a new ISOH Award: again travelled to the Academy and was able to present the Vikelas Plaque. the President of the IOA and the Hellenic Olympic In 2007, we returned to Greece; first to present Committee Mr Minos Kyriakou with a cheque. It this Vikelas Plaque for the first time to three Greek was not a great amount of money, but it showed our ISOH members: Athanassios Tarassouleas, Georgios close relations with the International Olympic Acad- Dolianitis and Kostas Georgiadis. The presentation emy. We also symbolically planted a new tree. took place in the beautiful theatre in Syros, birthplace IvisitedtheAcademysincetheterriblefiresthree 160 Karl Lennartz more times. Like other friends of the Academy with have been planted, which will grow a little every year. whom I spoke, we all still experience a feeling of sad- And even while it might take several more years: `It will ness when we see the Kronos Mountain and its sur- be green again in Olympia'! roundings. It is a real comfort to know that new trees K. Lennartz on the top of the IOA premises after the fire, 2007.

The IOC President Lord Killanin (on the right) and K. Lennartz. 19861986

e e e e Petros Linardos

Journalist = Sport Historian

A long, nostalgic journey through time

HE 50th ANNIVERSARY of the Interna- the stadium; with excavation work complete, it was tional Olympic Academy invites us, or ready to bask in the world's admiration. (The great rather challenges us, to a long, nostalgic triple event of 1961 was the unveiling of the stadium, journey through time. The summer of the establishment of the IOA and the creation of the 1961 was well under way; it was the last week of June. Olympic Museum, thanks to the generosity of G. Pa- I happened to be in Pyrgos, in the region of Eleia, for a pastefanou.) local survey of the region's problems and issues on I remembered the words of Dimitrios Vikelas, the behalf of the magazine Tachydromos,undertheman- first President of the IOC, that the site of Olympia agement of the late Christos Lambrakis. As I was leav- `...resembles a large amphitheatre, more magnificent ing he told me `Please pay special attention to Olympia than any other archaeological site in the world' (From and anything related to it'. Nicopolis to Olympia-1885-Letters to a friend ). On the So, accompanied by the late Georgios Koumbatis, lush, green slopes we could see large tents. Our journal- the correspondent for the Lambrakis Media Organiza- isticcuriosityledusthere.Weweretoldthatthiswas tion and an unforgettable friend, I found myself near the site where the Academy would be established. This 164 Petros Linardos was my first contact with the Academy, which was the IOA, particularly under its President, the late Nikos inaugurated a few days later. I could not of course Filaretos. During one seminar on behalf of the Hellenic imagine that this picture of the tent-dweller would Sports Journalists Association, I took a group of young remain forever engraved on my memory when, about colleagues to the ancient stadium. We came out of the twenty years later, I saw the IOA evolving into the uni- Crypt and wandered through the sacred temple of versal centre of Olympism. I would be given accom- Olympism. I realized that a young journalist from Bel- modation in the lecturers' quarters and would speak in gium had stayed behind. I turned and saw him kneel thehallthatbearsthenameofDimitriosVikelas,the and kiss the Olympic earth. What other recollection do initiator of Olympism. I would be granted the ultimate I need? honour of receiving the `Olympia' award, and so many other, unforgettable, awesome things. ``I visited Olympia today/28 April 1884/Believe me, My visits to Olympia may be condensed into one, for that alone it is worth coming to Greece. Here, unique picture. It was after 1985, when the annual antiquity lies before you, more splendid, more Seminar for Young Sports Journalists from all over grandiose than the Acropolis itself... Olympia is the world ± from Australia to Brazil, from Europe to something completely different, but also much the Far East and Central Africa ± was added to the greater...ThesiteofOlympiaresemblesahuge Academy's programme. This project was initiated amphitheatre. thanks to the tireless efforts of our cherished colleague The whole of ancient Greece is concentrated, Elias Sporidis (who sadly left us far too soon for the so to speak, and reflected in this small valley''. other hemisphere of life as Giavas the seafarer, the beloved storyteller of Fotis Kontoglou would say), DIMITRIOSVIKELAS (From Nicopolis to Olympia. Letters to a friend, who at the time was Vice-President of the European ed.PaulOllendorf,Paris1885) Sports Press Union (UEPS), the financial support of Olympic Solidarity and the generous hospitality of 36th International Session for Young Participants, 1996. From left to right: P. Linardos (Honorary President of the Hellenic Sports Journalists Association), G. Deves (Mayor of Olympia), A. Lunzenfichter (AIS EC Member) and E. Sporides (AIPS Vice-President).

A rare example from the philatelic and postal history of the International Olympic Academy: its first (22-6-1961) commemorative postmark. Since then, over the following fifty years, commemorative postmarks have been used not only for each IOA session, but also for all the other important events that have been part of its manifold activities, withaviewtocreatingaspecialized thematic collection. 19871987

e e e e John Apostal Lucas

Professor Emeritus, Pennsylvania State University,USA = Recipient of theIOC's Olympic Order, 1975

Marvellously fond memories

OUR LETTER brought back marvellously 35 years I started a course on the Games and 6,600 fond memories of my IOA participation students passed through my class, until my retirement eight times as lecturer, chief of mission last year. It was another great experience, rivalling my (USA) and honoured special guest of Pre- official presence at all Summer OG 1960-1980! sident Samaranch, the USOC and the IOA. The experience was so profound that I started a full 3-credit course on the ancient and modern Olym- `My trips to the IOA [1975-2007] were high in my pic Games at the Pennsylvania State University in 1975 list of life's greatest events.' ± possibly one of the earliest to leave the IOA and start a From a letter to the IOA Honorary Dean, bona fide course at one of America's greatest univer- Kostas Georgiadis, dated 22 January 2011 sities ± the Pennsylvania State University. For the next (Kostas Georgiadis' personal archive). Awarding of the ISOH Prize to J. A. Lucas (on the right) by K. Lennartz (in the middle) and E. Katsiadakis (HOC Secretary General) during the opening ceremony of the 47th International Session for Young Participants, Hill of the Pnyx, 2007.

Laying of wreath at the stele of Pierre de Coubertin by J. A. Lucas (on the left) and A. Bijkerk (ISOH Secretary General), 47th International Session for Young Participants, 2007. Address on behalf of the lecturers of the Session by J. A. Lucas at the opening ceremony of the 34th International Session for Young Participants, Hill of the Pnyx, 1994. 19881988

e e e e Prof. Andy Miah

Director of the Creative Futures Research Centre= University of the West of Scotland,UK

The worth of the International Olympic Academy

ESIDES HAVING WATCHED the Olympic Garcia during the Postgraduate Seminar, who has been Games as a child, my first encounter with my constant companion in all Olympic matters. Our the Olympic Movement was through my first child Ethan was born ten years later, almost to the university education at De Montfort Uni- day we met. versity, which led me to the British Olympic Founda- Since then, I have been fortunate enough to return tion's National Olympic Academy. However, my for- to Olympia on numerous occasions, as coordinator of mative experience was at the International Olympic the Postgraduate Seminar, lecturer at the Session for Academy International Postgraduate Seminar in Educators and Officials of Higher Institutions of 2000. Having since returned to the Academy numer- Physical Education, spectator at the Athens 2004 ous times, I have often wondered how the Movement Olympic Games, supporter of Scholars for Olympia, would be different, if only everybody involved had the and twice professor of the Postgraduate Seminar. chance to experience it through the Academy first. It is my honour to have the chance to write for its The IOA is a place that changes peoples' lives and 50th anniversary book, and this task is unlike any other mine was no exception. I met my wife Dr Beatriz writing opportunity I have had. As a philosopher, I am 172 Andy Miah inclined to think about my contribution in philosophi- These elements create the unique programme that cal terms and I would like to consider how we should the IOA delivers. Beyond the formal lecture schedule, value the worth of the IOA, while enriching these ideas thespaceallocatedtofreetimeisanessentialpartofits with my own experiences. worth. Most of the people who attend are of an age My memories of the Academy are replete with where they are highly motivated, capable people and extraordinary experiences. For instance, in 2000, my the Academy's recognition that they can be given free- fellow postgraduate students and I attended the lighting dom to create experiences for themselves represents the ceremony for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and best pedagogic principles that any educational institu- shared the Academy with some of its performers. tion would be proud to implement. In each session, Further, watching an actual Olympic competition in student committees are formed to develop social and the ancient stadium during the Athens 2004 Games sports programmes, which neatly complement the for- wasprofound,asitwasthefirsttimeanOlympiccom- mal learning that takes place through lectures and petition had taken place there since ancient times. In- seminars. The additional tours through Greece to deed, the intimate geographical connection between the ancient sites make the IOA experience unlike any other. stadium and the Academy reinforces the worth of each. I was lucky enough to take part as an athlete in the Yet it is often in the most familiar, everyday Nemean Games of 2000, overseen by archaeologist experiences that the value of the Academy is most Professor Stephen Miller, and the experience united persuasively articulated. This is largely because what the theory and practice of learning in a way that is makes it special is the people. First, there is the Acad- beyond compare. emy's staff, from the President to the cleaners, all of The location of the Academy in Olympia adds whom create a sense of family that is felt by all visitors. further worth, apart from being a beautiful, inspiring Second, there are the supervising lecturers, whose gen- setting. This secluded and remote location creates a erous interventions exceed expectations. Finally, the distinct learning experience and a commonly shared interactions between students define life at the IOA. willingness to retreat to serving just fundamental hu- From debates about the ethics of doping, to ideas about man needs. This insulation from the outside world also what it must have been like to run naked in the ancient promotes opportunities for rich international encoun- stadium ± some more vivid than others ± the everyday ters among the Academy's uniquely diverse com- interactions at the IOA is where the life-changing ex- munity. The importance of this was brought into sharp perience begins. focus in recent years, when the rise of the Internet 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 173 meant that the Academy could become part of a global portunity to remember the past and consider the community. When I was a student at the Academy, this possibility of renewal, as indeed forest fires often are. period was just beginning. I recall that there was one Each of these elements lead me towards conclud- computer with Internet access, where now there is an ing that the Academy's primary value is found in the way entire room and WiFi across the campus. Opinions that it inspires people towards participating in the Olym- vary about whether this has enriched the IOA experi- pic Movement. Since my first visit in 2000, I have also ence, or whether it has risked endangering the value of been fortunate enough to attend six Olympic Games ± the Academy's remoteness. In any case, the realization Winter and Summer ± at which I always am surrounded that having Internet access provides a valuable insight by people within the extended Olympic family. The into the world for students coming from countries with International Olympic Academy Participants Asso- limited Internet access seems to be a further contribu- ciation always manages to reunite us during Games tion that the Academy now makes to education. time, providing a welcome respite from the chaos of In addition to the digital revolution, the IOA has the Olympic city and a reminder of Academy life. lived through many eras and its history is also what gives While the tangible impacts of the Academy are itlegitimacyastheultimateauthorityofOlympicedu- salient, its intrinsic value should not be overlooked. In cation. When the fires of 2007 struck Greece, I joined the most beautiful way, the Academy is a small part of the `Scholars for Olympia' initiative, which gathered ancient Greece and a reminder of the origin of Olym- academicsfromaroundtheworldtovisittheAcademy picvaluesthatisinextricablefromPierredeCoubertin's and demonstrate our ongoing appreciation and sup- vision. The fact that his heart lays here within the port for its contribution to Olympism. During this Academy walls is the ultimate testament to this fact. visit, we spent time with the local villagers to acknowl- The generosity of the Hellenic Olympic Commit- edge their brave acts, thanks to whom the Academy was tee, the presidents and deans of the Academy who have saved from certain ruin. The fires devastated Olympia, developed such an enduring commitment to the pro- but the buildings of the Academy remained largely gramme over 50 years is second to none. I began my unscathed, as if to suggest that the historical signifi- experience under the Deanship of Dr Kostas Georgia- cance of the IOA could not be extinguished by even the dis and his support over the years has been unwavering, greatest natural threat. As well, the fact that the mem- andIwouldliketoaddanoteofpersonalthanksto orials dedicated to Pierre de Coubertin, John Ketseas him for bringing me ± and now my students ± through and Carl Diem remained standing, conveyed an op- the Academy. 174 Andy Miah

During the IOA's Postgraduate Seminar, all stu- of what the Olympic experience should entail ± the dents make a presentation about their research and, fusion of sport, culture and education ± and it remains as I was the last, I invited everyone out of the classroom one of my fondest memories of time there making to gather by the swimming pool, a crucial agora of the lifelong friends. Academy. This singular experience captures the entirety Wedding rings made in Olympia.

`Scholars for Olympia' planting a tree after the fire, 2007. 19891989

e e e e Stephen G. Miller

Professor Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley,USA = Emeritus Director of the excavations in Nemea

The IOA and Nemea

HERE ARE SO MANY MEMORIES of but especially a victory prize that consisted of a crown: the International Olympic Academy and olive at Olympia, wild celery at Nemea. its people, staff and students, many of In 1996 those ancient games were revived at whom have become dear friends, that it Nemea with two basic principles. They should be as is hard to choose a single example. I must also con- authentically ancient as possible, and they should be fess that some of my most vivid memories of the open for the participation of everyone from anywhere. IOA have come from its participation in the Revival Their success over the years has been due to the level of the Nemean Games, held every four years since of international participation that we have enjoyed, 1996 in the ancient stadium which I discovered in and that has been due ± in turn ± to the support of 1974. the IOA. The Ancient Nemean Games were in the cycle of Thus, for example, already in 1996 there were Pan-Hellenic games together with the Olympics, the several runners, and several winners, from the IOA. Games at Delphi, and those at Isthmia. These four Their faces at the closing ceremonies where they were games shared many things, including a sacred truce, presented with their crowns of wild celery radiated with 178 Stephen G. Miller joy ± the joy of winning, and of participating. These are experience of the ancient spirit of the games has come faces that I shall never forget. from a rather low perspective as I have learned how At the Second Nemead in 2000 there were again much work went into the games then. But there have many members of the IOA who ran barefooted down been real thrills. I like to think that our Nemean Games the ancient Nemea track, and the winner received her are adding something to the Olympic Movement, per- preliminary tokens of victory as in antiquity: a ribbon haps supplementing the today's Olympic Games in a around her head and a palm branch. But she shared the small way. Occasionally I am certain that we are mak- palm branch with her fellow IOA students. Another IOA ing a contribution. winner carried the palm of victory into the tunnel on At the closing ceremonies of the 2000 Nemead, the way back to the ancient locker room, but she had where volunteer ambassadors who are representing an honour guard of two other IOA students. their countries in Greece come to award the crown of Four years later there was once more a memorable wild celery to the new Nemean winners, a wonderful moment when the then Dean of the IOA ran out of the coincidence occurred ± one that made an Olympic goal ancient tunnel unto the track to participate in the come to life. A young winner from Istanbul came for- Nemean Games. It is not recorded if he won. ward to receive her crown. By complete chance the While all these IOA members were running down ambassador of Armenia took his turn to present the the track, someone had to do the dirty work. In ancient wild celery. And so, on the soil of ancient Greece, Greece that was left to slaves and so much of my Armenian crowned Turk. A red-headed Canadian (Amanda Schweinbenz) wins her race, beating competitors from Austria, Colombia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Moldova, Russia, Spain, and the USA; all except the last two on the left were from the IOA. Second Nemead 2000. IOA runners at the Second Nemead in 2000 return to the tunnel after their race, including a winner from Thailand (Somkid Pinthong) accompanied by Catherine Monnin (France) and Marianne Tjùrnhom (Norway). S. Miller, in the yellow tunic of a slave, works at the starting line of the Nemea track during the Second Nemead in 2000. 19901990

e e e e Pere MiroÂ

Directeur de la SolidariteÂ Olympique duCIO

La SolidariteÂ Olympique et l'AcadeÂmie Internationale Olympique

ORSQUE J'ETAIS ENFANT,lamythologie Ma formation et mon parcours professionnel se grecque, ses dieux, ses heÂros me fasci- sont donc tourneÂs tout naturellement vers le sport. naient. C'est ainsi que j'ai deÂcouvert dans ApreÁs plusieurs anneÂes passeÂes aÁ l'Institut National mes livres d'histoire le site d'Olympie et les d'Education Physique de Catalogne, j'ai eu la chance jeux olympiques de l'AntiquiteÂ comme beaucoup d'eÂco- extraordinaire de travailler pour le comiteÂ d'organisa- liers de mon aÃge. Mais ce n'est que bien plus tard que j'ai tion des jeux de la XXVe olympiade de Barcelone. Je me pu saisir l'ampleur de ce que repreÂsentaient reÂellement retrouvais ainsi au cúur de l'action, sur le terrain meÃme les jeux olympiques modernes et toute la philosophie des jeux qui, pour la premieÁre fois, allaient se deÂrouler qui entoure cet eÂveÂnement. La porteÂe concreÁte des en terre espagnole. valeurs olympiques sur la vie de tous les jours fondeÂes L'organisation des jeux est un veÂritable challenge sur le respect de l'autre, le deÂpassement de soi, l'eÂquilibre en soi. Lorsqu'on arrive enfin aÁ l'ultime eÂtape, on n'at- entre le corps et l'esprit, et bien plus encore. J'ai eÂteÂ tend plus que le moment de voir briller la flamme dans happeÂ treÁstoÃt par ces valeurs. Depuis lors, j'ai mis toute le stade olympique afin que la grande feÃte du sport mon eÂnergie et mon enthousiasme aÁ les servir. commence et que les athleÁtes de tous les pays se rejoi- 184 Pere MiroÂ gnent. Quelques mois avant l'ouverture des jeux, je me participants. A cette occasion, j'ai pu coÃtoyer des jeunes suis donc rendu pour la premieÁre fois aÁ Olympie pour de tous les pays, envoyeÂsparleursComiteÂsNationaux assister aÁ la ceÂreÂmonie d'allumage de la flamme olym- Olympiques respectifs pour participer aÁ des confeÂrences pique avant qu'elle ne parte pour son peÂriple, porteÂe et aÁ des eÂchanges sur l'olympisme. J'ai pu ainsi mieux par des milliers de relayeurs qui l'ameÁneraient jusqu'aÁ la deÂcouvrir le site et son environnement propice aux ville hoÃte de Barcelone. eÂchanges interculturels. Mais j'ai surtout saisi l'ampleur AmonarriveÂeaÁ Olympie, j'ai deÂcouvert les ma- du travail fourni par l'AcadeÂmie Internationale Olym- gnifiques installations de l'AcadeÂmie Internationale pique, formidable centre pluridisciplinaire international Olympique et ai tout de suite ressenti l'atmospheÁre deÂdieÂ aÁ l'enseignement des valeurs olympiques, et l'im- particulieÁre qui baignait les lieux, meÂlangedeseÂreÂniteÂ portance de son savoir-faire en matieÁre d'organisation de et de paix. Mais ce qui m'a profondeÂment marqueÂ,c'est deÂbats et confeÂrences autour de ce theÁme feÂdeÂrateur. le fait de me retrouver sur le site antique meÃme Lors de la session des jeunes participants, j'ai eÂteÂ d'Olympie, si chargeÂ d'histoire. L'eÂmotion eÂtait vive. ameneÂ aÁ travailler avec des jeunes treÁsmotiveÂs. J'ai eÂteÂ J'ai eÂteÂ rapidement envahi par le sentiment treÁsfort frappeÂ par leur enthousiasme, leur engagement et leur d'eÃtre au cúur de l'action, dans le berceau meÃme des curiositeÂ.J'eÂtais dans le vif du sujet et j'ai rapidement jeux olympiques. Lorsque la flamme s'est allumeÂegraÃce eÂteÂ confronteÂ aÁ la reÂaliteÂ par certaines de leurs questions aux rayons du soleil recueillis dans le miroir paraboli- plus critiques en rapport avec le mouvement olympique, j'ai soudain compris que j'eÂtais en train de vivre un que. Nous avons eÂchangeÂ ouvertement nos points de moment exceptionnel. Cette ceÂreÂmonie restera pour vue. J'ai essayeÂ de les convaincre du bien-fondeÂ de nos moi un souvenir inoubliable. institutions et espeÁre avoir su corriger leurs impressions. Ma seconde visite aÁ Olympie s'est deÂrouleÂedema- Dans tous les cas, ce fut un eÂchange treÁs enrichissant de nieÁre treÁs diffeÂrente, car je n'y venais pas comme mem- part et d'autre. bre d'un comiteÂ d'organisation, mais en ma qualiteÂ de Depuis, je suis retourneÂ aÁ Olympie une dizaine de directeur technique du ComiteÂ International Olympi- fois, soit pour assister aÁ la ceÂreÂmonied'allumagedela que, fonction que j'ai eu le privileÁge d'occuper tout de flamme olympique, soit dans le cadre de la session pour suite apreÁs les jeux de Barcelone. J'eÂtais donc passeÂ de les jeunes participants. Chaque fois, j'ai ressenti la l'autre coÃteÂ, ce qui m'offrait un point de vue totalement meÃme exaltation. Pour rien au monde je n'eÂchangerai diffeÂrent. J'avais l'honneur d'avoir eÂteÂ inviteÂ en tant ma place et je continuerai aÁ apporter ma contribution aÁ qu'intervenant pour assister aÁ la session pour les jeunes la diffusion de l'ideÂal olympique. 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 185

L' AcadeÂmie Internationale Olympique feÃte son tour. Elle a essaimeÂ de nombreuses AcadeÂmies Natio- 50e anniversaire et je tiens aÁ lui rendre hommage. GraÃce nalesOlympiquesaÁ travers le monde qui servent de aÁ elle, nous beÂneÂficions maintenant d'un patrimoine relais. Elle a reÂussi aÁ mettre l'esprit olympique aÁ la porteÂe exceptionnel voueÂ aÁ l'olympisme et aÁ la sauvegarde de de chacun. Mais de nouveaux deÂfis attendent l'AcadeÂ- ses valeurs. Elle a accueilli des milliers de participants mie. Elle saura, j'en suis suÃr, les relever avec brio afin de qui ont partageÂ ces valeurs et les ont transmises aÁ leur poursuivre la mission qu'elle s'est fixeÂe. ConfeÂrenciers et participants assistent Áa une soireÂesociale,41eSession Internationale pour Jeunes Participants, 2001. ConfeÂrence de P. MiroÂ, 41e Session Internationale pour Jeunes Participants, 2001. 19911991

e e e e Prof. Ioannis Mouratidis

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

International Olympic Academy: Significance ± Memories

HE PAN-HELLENIC GAMES,particularly for the opponent, harmonious development of body the Olympic Games, were able to bring and mind, modesty in victory, honesty in competition, together the rival Greek cities and remind and the building of noble character were cultivated and them of their common interests. Olym- developed at Olympia. What made Olympia immortal pia occupied an especially prominent position among was the fact that in this sacred place, rival Greeks who Greek cities as a centre of reconciliation and the pro- fought one another on the battlefields would meet to motion of joint pursuits. Olympia was the place where take part in friendly contests. representatives from every corner of the Greek world The ancient Olympic Games were able to with- could meet, compete, exchange views, and listen to stand the hard tests of innumerable centuries but final- orators, poets and philosophers, who reminded them ly, as happens with all human inventions, they could of the many things that united them. not avoid the destructive effects of time. They were, The ideals which Olympia symbolizes are all-hu- however, more successful in avoiding the damage man, eternal and indestructible ideals. Genuine athletic caused by the normal blurring of human memory competition, the love of fair play, concern and respect and the ungrateful laws of oblivion. Modern man 190 Ioannis Mouratidis was thus able to revive the Olympic Games with the arrived at the conclusion that this philosophy has a aim of promoting fair play, love, peace and reconc- unique power and ability to look beyond national bor- iliation between peoples and men. In 1896, man ders and obstacles, thus recognizing the importance of remembered the philosophy behind those Games and comradeship between peoples and individuals. put all his hopes in them leading to a better world. At the Few events have made as strong and lasting an same time, the objective was not simply to revive the impression on me as my stay and collaboration with ancient Olympic Games but to create an international fellow participants at the facilities of the IOA;perhaps centre in Olympia that would nurture and disseminate because no other site has the sanctity of Olympia, the philosophy of Olympism and Olympic education. where the morality of the ancient world predominates. And thus the International Olympic Academy, dreamed Moreover, I realized that all participants were con- up by Coubertin, was founded by two enthusiastic pro- vinced that the subject of Olympia is man himself, ponents of the Olympic philosophy, Carl Diem and his history as well as his dramatic quest for humanism John Ketseas. and fraternity. It was easy to see how the conciliatory The IOA is now an institution recognized by al- and pacifying impact of Olympia's sacred precinct was most all countries of the world, whose representatives ever-present. No one could therefore imagine another attend special seminars in the sacred precinct of An- site that could contribute more to the development of cient Olympia. Students, journalists, educationists, relations of friendship, mutual understanding and re- sports officials, etc. attend these seminars, and most spect. Judging by participants' psychology and be- also take part in various sports activities, team games haviour, one could see that no one felt a stranger in in particular. this sacred place. People who had attended the IOA's I was lucky enough to participate in many of these seminars for a second or third time, in particular, felt seminars, mainly as a lecturer, and to make the ac- completely at home. quaintance of many colleagues and other participants. Looking back, I can recall how deeply impressed all I must confess that my feelings are hard to put into participants, young and old, men and women, were by words adequately. I noted that at Olympia the philo- their visit to the archaeological site of Olympia. Their sophy of Olympism was generally accepted by all, ir- visit to the stadium was a unique experience. Without respective of origin, political beliefs, religion or colour. exception, they all tried to walk or run the stadium's I tried many times to explain the phenomenon of the classic course. I remember, in particular, that, in one of adoption of this philosophy by all participants and I the working groups I was attending, some participants 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 191 described the race along the ancient stadium's track as a and, above all, communication developed. One saw unique experience and a life's dream, since they had how, when entering the IOA, participants from coun- been given the opportunity to run on the same track tries with bad relations forgot all their differences, fo- as the athletes of the ancient Olympic Games. cusing instead on their common interests. The involvement of the IOA's participants in team Through the IOA's activities, Olympia as an eternal games was sheer fun, a fun that arises from the funda- and indestructible symbol continues to light men's mental ethical values of games. Through their partici- souls, showing them a world that is different from pation in team games and swimming in the river Al- the world in which we live, a brighter world, a unique pheios, their singing and dancing, ties of friendship, philosophy that contributes to man's effort to compete understanding, tolerance, respect, non-discrimination in amicable competition with all men. 32nd International Session for Young Participants, 1992. From left to right: K. Whitney, N. Filaretos, K. Georgiadis and I. Mouratidis. Laying a wreath at the stele of Pierre de Coubertin at the opening ceremony of the 32nd International Session for Young Participants, 1992. From left to right: I. Mouratidis, Benita Fitzgerald (Olympic Gold Medallist) and L. DaCosta. 19921992

e e e e Prof. Norbert MÇÇuller

Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany= President of the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee

`Learning in Olympia for Olympia.' The International Olympic Academy ± A success story

PARTICIPATED in the 8th Session of the wasspendingtwoweeksintheIOA with us and who IOA for the first time in 1968. I did not enthusiastically talked about his Olympic experiences. know then that the participation was to But I also remember our `rebellion' against the IOA influence and form my life decisively. In direction. We, the young participants, felt uneasy be- the winter of 1968 I wrote my Master's thesis about the cause we had been listening to eighteen lectures about genesis of the IOA and the first eight years of its work, in the difficult main topic of the Session `Competitive which the Dean Otto Szymiczek and the IOA President Sport and Education'. Only a few questions were ad- HRH George of Hanover gave me as a young student mitted so that we had no chance of playing a part with plenty of support and encouragement. our juvenile impetuousness in discussion groups. The Session of 1968 with the encounters of 100 When the President of the IOA and member of the students from the whole world, all enthusiastic about IOC George of Hanover wanted to know our opinions Olympia,hasalwaysbeenvividinmymind'seye.I about their petition forwarded to the IOC Session in enjoy recollecting the meetings with Jesse Owens, who Mexico City 1968, in which they pleaded for an 196 Norbert MuÇÇller abolition of national flags and anthems from the years. This doctoral thesis was the first one about the Olympic victory ceremonies, I finally saw together with IOA, it comprises an analysis of the complete 239 lec- other participants of the Session the chance of openly tureshelduptothistimeintheIOA and the results of a discussing a specific Olympic topic. But we were poll of altogether 500 IOA participants of the sessions expected only to write down our opinions on a piece of between 1968 and 1973, and it has become the basis of paper, nothing else. Our request to the Dean of the IOA all my further Olympic studies and research. to allow the organization and realization of discussion I was able to propagate the IOA as the `Summer groups, in order to deal with that topic, was refused. The University of Olympism' and define the manifold official answer was that there was no time within the Olympic topics with a new notion: `Olympic educa- programme. As a reaction to the refusal we decided to tion'. Incredible, which meaning this notion should invite the participants to take part privately in a dis- reach in the future. cussion forum in a taverna of the village of Olympia. `Learning in Olympia for Olympia', this could be All the participants appeared, just like the President and the paraphrase of the yearly sessions considering its the Dean of the IOA. effects. Without the genius loci of the ancient site of After three further meetings we presented the re- Olympia, without the intensive encounters of hun- sults, which were distributed as a resolution on the final dreds of like-minded people with the maximum readi- day of the Session. Nevertheless our ideas were not ness for international understanding under the symbol published in the official report of the 8th Session. of the five Olympic rings, this process would not be But I was generously given the permission to ask the possible. participants in a questionnaire about their opinions In Olympia a new young generation was formed about Olympic values and the pedagogical success of and became the leaven of the Olympic family, thus the 8th Session. The evaluation of the forms became creating a new atmosphere of reflecting the Olympic the basis for the first empirical survey of the work of the values in their respective countries. One could even IOA and in the years to follow. In the IOA Imeta maintain that the IOA participants have started spread- wonderful man, the Nestor of sports informatics, Pro- ing the Olympic ideals and the necessity for an ethics of fessor Josef Recla from Graz (Austria). It was he who sport in many countries. Their enthusiasm and engage- offered me during the 10th Session in the IOA in 1970 ment led to the foundation of numerous National the chance of writing a doctoral thesis about the idea of Olympic Academies. As a model the first National establishing the IOA and its success in the following Olympic Academy came about in the USA in 1976. 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 197

And today the Olympic principles of the IOC Charter this heritage so intensely that I was carried away by the are kept alive almost in all countries, especially by the Olympic idea as it can be conveyed and realized only in NOAs. The IOA is a success story. It was from the IOA Olympia. Thus I felt obliged as a university professor to where a new reflection has started and the IOC can bring many generations of students to take part in count itself lucky to be the owner of such a university students' seminars in Olympia. In 1993 we succeeded with so many highly motivated young protagonists of in founding the Postgraduate Seminar at the IOA to- the Olympic ideals ± every year a new young gen- gether with my former student at the University of eration.Atthesametimetheyearlyseminarsforthe Mainz/Germany, the Dean of the IOA Dr Kostas Geor- responsible persons of the NOAsandtheseminarsfor giadis. Gratefully I also recall the wonderful and great educators, carried out every other year, offer the unique Greek personalities who determined, promoted and opportunity of exchanging ideas and promoting the influenced me and my complete life in Olympia: Dean international network of the reflection and discussion Otto Szymiczek, Professor Cleanthis Palaeologos and of Olympic topics and issues. The Olympic interna- IOA President Professor Nicos Nissiotis. tionalism is practiced in the IOA, the ancient stadion in The 50th birthday of the IOA in 2011 should not the vicinity and the ancient excavations cover millen- only express the Olympic family's gratitude for this nia. The Greek heritage is kept alive by the efforts of present towards Greece, but should also underline the Greece, both in financial and organizational respect. necessity for a successful continued existence of the IOA IamverygratefultotheIOA that as a young man I in order to secure the future of a vivid Olympism. was offered the opportunity of feeling and experiencing N. MuÈller was honoured in 1981 on the occasion of the 20th IOA anniversary by N. Nissiotis (IOA President), for his doctoral thesis on the IOA history.

N. MuÈller educating participants in the 1st International Seminar for Selected Graduate Students of Physical Education and History, 1993. J. Owens, Olympic Gold Medallist of the Berlin 1936 Games (in the middle), with N. MuÈller (on the left) at the IOA, 1969.

As a participant in the 8th IOA Session, 1968, N. MuÈllerexplainsthequestionnaire for a first evaluation. On the right Prince George of Hanover. 19931993

e e e e Lambis Nikolaou

PreÂsident de la Commission duCIO pour la Culture et l'Education Olympique

Cinquante ans AcadeÂmie Internationale Olympique

N TANT QUE PRESIDENT de la Commis- culture. L'AcadeÂmie Internationale Olympique en est sion pour la Culture et l'Education Olym- incontestablement l'une des plus importantes. Depuis pique du ComiteÂ International Olympi- sa fondation en 1961, l'AcadeÂmieafaitúuvredepion- que, je suis eÂgalement chargeÂ de contri- nieÁre en matieÁre d'eÂducation olympique et de culture. buer aÁ baÃtir un monde pacifique et meilleur en eÂdu- En tant que membre de l'Ephoria de l'AcadeÂmie quant la jeunesse par le moyen du sport, qui constitue Internationale Olympique depuis 1989 et ancien preÂ- l'un des piliers sur lesquels repose le mouvement olym- sident de celle-ci, je connais treÁsbientoutcequel'Aca- pique. deÂmie a reÂaliseÂ jusqu'aÁ preÂsent. Il s'agit d'un objectif eÂleveÂ, mais d'un objectif que A ce point, permettez-moi de mentionner cer- notre commission consideÁre comme treÁsimportant,en taines personnes qui ne sont plus en vie, avec lesquelles travaillant assiduÃment pour sa mise en úuvre. Plusieurs j'ai eu l'honneur de travailler. Ces personnes ont rendu moyens sont utiliseÂspourlareÂalisation de notre mis- des services preÂcieux aÁ l'AcadeÂmie Internationale Olym- sion et plusieurs institutions travaillent avec nous en pique. Il s'agit de : vue de la promotion de l'eÂducation olympique et de la 202 Lambis Nikolaou

ù Nicolaos Nissiotis (preÂsident de l'AIO 1977- DesprogrammesetdeseÂveÂnements speÂcialement 1986), professeur aÁ la FaculteÂ de TheÂologie de concËus, comme le Programme d'Education aux Valeurs GeneÁve, professeur de philosophie de la religion Olympiques (PEVO) ou les jeux olympiques de la jeu- aÁ la FaculteÂ de TheÂologie d'AtheÁnes, personne nesse, trouveraient leur origine aupreÁsdel'AcadeÂmie. eÂclaireÂe, peÂdagogue inspireÂ, connaisseur du L' AcadeÂmie continue aÁ attirer ± aÁ ses sessions, aÁ ses sport et membre du CIO,ancienathleÁte et en- confeÂrences et aÁ ses seÂminaires postuniversitaires ± traõÃneur de l'eÂquipe de basket-ball de la Ligue d'eÂminents scientifiques et enseignants. Chaque anneÂe, grecque de basket-ball. l'AcadeÂmie Internationale Olympique organise des ses- ù Nikos Filaretos (membre du CIO,preÂsident de sions extreÃmement importantes aÁ l'intention notam- l'AIO 1986-1992, 1997-2005), qui a úuvreÂ in- ment de cinq groupes : jeunes participants, cadres en- lassablement pour assurer la reÂputation mon- seignants, « ComiteÂs Nationaux Olympiques et AcadeÂ- dialeetledeÂveloppement de l'AcadeÂmie Inter- mies Nationales Olympiques », journalistes sportifs et nationale Olympique. eÂtudiants postuniversitaires. ù Otto Szymiczek (doyen de l'AIO 1962-1990), passionneÂ et connaisseur du sport. L'heÂritage qu'il a laisseÂ aÁ l'AIO est unique et il est difficile Dans l'AntiquiteÂ grecque, les jeux olympiques procla- de trouver un remplacËant de son envergure. maient la paix et la culture humaine aux quatre coins du monde connu de l'eÂpoque, en tant qu'ideÂaux im- Pendant 50 ans, l'AcadeÂmie Internationale Olympique muables. Il s'agit de principes fondamentaux inscrits aeÂteÂ une institution supreÃme de culture qui proteÁge et dans la charte olympique qui s'eÂtendent bien au delaÁ promeut les valeurs olympiques par le moyen de l'eÂdu- de l'organisation des jeux olympiques. cation. Des jeunes, des enseignants, des journalistes, des Pourtant, le mouvement sportif ne peut pas geÂrer athleÁtes, des cadres administratifs, des chercheurs et aÁ lui seul ces principes. Il doit unir ses forces avec celles d'autres ont franchi le seuil de l'AcadeÂmie. Et surtout, des institutions qui assument la principale responsabi- ils ont tous partageÂ leurs connaissances avec des indi- liteÂ de promouvoir la paix et le deÂveloppement de l'hu- vidus du monde entier. Bien que l'AcadeÂmie Interna- maniteÂ.L'AcadeÂmie Internationale Olympique en est tionale Olympique sieÁge dans l'espace preÂcis et symbo- une. Le mouvement olympique est redevable aÁ l'Aca- lique d'ancienne Olympie, sa mission s'eÂtend dans deÂmie Internationale Olympique de tout ce qu'elle a toutes les reÂgions du monde. accompli pendant les cinq dernieÁres deÂcennies et de 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 203 tout ce qu'elle continuera de faire pendant les anneÂes aÁ XXIVes jeux olympiques de SeÂoul et des XVes jeux d'hi- venir. Nous pouvons eÃtre fiers de tout ce que nous ver de Calgary. Il importe deÁs lors de souligner que c'est avons reÂaliseÂ entre 1961 et aujourd'hui. une session de l'AcadeÂmie qui se trouve aÁ l'origine de Je ne dois pas oublier de dire qu'en 1985, apreÁs l'effort de mise en úuvre de la treÃve pendant les jeux mon discours aÁ la 25e Session Internationale de l'AIO olympiques. sur la treÃve, la Session avait accepteÂ aÁ l'unanimiteÂ de En terminant, j'aimerais exprimer ma profonde demander aux Nations Unies, par l'intermeÂdiaire du reconnaissance et mes remerciements aÁ tous ceux qui ComiteÂ International Olympique et de son preÂsident ont contribueÂ aÁ faire de l'AcadeÂmie ce qu'elle repreÂsente Juan Antonio Samaranch, de prendre l'initiative de aujourd'hui : le couronnement des principes et des va- proclamer la treÃve dans tous ses Etats membres pendant leurs de l'olympisme. la dureÂe ou tout au moins pendant une journeÂedes Le PreÂsident du COH L. Nikolaou (aÁ droite) et le SecreÂtaire d'Etat aux Sports A. Fouras (aÁ gauche) escortent le PreÂsident du CIO J. A. SamaranchÁ a la ceÂreÂmonie d'ouverturedela38eSession Internationale pour Jeunes Participants, colline de la Pnyx, 1998.

ConfeÂrencedeL.Nikolaou, 25e Session Internationale pour Jeunes Participants, 1985. Allocution de L. Nikolaou lors de la ceÂreÂmonied'ouverturedela43eSessionInternationale pour Jeunes Participants, colline de la Pnyx, 2003. 19941994

e e e e Marina Nissiotis

Memories of theIOA during the presidency of Professor Nissiotis (1977-1986)

FIRST HEARD of the IOA's existence when their families to travel for their ideas. These two we definitely returned to Greece in 1974, brought sport and Olympism into the lives of ordinary my husband Nicolaos Nissiotis and my- people, to a greater or lesser extent. self, who ± a year later ± became member Nissiotis was internationally known due to his of the IOA and of the Hellenic Olympic Committee positions abroad. So during his presidency in the IOA and in 1978 was elected member of the International there started coming to the opening sessions of the Olympic Committee. main courses at the Pnyx the President of the Hellenic The Olympic Movement was lucky. During more Republic Konstantinos Karamanliswithseveralminis- or less the same period, it had as presidents of the ters, as well as the Presidents of the IOC with several International Olympic Committee and of the IOA IOC members and officials, most of whom would later two men completely different in character and ambi- on lecture at the Olympic Academy in Olympia. The tion but both fanatic believers in sport and Olympism. impressive ceremony under the Acropolis was therefore They had ideas, visions, knowledge, experience, deter- shown on television and many people started taking an mination, and physical strength, and very often left interest in the Olympic Movement. 208 Marina Nissiotis

Through the choice of lecturers, Nissiotis changed or a T-shirt. One Sunday we all went to the village the character of the Academy. I remember the lecture of church after Nissiotis had explained the ritual of the a Russian Olympic gold medallist, of a cardinal from service. The kind old village priest, with his white beard Venice dressed in red, foreign and Greek university and a permanent smile, gave to all a piece of blessed professors as well as foreign artists, who all combined bread, with a nice word, although he didn't know a their profession with the aims of the Academy. word in a foreign language. On another Sunday we Every morning after two lectures all participants went to a beach to swim. They all looked amazed at met in groups of six to eight people, led by a professor the endless sand beach with the calm dark blue sea. But or lawyer etc., to give their views about them and some would also go secretly swimming in the Alpheios finally agree on a common text to be read at the ple- Riverinanevening. nary. Thus, no participant could be absent from the We also had social evenings with sketches, games, lectures or his group. and a lot of jokes mostly about Nissiotis, because he In addition to the academic work there were also always laughed and never got angry. They always ended artistic activities (painting and dance), whilst during with everybody wanting to learn to dance syrtaki and the free time the participant would swim in our pool, kalamatianos. play basketball, football and ± with great passion ± With all this, Nissiotis succeeded to intensify the table tennis. Everybody knew that Nissiotis was a good love for athletism, but also for arts, and to get young sportsman, so the goal was always to beat him in one of people from different counties, very different cultures, these sports, something inevitably rather difficult. and political backgrounds, to become real friends and Especially in table tennis no one ever succeeded to beat to respect the `particularity' of the other person. This him, neither at the Academy nor abroad. `getting to know each other' was something he always On their way to Olympia the participants were wanted for his students, also during the many years he always taken on a guided tour to Delphi and then to was professor or director abroad. More people knew the museums of Ancient Olympia, while during the Nicos Nissiotis in Europe, America, Australia, Asia, warmsummereveningswewouldallgodowntothe and Africa than in his own country because he studied village for a delicious galaktoboureko (Greek sweet), an and worked abroad for 25years. Now all of them know ice cream, and a stroll around the shops for a souvenir what Olympism is all about. Nicolaos Nissiotis, IOA President (1977-1986). 25th International Session for Young Participants, 1985. From left to right: Cl. Palaeologos, Monique Landry, L. Silance, Aglaia Palaeologos, J.Powell,N.Nissiotis,O.Szymiczek,F.Landry. Meeting of the lecturers and the discussion groups coordinators, 19th IOA Session, 1979. 19951995

e e e e Fani Palli-Petralia

Vice-President of the International Olympic Truce Foundation

An Olympic `journey'

Y FIRST CHILDHOOD MEMORY of Olym- Olympic events worldwide, contacts with Olympic pia was of a trip with my father and a few medallists, athletes, IOC members, people who of his foreign friends and colleagues from influenced and/or shaped sport all over the world... It the International Olympic Committee was an almost natural identification with Olympism. and the International Olympic Academy, whom he And, of course, there was my participation in the was accompanying. I remember that it was a brilliantly opening and closing sessions of the International sunny spring day, nature was wearing its Easter attire, Olympic Academy, occasions on which I would ac- and there was a light breeze... History, names like Altis, company my father, who served as President of the Crypti,Kronion,Olympian,Zeus,Hera,thewholesite Academy at the time. that was impressive and imposing, made this trip an I remember we used to stay in tents in the sum- unforgettable experience... mers. Imagine being twelve years old, with the high Then came school, my involvement in sport, temperature reaching 40 degrees centigrade, knowing studying the history of the Olympic ideals, my acquaint- that friends are swimming at some beautiful beach, and ance with Olympic family members who paid us a visit that I was learning that Solon taught Scythian Anachar- quite often as if they were our relatives, the experience of sis the meaning of competition with just an olive 214 Fani Palli-Petralia branch as a reward and how this olive branch em- Academy with its modern facilities; from the time bodied the values of democracy, emulation and fair when participants simply listened to a few lectures to play... And that this olive tree is still blooming behind today's modern postgraduate specialization programs. the temple of Olympian Zeus... Andnowwhat?AfterhavingservedtheOlympic Later on, when Petralias passed away, I remember cause for such a long time and, as the baton is about to Samaranch saying that Nondas had taught him this: be handed over to a new generation, what can someone `Olympism is not just sport but also philosophy, a way like me say? of thinking, a life attitude, timeless values and prin- I remember my father, during a lecture at the Inter- ciples that are always relevant'. national Olympic Academy, quoting Plutarch: `We are And that is the way I was brought up. Everything I here now. Before us, were others, and others will follow heard and experienced has shaped my character and after us. However, we should not concentrate on how to progress, and has proved extremely useful not only in live well or on how we shall die but on how future my personal life but also in my public role. For fate, generations will be able to think of us with gratitude...' Olympian Zeus and the conjunction of events have Indeed, times and people change, conditions vary. conspired to link my public life with Olympism to But, as long as there is mankind, there will also be prin- such an extent that at times I have found myself serving ciples and values. Friendship, emulation, the passion to it from highly responsible positions. This was so during compete, to create, to run faster, to go higher and to pro- the greatest challenge of my political career, the Athens gress represent timeless human demands and pursuits. 2004 Olympic Games, which were organized in such a When what we call globalization, with its econom- way that were described as `the best Olympic Games ics and economic mumbo-jumbo, now reigns supreme, ever' by President Rogge at the closing ceremony... offering man more pain than happiness, we need those In the course of this Olympic `journey', I have also human values which are part of the Olympic ideals more served as a member of the Olympic Committee and than ever. They can provide solutions to gridlocked many relevant commissions and Olympic delegations situations. In what way? Three thousand years ago, dur- and as Vice-President of the International Olympic ing a period of similar worldwide instability, when Iphi- Truce Centre. tos asked Pythia how he should deal with the situation, And, of course, I have attended almost all the she replied: `Revive the Olympic Games'. So this is the International Olympic Academy sessions, from the challengeforthefuture...Thisisthechallengeforthe time when, as guests, we lived in tents, till today's International Olympic Academy! The IOA President E. Petralias at the 11th IOA Session, 1971.

International Olympic Truce Forum, Ancient Olympia, 2005. 19961996

e e e e Prof. Jim Parry

Department of Philosophy, University of Leeds,UK

Olympia `as the sun rose'

ITH THIS 50th ANNIVERSARY, I also cel- inception over 20 years ago. Such a variety of sessions ebrate 25years of involvement with the held and constituencies addressed at the IOA testify to IOA. Since first attending the Main Ses- the extent of its reach and impact, in terms of promot- sion as a participant in 1985, and having ing study, teaching and research in Olympic issues. been invited by President Nissiotis to return as a speaker Reflecting on the activity of the IOA provokes thoughts in 1986, I am proud to have contributed to a wide about people, places and atmosphere. range of IOA sessions, including the Sessions for Direc- When I try to bring to mind all the people I have tors of Higher Education Institutes, Olympic Medal- worked with over the years at the IOA, my mental list lists, NOA Directors and NOC Officials, the Main Ses- readslikeaWho'sWho?ofOlympiceducatorsand sion for Young Participants, the Postgraduate Seminar, researchers. One very important function of the IOA is and the MA Degree Programme in Olympic Studies in to bring together people who otherwise might never conjunction with the University of the Peloponnese. I meet. It promotes mutual enrichment and fruitful col- also attended (and co-facilitated) a session of IOAPA (the laboration through a network of disparate academics alumni association), having been a member since its who share an interest in Olympic matters. 218 Jim Parry

The same applies to the students, of course, who Olympism can develop. I have heard many former make lifelong friends and collaborators. Working at a Olympians say that the IOA is rather like being back in university offers the great benefit of meeting a fresh the Olympic Village, minus the stress of competition. cohort of gifted young people each year, which stimu- And it is this atmosphere, this spirit, generated by lates academics as teachers to respond to their chal- and in the IOA that remains at the forefront of my own lenge, and I always feel the same at the IOA. You can experiences and memories over the years: the sense in never know who is going to appear as members of your each group of participants that they are in a special group ± what rich backgrounds and varied talents they place, considering important matters in the company will bring to the interaction, and to what interesting of like-minded others, during a privileged few days of and elevated positions they will sometimes climb. seclusion, in the cradle of sporting history. Standing at Memories of the people one meets are inseparable the top of the marble steps and looking out across the from the experiences shared with them, and especially Academy grounds, the eye is taken across the valley to when this is in the context of some of the beautiful and the mountains beyond. It compels the viewer to bring significant places often visited by participants, such as to mind what happened in that valley, in which lies the the Hill of the Pnyx and Delphi, as well as all of those ancient site and through which flows the Alpheios, and places in and around Olympia: the banks of the Al- to be humbled and uplifted by it. pheios, the museums, the ancient site itself, Pierre de Some years ago I joined some other early risers, Coubertin grove, the Kronion Hill, and so on. But, including the Dean K. Georgiadis, some staff and stu- above all, everyone responds to the inspirational setting dents, and took the pre-dawn jog to the top of Mount of the Academy itself, sculpted into the hillside, with its Kronion, overlooking the archaeological site of Ancient carefully tended grounds, trees of palm, orange, euca- Olympia, to wait for the sunrise. I read out this passage lyptus, oleander, and the rest; and lush vegetation, the from Pierre de Coubertin's essay Olympia as the sun swimming pool, the tennis, volleyball and basketball rose. For me, it captures the spirit of the place. courts, the athletics track and the football pitch ± all alongside the residential accommodation and academic I therefore invite you [...] to come and sit on the facilities. wooded slopes of Mount Kronion at the hour when Such a setting, ideal for work, play and rest, puts beyond the Alpheus the rising sun begins to touch sport and education right at the centre of daily experi- the swelling hills with gold and to lighten the green ence, providing an ideal context in which the spirit of meadows at their feet. 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 219

I have drunk in this spectacle twice at an inter- the ambition, all the appetites and all the vainglories val of thirty-three years. On a morning in November of a civilisation both more complex and more 1894 I became aware in this sacred place of the strictlydefinedthananywhichhavefollowedit. enormity of the task which I had undertaken in Altis ± the sacred precinct ± immediately re- proclaiming five months earlier the restoration of vealsitselfasareligiousfocus,thecentreofacult. the Olympic Games after an interruption of fifteen Among this people and above all at this time it is hundred years; [...] On a morning in April 1927 I difficult to imagine a religion not based upon a waited there in a kind of devout contemplation for positive philosophical conception. the hour when the hand of the minister of education Let us therefore look for this basis. And if there would draw back the Greek and French flags veiling really was a religion of athletics[...]letusfindout the dazzling marble erected to attest success. whyitisinGreecethatittookshape,andwhether From this lovely pine forest which climbs the Greek ideal [...] is still suited to the rest of Mount Kronion [...] it is possible to recreate in humanity. imagination the long avenues of plane trees along (Pierre de Coubertin, Olympia, 1929.) which there once came the athletes and pilgrims, the embassies and the commerce, all the traffic and all 5th Postgraduate Seminar, 1997. Laying of wreath at the commemorative monument of J. Ketseas and C. Diem by J. Parry, 3rd Joint International Session for Educators and Directors of Higher Institutes of PE, 1997. 19971997

e e e e Jan Paterson

Director of International Relations /CEO of the British Olympic Foundation

No explanation is necessary...

N 1988 AT THE Calgary Olympic Winter When I received the invitation to contribute to Games my life took a turn which com- this book that quote rang loudly in my ears. How pletely changed my path forever. I volun- could I possibly describe the impact the International teered and was allocated a role with the Olympic Academy had had on both my professional Great Britain Team. Nine months later I was employed and personal life and on those who I had been able to by the British Ski Federation having relocated to the nominate to attend in my role at the BOA?Surelyonly UK and I am now fully employed by the British Olym- those who had attended the IOA could relate to my pic Association (BOA).FollowingtheGameseachof experiences and the impact the IOA has had on the the volunteers were sent a commemorative video. At Olympic Movement, and to endeavour to put it into the very end of the video a black screen appeared with words would be impossible. Yet, the honour of the the following quote: invitation was too great. To be able to share with others the huge affect that both the IOA and those who have For those who have had the experience contributed to it over the years have had on so many no explanation is necessary, people is unique and a great privilege. for those who have not none is possible. In 1991, I was selected to attend the IOA's Young 224 Jan Paterson

Participants Session, to ènrich my understanding of Whilst these statements may seem dramatic to the Olympic Movement'. Not only did my first expo- those who have not attended the IOA,theyringtrue sure to the IOA and my visit to Ancient Olympia do with those of us that have. I do not feel the impact the that, but it started a deep-rooted passion and respect for IOA has on both the Olympic Movement and its par- the values which sit behind the Movement. The IOA ticipants can ever truly be measured, however if one does not only study, enrich and promote Olympism, it attempted to articulate its influence the single word offers every participant, coordinator, lecturer and staff would be: colossal. member the opportunity to grow as an individual and Participants from Britain have changed careers, enables them to choose to contribute to the develop- become leaders within the sport and the academic sec- ment of the Olympic Movement within their own tors, become ambassadors for Olympic education and country. It ensures that worldwide networks are built some have even found their husbands and wives to strengthen and widen the respect for and engage- through the IOA. ment with the Olympic values. My own experience started as a participant, then Over the past 50 years, the British Olympic as a coordinator and then as an NOA Director, and for Movement has both contributed to and benefitted me the three most significant elements of the IOA are its from the unique work of the IOA. We have been able location, the knowledge gained and the lifelong friend- to support the myriad of sessions which the IOA offers ships made. and those, from a plethora of sporting and education The knowledge I have gained is immense and the backgrounds, whom the BOA has selected to attend complete affect it will have on my life is yet to be real- have brought back with them an enthusiasm and dedi- ized. The knowledge has been shared by eminent leaders cation to Olympism which they have embedded in of the Olympic Movement and the academic world, and their own lives and their professional environments. to be able to create an environment where the positive Comments from these participants have ranged from and productive exchange of ideas between a very diverse a PE teacher who said ìt has changed my life', to a group of individuals from many different nationalities coach Ì cannot put into words how much the experi- and backgrounds is possible, is living proof that an ence has meant to me' and an Olympian who said Ì Olympic family exists. I feel hugely fortunate to have feel so privileged to have been able to experience two been given the honour to assist in the works of the IOA as Olympic Villages; one when I competed at the Games a coordinator, as much as I feel privileged to have been and the other at the International Olympic Academy'. selected to represent Great Britain as a participant. 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 225

To walk on the track at Ancient Olympia engen- whom my own experiences would have been so much ders feelings of awe and drawing on the inspiration of less significant, thank you. Their combined vision for those Olympians who preceded encourages people to what the IOA has and will continue to achieve gave the strive to live the Olympic value of excellence. To sit at IOA its well-earned reputation of a true Olympic edu- dawn and watch the sunrise across the valley and the cation. Olympic ruins creates considerable humility and re- Finally, and on a personal note, this tribute to the spect for the history of the Olympic Movement. This International Olympic Academy would not be com- appreciation for something which began in antiquity plete without my sincere and deep-felt gratitude to and is now explored within the tranquil setting of the those exceptional friends I have made and who con- IOA cannot be recreated anywhere in the world. tinue to influence my life. Each memory I have of you Tothosethathavemademyandsomanyothers' and each experience we shared will remain with me for experiences complete, thank you. Whilst it is impossi- a lifetime, thank you very much! ble to acknowledge everyone, two individuals made my I hope that within this text I have been able to initial introduction to Olympic education and the IOA prove that the quote above is erroneous and `for those possible: Dr Don Anthony and Dr Jim Parry, and for who have not had the experience' this explanation has that I will be eternally grateful. And two others, respon- made it possible to truly appreciate, understand and sible for steering the IOA's development over the years, respect the extraordinary influence of the International Nikos Filaretos and Dr Kostas Georgiadis, without Olympic Academy. Works of the 47th International Session for Young Participants, 2007. Jan Paterson giving information about the workshops.

Coordinators holding hands during the closing ceremony, 39th International Session for Young Participants, 1999. Discussion group in the shade of the eucalypts, 46th International Session for Young Participants, 2006. 19981998

e e e e Sam Ramsamy

Member of theIOC Executive Board= Vice-President ofFINA

Olympic Academy, Olympia ± My memories

HEN ANY SCHOLAR of the Olympic tions on Olympia and the Academy were not dissimilar Games makes his or her first visit to to that of fairy-tale character of Dick Whittington who Olympia there is always excitement at- believed that the streets of London were paved with gold. tached well prior to the arrival in this My first arrival at the Academy was late in the ancient city. Various levels of expectation enter in the evening. Somewhat drained by the long road journey mind ± expectations ranging from the present physical from Athens airport and having been met only by features of the precinct to personnel one would meet. someone who ushered me to my room, I retired im- Having been a scholar of the Olympic Games mediately to bed. The next morning I was awoken by a since my school days, my excitement immediately pre- streak of sunlight peering through a section of the half- ceding the visit was similar, if not identical, to that of a drawn curtain. schoolboy who has just realized that his dream had I immediately jumped out of bed and stepped turned to reality. outside. As I had not oriented myself the night before I recollect when I first visited London. I had read and not knowing which was east or west, I found the excessively of this ancient/wonderful city. My expecta- sun rising in the west. 230 Sam Ramsamy

Then someone approached me. with various levels of knowledge sharing their experi- `Good morning Mr Ramsamy. I am Kostas Geor- ences at the Academy. Everybody is eager to learn about giadis, the Dean of the Academy. I will return after you ancient Olympia and the Games of antiquity. have showered and dressed and we can have breakfast I have lectured to young participants and post- together.' graduate students at the Academy. Although it was al- Kostas, as I got to know him and who thereafter ways interesting and inspiring to impart knowledge to became a very close friend of mine, briefed me about young participants, one encounters the odd one or two the set-up. who show no interest whatsoever. On the other hand, `The accommodation is basic but functional. All all the postgrads, without exception, are all eager to the lecturers and student participants have similar ac- learn of my experiences. Maybe it was a bit different commodation. All dine together and a friendly inter- in me. Having been involved in the South African action develops between lecturers and students', said liberation struggle, and now being deeply involved in Kostas. international sport as an IOC member, I am constantly This reminded me about the Olympic Village. `interrogated' on various aspects of past and present But unlike the Olympic Village, where some athletes, episodes. especially the high-profile ones, choose to live outside, The visit to the Olympic Museum and the site of at the Olympic Academy everyone stays together ± the ancient Games, including the exact spot where the high-profile or ordinary, rich or poor. I recollect at a Olympic torch is lit before being taken on its long and later visit to the Academy when one very wealthy in- exacting journey to the Olympic City, brings back dividual said to me that he got bored after the first day. memories of great wonders, previously only read about He was not used to only the basic facilities provided in or witnessed on television. Personally being at the site his room. The air-conditioning unit kept humming all from where television cameras have transmitted images night. There was no television he could watch. But tobillionsofhomesaroundtheworldisanextra- after a few days all was well. At the end of the course ordinary privilege. he told me how wonderful his stay was. My visits to the Academy offered me oppor- Students and researchers from all walks of life like tunities for a wide range of activities. The opening to visit and stay at the Academy. I met historians, ceremony for the commencement of lectures to young archaeologists, active and retired athletes and young participants actually begins in Athens, at one of participants from all parts of the world, and people Greece's most historic sites ± the Pnyx. It is recorded 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 231 that Pnyx was the venue for ancient Athens' first Truce. I was honoured to be a member of Nelson democratic legislative assembly. It is undoubtedly the Mandela's delegation. Nelson Mandela thereafter re- ideal venue to initiate young Olympic participants to ceived the Freedom of Olympia. The Shot Put Events the values of Olympism. The journey then takes us to of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games were held at the Delphi. Facts and mythology regarding the Oracle of site of the original stadium area of the ancient Games. Delphi become so mixed that every statement takes on These are indelible memories that are imprinted in the a true meaning. historical archives. TheOlympicsfascinatedeventhePersianking, The afternoon breaks from lectures offered stu- Xerxes. He apparently told his military commander, dents wonderful opportunities to reconnoitre the town Mardonius, that he could not understand how the of Olympia and its numerous bookshops. One could Greeks could be so absorbed with the Olympic Games spend hours there. It is like jumping onto H. G. Wells' that they even compete in them for no monetary re- time machine to explore the glories of the past. ward. How inspiring it is to know that the modern For me the connection between the ancient and Olympic Games still maintain this highly admired modern Games is firmly embedded when one visits the principle. No rewards whatsoever, except being awarded stele, situated in the precinct of the Academy, where the medals and having the honour of competing in the heart of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the mod- world's greatest sports festival. ern Olympic Games, is housed. Pierre de Coubertin was so inspired by the Olympic Games of antiquity that he was determined to and succeeded in re-estab- In July 2002 the Greek government invited Nelson lishing the Games. And to this day the whole world Mandela to publicize the campaign for the Olympic looks forward in anticipation once every four years. Laying of wreath at the commemorative monument of J. Ketseas and C. Diem by the IOC Members S. Ramsamy and Dame Mary Alison Glen-Haig, 41st International Session for Young Participants, 2001. Student presentation, 15th International Seminar on Olympic Studies for Postgraduate Students, 2007. On the right: S. Ramsamy, S. Kretchmar, B. SeÂguin. 19991999

e e e e Prof. Hai Ren

Director of the Centre for Olympic Studies, Beijing Sport University, China

Cradle of Olympic education

S EARLY AS IN THE 1980s, my interest in invited by the IOA to lecture in the 35th Session for Greek culture and Olympic studies was Young Participants, which forged a close tie between strongly provoked when working on my the IOA ± and further the Greek culture ± and me. I doctoral dissertation of a comparative re- have been to the IOA several times since then and each search on ancient Chinese and Greek sports. I wondered time a special feeling always accompanied me, which why Greece, geographically a tiny place, produced so made the visits quite different from the others. At last I many cultural giants in almost all spheres of human life realized that there are two things that made the IOA so and created the ancient Olympic Games, which was special to me. unthinkable elsewhere around the world given the social The first is its rich and splendid cultural heritage. conditions at that time. Greece is rightfully referred to as Greece has a unique cultural landscape, so full with the cradle of Western civilization and we still feel its innumerous cultural inheritances that every piece of powerful impacts even today. I was longing to see stone seems to have some stories to tell. The IOA is Greece, the wonderland of ancient sport festival. located just right at the centre of Greek culture ± The dream finally came true in 1995 when I was Olympia. The IOA is fully aware of its speciality and 236 Hai Ren as a result it skilfully designed and carefully carried out cussions and presentations, researches in the library, various programmes, which provided lecturers and par- paying homage at the Coubertin grove, physical exer- ticipants with a unique opportunity to appreciate the cises in sport grounds, social activities in the eve- healthy and inspiring cultural traits conceived in the era nings... Global village is a term used widely and fre- of human beings' childhood. For example, the IOA has quently nowadays, but never shaped so clearly as in the its programmes connected to the Parthenon on the IOA.Itisalwaysemotivetoseeyoungstersindifferent Acropolis, Apollo's sacred precinct at Delphi, the ar- colours, with different backgrounds, cheering, playing, chaeological site in Olympia and the high-quality mu- singing and dancing together harmoniously. I am al- seum nearby. The thoughtful arrangement enables one ways wondering why cross-cultural exchange and in- actually to step `into' the Greek history and grasp the ternational understanding are so easy and natural in rich cultural meanings accumulated since the remote the IOA but somehow difficult elsewhere. In that sense, time period. Thanks to the thoughtful measures taken the IOA set up an ideal example for the rest of the to protect the heritages, which kept the original atmos- world to follow. phere so vivid, the ancient Olympics seemed to be The cultural heritage endows the IOA with the `touchable'. Whenever going to the IOA,Ialwaysspent precious values of Olympism, while the culture sharing some time sitting alone near the ruined temple of Zeus, provides it with a great network covering the entire meditating. The Chinese traditional philosophy sug- world, therefore the Olympic values are disseminated gests that man is an integral part of nature, and on that through the network to all five continents. This is why occasion I felt myself a part of the Olympia and some- the IOA is able to build up a peaceful and better world, thing like a mental dialogue with those Greek ancient and actually the IOA itself is a part of that world. ancestors going on. What a wonderful experience! China is a new comer in the area of Olympic The second is the cultural sharing. The IOA was education but the area has been proved a fast-growing always dynamic with all walks of people, especially the field in this most populous nation. One reason for that youth. They come together from greatly diversified is the generous help from the IOA.Foralltheseyears social and cultural settings over the world, but with Chinese youth participated in all educational pro- the same purpose: to learn and share. Olympism may grammes of the IOA and the Postgraduate Seminars merely be a hollow concept somewhere else but it since 1995. The team of the IOA alumni in China is appears definitely a reality in the IOA,embodiedin continuously growing and many of them are playing a all its activities, such as interesting lectures, group dis- very active role in Olympic education of China. With 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 237 the IOA's assistance we have also set up extensive rela- shared his knowledge and experiences with the BOCOG tionships with Olympic scholars over the world. The and other parties concerned. Now the second Youth education programme related to the Beijing Olympic OlympicGamesareonthewayandwillbehostedin Games was quite successful and the IOA also made its Nanjing, a southern city in China. I am sure that the contribution to its success. Dr Konstantinos Georgia- YOG organizers will also be benefited from the rich dis, the Dean of the IOA, visited Beijing in the initiative experience of the IOA. stage of the educational programme and generously In the classroom with the students, 8th International Postgraduate Seminar on Olympic Studies, 2000.

Lecture by H. Ren in the IOA amphitheatre. Laying of wreath at the stele of Pierre de Coubertin by H. Ren, 8th International Session for Directors of NOAs, 2005. 20002000

e e e e Prof. Vladimir Rodichenko

Honorary Life Vice-President of the Russian Olympic Committee

The Academy: The art of the topical choice (the pattern of Russian experience)

IRST OF ALL,letmethanktheOlympic which are always up-to-date, and the Olympic Con- Academy for the kind invitation to take gress, which has to be studied by participants of ses- part in this magnificent project, which is sions. very important for the Olympic Move- ment. I am extremely enthusiastic because of my two Below are the highlights from my seven papers of capacities, among others ± as a many times invited 1981-2007. speaker in the Academy, and the Russian Olympic Committee Vice-President responsible for cooperation `The staging of Olympic competitions as an area with the Academy for over twenty years. 1981 of international cooperation' I have chosen the creative topic rather than a `bureaucratic' one to manifest the policy of the Acad- The experience of the Olympic Games becomes a emy in selecting topics for lecturers on the permanently worldwide knowledge. The staging of the Games of sensitive fields of the Olympic Movement. Among the XXII Olympiad in Moscow meant a new stage in them are the Olympic Games and Olympic education, the development of this experience. 242 Vladimir Rodichenko

The international character of efforts to stage the values it promotes to the development of society; ath- Olympic athletic competitions follows from the fact letes are at the heart of the Olympic Movement; after a that, according to the spirit and the letter of the Olym- century of existence, the Olympic Movement reaffirms pic Charter, a competition in any sport at the Games is its commitment to international understanding and staged by a triumvirate consisting of the International peace; public authorities must provide sport with re- Olympic Committee, the International Federation of sources to increase the understanding of the special role each sport and the corresponding body of the host of Olympism; the century-old link established between country. Positive influence of this cooperation is hard the Olympic Movement and the media has been ben- to overestimate. eficial for the promotion and development of physical and sport education and has led to the allocation of greater resources to competitive sport. 1994 `Moscow Olympic Games: Outlook that was not changed years after'

My country has undergone fundamental social, politi- 1996 `The XII Olympic Congress: A point of renovat- cal and economic changes several years after staging the ing Olympic education' Olympic Games. The criticism is being heard in my If to speak about Olympic education in a wide sense, country about the time which is defined as the period one can express a paradoxical idea: the main paradigm of stagnation ± the period prior to the so-called pere- of the Paris Congress, unlike previous Congresses, is stroika. Though there are practically no zones beyond Olympic education of modern society. In this way criticism, I have not found any evidence in our most Olympic education is becoming a long-term pro- progressive media that the Olympic Games in Moscow gramme of the Olympic Movement. can be identified with the stagnation period. And there The Congress has worked out an approach to has not been any serious critical remarks related to the Olympic education that it should involve in future Games in our press. all layers of the population and not only children and youth. 1995 `The XII Olympic Congress in Paris: Outcomes, The Congress has become an important stage in consequences, comments' working out the system of Olympic ideas and knowl- General evaluation by the Congress consists of the edge which should be widely used as the contents of considerable contribution of Olympism and the ethical Olympic education. 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 243

1999 `Educational aspects of the World Youth Games' torsasitsintegralpart.Thereisnosuchawordas The main educational approach of the World Youth `spectator' in the Olympic Charter! Games of 1998 would be to teach Olympism to both participants and spectators. 2007 `Social volunteerism as part of the school cur- The young participants in the Moscow competi- riculum within the Olympic pedagogy' tions should feel first and foremost fully-fledged mem- At present we must use the notion `Olympic pedagogy' bers of the world Olympic family. The Games had all strictly within the frames of Olympic education, that is the Olympic attributes: the Olympic flame was lit in only within frames of the theoretical part of the school Greece, the Olympic symbol (five interlaced rings), the discipline `Physical Education'. Social volunteerism is a Olympic anthem, and the motto Citius, Altius, Fortius. fundamental basis of both modern society and modern Thus, from the physical and intellectual education sport. Voluntariness is a moral choice of an individual. point of view, our concept of the World Youth Games This is why the actual material on volunteerism has was the enrichment of the competitive world system been included into contents on the Olympic Games of with the multisport contest of the youth, which can two teaching aids in my country ± for pupils and for make the Olympic Games in the twenty-first century a students. totally universal system.

`The spectators as a factor in the programme 2000 Finally, I do believe that the effectiveness of the IOA and organization of the Olympic Games' strategy has been confirmed by the Olympic Move- Top sport competitions may be considered as a form of ment activities: internationalization in the organization mass pedagogical influence together with some other of the Olympic Games, examples of Olympic educa- functions: recreational, aesthetic, communicative, tion (30 editions of Olympic textbooks in my country), moral, hedonistic. Television and other media permit the IOC decision to hold Youth Olympic Games, wide top sport competitions to be a form of entertainment volunteers' involvement in the Olympic Games, suc- for the substantial part of society. Only spectators and cess of the Virtual 2009 Olympic Congress. However, TV viewers are able to create the financial basis of the the word `spectator' is still not mentioned in the Olym- modern sports. However, the Olympic Movement it- pic Charter. self does not consider it necessary to regard the specta- Lecture by V. Rodichenko, 9th International Session for Presidents of NOAs, 2007. Laying of wreath at the stele of Pierre de Coubertin by V. Rodichenko (on the left) and K. Lennartz, 9th International Session for Presidents of NOAs, 2007. 20012001

e e e e AntoniÂ n RychteckyÂ

President of the Czech Olympic Academy

To the 50th anniversary of the International Olympic Academy

CONSIDER IT an honour for the Czech 1961, the idea that such an institution was needed Olympic Academy and for myself per- came to fruition in Pierre de Coubertin's mind as far sonally that I have been one of those in- back as the 1920s. According to some sources, it had vited to comment on the 50th anniver- even occurred to him before the First World War. sary of the establishment of the International Olympic Academy. I shall not just share my professional reflec- A WORD OF THANKS TO THE FOUNDERS tions on this subject, but will also give my subjective, OF THE IOA emotional impressions. Naturally, a considerable contribution to the establishment and subsequent prolific activity of the IOA has THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE IOA been made by Greece and its government as well as by Looking back, we can see that founding the IOA was the International Olympic Committee and personal- not an easy undertaking. Despite the fact that the IOA ities from the Hellenic and the International Olympic was officially established, and its activity began, in Movement and the University of Athens. The mission, 248 AntoniÂ n RychteckyÂ the professional activity of the IOA, as well as the selec- year history with respect to other Olympic entities as tion of themes and forms of action, have been influ- well as beyond the Olympic Movement. enced by its chairmen, deans and managers as well as others who ensure the operation of the IOA. THE INSPIRATIONAL ROLE OF THE IOA In the eyes of the Czech Olympic Academy, the in- THE IOA AND THE PRESENT DAY spirational role of the IOA is one of its most important Today, the IOA is an important centre, oriented towards functions. The fact that the Olympic spirit was and is the study of Olympism and the multicultural founda- interpreted within the framework of multicultural in- tions of the Olympic Movement. It is the emphasis on tentions has significantly helped the development of culture and the combination of sport and the Olympic the Olympic Movement as well as its institutions and spirit which scales down antecedent, but also contem- study centres; both in educational and cultural insti- porary, stereotypes in the way in which one observes tutions within the widest social context. the reality of an Olympic Movement that is strongly influenced by rational thinking and accustomed to one THE EDUCATIONAL ROLE OF THE IOA sole truth. Sometimes, however, this constricted view has misfired in the demanding and critical situations The pedagogical mission of IOA is oriented towards the that have also occurred in the evolution of the Olympic identification and implementation of Olympic values Movement. Olympism and art offer a multicultural in the educational programmes of NOAs. Its import- grasp of reality, which so-called `modern rationality' ance is growing due to the influence of a crisis in cannot proffer. The cultural Greek ideal of kaloka- current, general concepts of education as well as with gathia, as a basic ideal and mediator for the personal theincreaseinviolenceandcommerceinsport,includ- development of sportspeople, opens up a space for ing doping abuse. The International Sessions for Young intercultural dialogue and its universal dissemination. Participants in the IOA are particularly impressive. The The IOA now brings together 140 NOAsandhasits representatives we have sent to Olympia emphasize the ownraisond'eÃtre and august position within the highly professional level of the lectures given, the inter- `Olympic family'. The mission of the IOA manifests esting exchange of opinions and experiences of working itself in various roles, functions, tasks and activities, groups, and the unique, friendly atmosphere. Some which it has successfully fulfilled throughout its fifty- postgraduate students and graduates of the IOA Post- 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 249 graduate Course now continue to pursue Olympic It is not just the rich history, and monumental temple subjects in their professional work. buildings of this memorable site, but also other arte- facts, which enable visitors to the IOA to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of this place, despite the THE RESEARCH ROLE OF THE IOA long time that has elapsed since its glorious epoch. The The research function of the IOA is indivisibly linked power of the spirit, the strength of will, the sweat that with its educational role. Systematic and methodologi- has poured, the effort expended and the endeavours of cal interest in the academic study of Olympism at the the athletes of antiquity to give their best performances IOA was concurrently developed in universities, par- and taste victory at these celebrated locations help put ticularly in terms of cooperation with universities and this historical legacy into a certain perspective. On the other research, cultural, and promotional institutions. other hand, there is also a deep humility associated with For example, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne has accepting one's ranking in a contest in accordance with been vividly illustrating the connections between the the principles of fair play. Ancient Olympia is not only Olympic spirit, sport and culture since 1993. Concepts an important legacy bequeathed by our ancestors, but for educational and research projects at universities and also poses a great challenge for the present day. It is an Olympic centres are supported in tandem with the IOC example of the link between Olympic ideals, culture Commission for Culture and Olympic Education. and art, as exemplified by the artistic works of this celebrated epoch.

OLYMPIA ö GENIUS LOCI The choice of Ancient Olympia as the future centre of In conclusion, on behalf of the Czech Olympic Acad- the IOA was a fortunate one, not only because the emy and the Czech Olympic Committee, I would like millennial traditions of the most important games of to congratulate the IOA on its important anniversary. At antiquity are associated with this place, but also because thesametime,Iwishtoexpressmygratitudeforthe of its association with the development of Greek and successful activity it has enjoyed so far. Its anniversary is later European culture. We always experience very a red-letter day for us. strange, but pleasant, feelings when visiting Olympia. Laying of wreath at the commemorative monument of J. Ketseas and C. Diem by the NOAs' representatives: (from left to right) S. Rafael, Keiko Wada and A. RychteckyÂ, 10th Joint International Session for Presidents or Directors of NOAs and Officials of NOCs, 2010. Lecture by A. RychteckyÂ, 10th Joint International Session for Presidents or Directors of NOAs and Officials of NOCs, 2010. 20022002

e e e e Assoc. Prof. Supitr Samahito

Director of the Thailand Olympic Academy

Unforgettable memory and experience

HAVE BEEN WORKING as the Director of training as well as for daily operation in life, appropri- the Thailand Olympic Academy ever ate to bring its Olympic ideologies to disseminate to since 2001 and had an opportunity to children, youths and people in every walk of life with- participate in the Joint International Ses- out any prejudice of sex, race, language and culture sion for Presidents or Directors of National Olympic worldwide, thus enabling human beings to live in com- Academies and Officials of National Olympic Com- plete peace and happiness. mittees. Admittedly, I found myself thrilled with ex- Another great memory from this place is when I citement to be able to travel to the landmark of had the opportunity to pay tribute to the monument of Olympism, as I knew that I was walking into the home Pierre de Coubertin and also to the ancient Olympic of knowledge of Pierre de Coubertin and that within a competition venues. Besides, it was an absolutely un- minute I was completely surrounded by the entire at- forgettable memory and experience for me to be cho- mosphere of the Olympic Movement. sen to represent 205 nations to lay a wreath at the It is amazing to learn how much the Olympic Pierre de Coubertin monument. In addition, I also Movement can do for effective theoretical and practical had the opportunity to see the altar for lighting the 254 Supitr Samahito

Olympic torch prior to the start of the Olympic and write about the Olympic Movement for about four Games. These developments were part of my dream hours daily. I was so concentrated that the librarian had as I was able to see all the sites as desired. All of these to approach me and said the library was closing at sitesthatIsawinspiredmetoorganizeactivitiesrelated 21.00 hours. This was certainly another significant to the work of Pierre de Coubertin. point that induced me to return if I had a chance to I was in Olympia only for seven days, but these be invited again. Besides, this is the main databank in days were certainly very meaningful to my life as the the Olympic Movement as it has all the necessary Director of Thailand Olympic Academy. As the name documents needed for educational institutes and na- implies, this Academy has been organizing a number of tional sport organizations. academic topics for directors. This would include the For more than ten years as the Director of the topics as concerned the history of IOA,itsrolesand Thailand Olympic Academy, I always adhere to the Olympic Solidarity activities. However, the National IOA's goal and the concepts of Pierre de Coubertin by Olympic Academy has to perform its duties as it has means of disseminating knowledge and understanding all elements needed to run on behalf of the IOA.Ontop of the Olympic Movement through sporting activities, of that, having listened to a number of comments through exercises and through traditional games, espe- made by directors of other nations as outlined by the cially during the annual Olympic Day activities and IOA, especially with regard to ethics in sport, fair play, during technical courses for teachers, pupils and youths thefutureofOlympicEducationandtheOlympic under the topic of `Olympic Education Decoding for Games as presented by directors with success stories the Development of Thai Youth', which has been or- and best practices by bringing in all ideas related to ganized bi-annually in line with the concepts and ex- Olympic ideologies and the Olympic Movement. All periences of the IOA. these have motivated me to think of concepts to be I wish to take this opportunity to thank the IOA, organized in Thailand. enabling to inspire me to expand the network of Olym- Pleaseallowmetociteanotherexampleofmy pic Movement further. Meanwhile, I wish to express impressionwhileIwasinOlympia,inthelibrarywhere my greetings to the IOA on its 50th anniversary. Please all the visions of Pierre de Coubertin were docu- accept my best wishes to the IOA to maintain its Olym- mented. These visions were intriguing me a great deal, pic Institute with sustainable development as to assist and I used my free time to spend in the library on a few human beings with long-lasting peace forever. occasions. In so doing, I had the opportunity to read In the IOA amphitheatre, 8th Joint International Session forPresidentsorDirectorsofNOAs and Officials of NOCs, 2006.

Laying of wreath at the commemorative monument of J. Ketseas and C. Diem. 20032003

e e e e Assoc. Prof. BenoÃi t SeÂguin

School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Canada

Personal reflections on the 50th anniversary of theIOA

AM HONOURED to contribute to the 50th the case for me when I first participated in the Young anniversary of the IOA by sharing some of Participants Session in 1997. I remember the excite- my thoughts about the IOA and its con- ment; the exceptional atmosphere that was created in tribution to the Olympic Movement. the ÌOA village'. The Academy was buzzing with 200 Over the past 15 years, I have had the privilege to participants from a variety of backgrounds (educators, experience the IOA from a number of perspectives as sport administrators, athletes, Olympians) and repre- a participant and coordinator in the Session for Young senting more than 100 countries. According to two Participants, a student in the Postgraduate Seminar on Olympians there, the mood was comparable to an Olympic Studies, and in recent years as an Olympic Òlympic Village but without the pressure of compe- Marketing lecturer and supervising professor in the ting'. The IOA experience, through a number of well Postgraduate Seminar and the Master's Degree Pro- planned activities (i.e. ceremonies, lectures, group work, gramme on Olympic Studies. social evenings, sport competitions, free time, visits to Over the years, many participants have referred to archaeological sites, etc.) made it possible for us, par- the IOA as a life-changing experience. It was certainly ticipants, to engage in what I respectfully consider an 258 BenoÃi t SeÂguin authentic Òlympic' experience. The authenticity is also promotion of universal values such as mutual under- the result of the deep connection of the IOA with the standing, friendship, tolerance, and in its contribution roots of ancient Olympic Games and its location in to building a better world. This is, at the very least, sacred Ancient Olympia. Since 1961, thousands of in- what I have experienced in all of the sessions that I have dividuals including sport leaders, educators, athletes, had the privilege to attend and participate. coaches, officials, administrators, staff and lecturers I believe, however, that finding the proper balance have experienced the IOA.This,Ibelieve,hasmadea between managing the ìnternational product' (enter- tremendous contribution to the Olympic Movement tainment aspect of the Olympic Games) and the inter- and in the promotion of Olympism worldwide. national movement ± Olympic Movement ± remains a I often begin my first lecture at the IOA by show- key challenge for the future. There are potential dis- ing the Olympic rings on a screen and asking students connects between the product being consumed where to write down, on a piece of paper, words that come to success is measured in terms of bottom line (revenue, mind when they see the rings. In other words, the ratings, market share, etc.) and the core of its brand ± associations they make with the Olympic brand. The Olympism. This is vital, since failure to live up to its words that are most often mentioned from year to year brand promise could lead to problems for the Olym- are: excellence, sports, international, peace, friendship, pics. It is the Òlympic Movement' itself united under unity, pride and celebration. Interestingly, these attri- the concept of Òlympism'that provides a unique prop- butes also reflect what most people around the world osition with its commitment to `contribute to building associate with the Olympics. They are the essential a peaceful and better world by educating youth elements of what constitute the Òlympic brand'. In through sport practiced in accordance with Olympism marketing terms, they represent the essence of the and its values'. The IOA through its many educational brand, which for the IOC consists of three essential programmes plays an essential role in reaching this pillars: striving for success (striving, excellence, deter- ambitious goal. mination, being the best), global festival (global, par- When I reflect on my experiences at the IOA,there ticipation, celebration, unity, festive), and positive hu- are dozens of memories that race through my mind, manvalues(universalidealssuchasoptimism,respect- emotions that re-surface, and faces of individuals who ful, inspirational). In looking at these elements, it is impacted my life. When I think of the IOA experience, obvious to me that the IOA brings authenticity to the a number of words seem to capture what I feel: friend- Olympic brand through its educational programme, its ship, humanity, understanding, respect, passion, educa- 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 259 tion, inspiring, hope, tradition/history, and magical.In- to learn from outstanding scholars representing a var- terestingly, while each experience at the IOA is unique, iety of academic fields (history, philosophy, pedagogy, these words still describe what I have felt at each session sociology, management, etc.). These scholars offer stu- attended as a participant or a professor. The IOA ex- dents/participants with new perspectives on Olympic perience is powerful and emotionally charged. Conse- studies that are supported by state-of-the-art research. I quently, close friendships emerge in Olympia as the believe that their researches offer important contri- opportunity to share, learn, respect and appreciate butions (theoretical and practical) and legitimacy to our differences as human beings. The group work pro- the Olympic Movement. They also inspire future gen- vides opportunities to learn from our colleagues, as well erations of researchers, future leaders of sport and the as understand and appreciate different points of view Olympic Movement. While the late Professor Fernand about issues. I have great memories of the nights spent Landry (Canada) was a great inspiration to me as a on the marble stairs talking with other participants, student, I remember the many professors of the IOA sharing stories about our respective lives, singing, or for their kindness, but also their rigour and their ability just hanging out contemplating the full moon illumi- to challenge us to be critical while keeping an open nating the stadium of Ancient Olympia. I recall the mind on various topics. When I think of the IOA,Ialso cultural nights that provide a peek into the different think of the professional experts that are invited as countries and cultures present at the IOA.Allthese lecturers and offer unique insights into some aspects experiences make it possible for us to live together, to of the Olympic Games or the Olympic Movement. appreciate each other and to understand the power of Personally, listening to Michael Payne (former Market- Olympism in our world. But, as a highly respected ing Director of the IOC) discussing the important role research and educational institution, the IOA offers in- of Olympic Marketing provided the inspiration to dividuals (young leaders, sport administrators, stu- complete doctoral studies examining the impact of dents, sport educators, athletes, etc.) with exceptional ambush marketing on the Olympic brand. The IOA educational experiences. Through the leadership of the is also about the long hours spent in the library reading, Ephoria of the Academy and its long-serving Dean Dr studying, or just perusing a few of the thousands of Konstantinos Georgiadis, the IOA offers an environ- Olympic books and documents from all over the ment that is conducive to learning, sharing and living world. I consider the visits of key archaeological sites in the true spirit of Olympism. in various parts of the Peloponnese with experts such as The IOA's experience is also about the opportunity Professor Weiler (archaeologist) and Professor Kyle 260 BenoÃi t SeÂguin

(history) as one of my best educational experiences. IOA and its contribution was by the late President Ni- They taught us important aspects/meanings of ancient kos Filaretos when he said in his concluding remarks of games but also had the ability to take us back in time the 39th Session for Young Participants: `We have been and make us feel as if we were there, thousands of years here for about 12 days and in this miniature Olympic ago, living in ancient Greece. Village ± the lecturers will forgive me ± the most im- When reflecting on my experiences in the Acad- portant thing we learned is to live together. I have emy,Ican'thelpbuttobegratefultoallthosemenand repeatedly said and I will say it once more: that is the women who have invested human, intellectual and biggest lesson we learn ± learn to respect one another, financial resources into the IOA.Theirlegacytothe to love one another, and to be friendly'. That to me Olympic Movement and in the promotion of reflects Olympism, and the vision of Pierre de Couber- Olympism worldwide is immeasurable. Thousands of tin of building a peaceful and better world by educat- men and women have been influenced by the power ing youth through sport. I sincerely hope that others of Olympism and have learned about various aspects of within the Olympic Movement will step up to the plate the Olympic Games. In turn, they most likely touched andassisttheGreeksinpreservingthiswonderfulleg- thousands, if not millions, by being ambassadors of acy so that many others can be influenced by its magic Olympism all over the world. One of the speeches that for many, many years to come. touched me and I think captures my feelings about the Supervising professors of the 15th International Seminar on Olympic Studies for Postgraduate Students, 2007. From left to right: S. Ramsamy, J. Abrams, Leigh Robinson, Eleni Theodoraki, S. Kretchmar, K. Georgiadis and B. SeÂguin.

Tree planted by the Canadian professors J. Powell and F. Landry in the mid 1980s outside the lecturers' rooms, 2007. 20042004

e e e e Marton Simitsek

Former Vice-President of theIOA and the HOC = Chief Operating Officer of the ATHENS 2004Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games

The International Olympic Academy: The vision, the passion, the love of my father Otto Szymiczek

SSOONASIREADthe President's letter in accordance with rules and with respect for the asking me to contribute with my mem- others. This was the reason for my father's great love ories ofthe Academy, I was swamped by for and devotion to the Academy up to his last day. countless recollections from all those From those early times I shall always retain the years that I had seen my father agonizing and labouring images ofthe firstsessions held outdoors and ofsleep- over, as well as being content with, the Academy's ing in tents; and then, the construction ofthe perma- progress and development. Often, I felt jealous because nent facilities, equipping them, and setting up the li- I sensed that the IOA was a second family to him. brary. I recall participating in the early morning wake He was convinced that the pure Olympic ideals, by the bell for exercise. This was over forty years ago, with what they profoundly represent, are worth being and yet I am still friends with the people I spent just a appropriated by the world's youth. Because he believed brieffortnightwith at that time. that those adept in this ideology would become better Later, from the period when I served as Vice- citizens. They would learn to compete ± and compete President for four years, I shall never forget the par- 264 Marton Simitsek ticipants' dedication during the lectures, the partaking other National Academies. We should also ensure that, ofeveryone in the cultural and sports events, and the through the appropriate representation, we upgrade the commitment of the officials, staff members and vol- relation with the International Olympic Committee, unteers alike to the success ofthe sessions, so that they which needs to be convinced by solid arguments to leave an indelible mark on these young men and rank the International Olympic Academy where it de- women from all over the world ± which was indeed serves to be. the case every year, for those times that I had the I believe, because I witnessed it, that all the people occasion to confirm for myself. who have come to the Academy over its 50 years of Olympia's aura is indeed amazing! One wonders if operation are the best advocates ofits work. We need to the ancient Greeks chose it purely by chance as the site keep them involved, maintaining contact with them for the Olympic Games. through the Academy itselfand not only through the I do not know whether the objectives ofthe IOA, alumni association. its work and its contribution to the country's image Let us all join together for something that is truly have been sufficiently understood and appreciated. It is valuable. Let us preserve the pure International Olym- a heavy legacy. The Academy must be assisted to pic Academy as the guardian ofthe Olympic ideals, broaden its educational work and consolidate its status ideals that are so frequently abused in our times. as the first International Academy, the `mother' of all Opening ceremony of the 36th International Session for Young Participants, Hill of the Pnyx, 1996. From left to right: S. Capralos (Chairman of the Olympic Preparation Commission), D. Gangas (HOC Secretary General), M. Simitsek (HOC 1st Vice-President) and E. Katsiadakis (HOC 2nd Vice-President).

Lecture by M. Simitsek, 47th International Session for Young Participants, 2007. 20052005

e e e e Irena SzewinÂska

Member of theIOC = Olympic Gold Medallist

My Olympic inspirations

E CELEBRATE a beautiful jubilee of the the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960 I wasn't training, 50th anniversary ofthe International but I followed them very keenly. When a few months Olympic Academy with its headquarters later I started my adventure with athletics and my in Olympia, that plays a very important trainings, an American, Wilma Rudolph, the winner role in the Olympic Movement through its excellent ofthree gold medals in sprint, was my model athlete. I activity in favour of the Olympic idea promotion. The wished to run like her and at that time I didn't even International Olympic Academy hosts many events, allow myselfto dream about competing at the Olym- but a very special role should be given to the annual pic Games. After four years of trainings my results were Sessions for Young Participants, which are attended by improving step by step. And my dream came true. In delegates from many countries in the world. 1964 I qualified to the Polish Olympic Team for the But I will come back to the beginnings ofmy Olympic Games in Tokyo. I felt extremely happy and sports career. though I wasn't a favourite, my dreams were going I can feel a great strength of the Olympic Games further to the Olympic podium. I competed in long from my own experience. When the world celebrated jump, 200m run, and 4x100m relay. When I entered 268 Irena SzewinÂska the stadium in the morning, I realized that I had par- couldn't be compared to the World or European cham- ticipated in the Olympic Games with all its roots in pionships in athletics. ancient times. I was deeply touched and happy. I will The Olympic Games in ancient Greece and the never forget this wonderful atmosphere at the stadium, Games ofmodern era initiated by Baron Pierre de Cou- whichgavemewings.Ifeltsolightduringmylong bertin in Athens in 1896 were the most outstanding jumps, and it was fantastic. Finally I qualified to the sports events. To be an Olympian has always been a final event in which I improved my life records. That great honour and to be an Olympic medal winner a event brought me my first silver medal. The second, great happiness. Those are feelings worth hard trainings. also a silver one, was won in 200m run, and the gold I will never forget my most beautiful impressions when I one together with my colleagues in the relay. And in stood on the highest podium listening to the Polish this way, being still a junior, I returned from the Tokyo anthem and looking up at the Polish national flag. GameswiththreeOlympicmedalsandwithunforget- When in 1980 I finished my athlete's career, I still tableimpressionsbothfromthestadiumandfromthe stayed with sport working actively in the authorities of Olympic Village, which has always been the heart of the Polish Olympic Committee and the Polish Athletic the Games. Here is the place where athletes from all Association. over the world meet and make friends. The Olympic In 1998 the IOC Session in Nagano elected me IOC Games is not only about sports and medals. It's about member. And as an IOC member I was invited by the many cultural events, opening and closing ceremonies, International Olympic Academy President Nikos Fila- presentations and spectacles in the Olympic Village, retos to participate as a guest in the IOA Session for Young which allow the athletes to extend their knowledge Participants. I was very pleased to go to Olympia but about the host country, its culture and traditions. when I saw that place it was far beyond my expectations. After Tokyo I participated in the Olympic Games The place is in a nice location, surrounded by green four times, winning two medals in Mexico in 1968 trees and shrubs, close to ancient walls and a stadium (gold in 200m run and bronze in 100m run), one where ancient heroes competed. The Session was at- bronze medal in 200m run in Munich in 1972 and a tended by almost 200 young participants, two from gold medal in 400m run in Montreal in 1976. Now each represented country. The lectures were presented my collection includes seven Olympic medals. by outstanding experts, who touched different issues I spent 20 years on the track but the Olympic joined with Olympism. They were followed by group Games were always the most important events, which discussions arranged in arbours hidden in the trees. 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 269

Those serious discussions were accompanied by sports the Greek Olympic Movement and participants ofthe and cultural activities such as theatre, dance, paintings. IOA Session. I was very honoured and impressed and Our hosts organized social evenings where the partici- will keep that ceremony in my heart for long. The pants presented themselves in national costumes en- Award `Vergina' belongs to the most important distinc- couraging everybody to join them in national dance tions received in my life. performances or singing easy national songs. A few days later, during the plenary session in Participation in the sessions in Olympia allows to Olympia, I shared my Olympic memories with the extend knowledge about the Olympic idea and then to participants and was very pleased to answer many of share and promote that knowledge in mother coun- their questions concerning my sports career and Olym- tries. pic impressions. When I recall my first stay in Olympia I always It is very difficult to present in a few words the remember my great impression when I was visiting the important role ofthe International Olympic Academy. ancient Olympic stadium, which is still the place where However, I would like to stress that it has its stable and an Olympic flame begins its road to the Olympic host important position in the Olympic Movement, having city. And ofcourse I couldn't miss the possibility to run daily contacts and cooperation with the International 100m on the track which still remembers the touch of OlympicCommitteeandNOC ofGreece. Its activities ancient heroes' feet. in favour of friendship and tolerance promotion, deal- I have visited Ancient Olympia a few times more, ing with ethical and cultural aspects ofthe Olympic but I will remember for long my last visit in June 2010. Movement and the Olympic Games are invaluable. During the opening ceremony ofthe Session forYoung I'm deeply convinced that everyone who has been Participants, which traditionally took place at the Pnyx in Olympia would like to come back there. Hill near Acropolis, I was honoured by the IOA Presi- I wish to congratulate you on this beautiful 50th dent and Ephoria with the Award `Vergina'. The award anniversary ofthe International Olympic Academy and was presented to me by the Hellenic Olympic Com- extend my best wishes for further successes in promot- mitteePresidentSpyrosCapralosinthepresenceof ing the Olympic idea. outstanding guests, representatives ofthe government, Awarding of the IOA prize `Vergina' to Irena SzewinÂska by the HOC President S. Capralos, opening ceremony of the 50th International Session for Young Participants, Hill of the Pnyx, 2010.

From left to right: S. Capralos, Irena SzewinÂska, Fani Palli-Petralia, I. Kouvelos, 50th International Session for Young Participants, Hill of the Pnyx, 2010. Irena SzewinÂska practising at the IOA track and field. 2006

e e e e Henry BennyTandau

President of the Tanzania Olympic Academy

International Olympic Academy, 50 years anniversary

T IS INDEED a great honour to be afforded disseminating the modern, and making sure they both the opportunity to participate in the In- flourish in harmony. ternational Olympic Academy anniversary album. THEIOAASASOURCEOFOLYMPIC Fifty years is a long enough time to reflect on any KNOWLEDGE institution or individual, but what makes the fifty years ofthe IOA even more remarkable is the nature ofthe Located in historic Olympia, south ofAthens on the Pe- institution itself. loponnese Peninsula, the International Olympic Acad- Though only fifty years old, the IOA represents a emy serves a multinational, multicultural community as compression ofknowledge and culture ofclose to an International Academic Centre for Olympic Studies. 3,000 years. It is an outstanding academic resource for students and The IOA has managed to develop a complex ofthe researchers around the globe. The IOA makes available a ancient Olympic Games and the modern Olympic wide spectrum ofeducational programmes and studies Movement; preserving the ancient while shaping and aimed at disseminating the vision ofOlympism. The 274 Henry Benny Tandau

IOA is a custodian ofclose to 3,000 years ofknowledge Sports Organization and Management ofthe University and activities ofmankind (making 3,000 years look like ofthe Peloponnese, Sparta; the International Olympic yesterday), both documented and undocumented. As Academy started to offer a Master's Degree Programme. President and founder of the Tanzania Olympic Acad- Thecoursetitleis`OlympicStudies,OlympicEduca- emy, I share the IOA's vision ofOlympism. tion, Organization and Management ofOlympic Events'. The programme's philosophy is consistent with THE FIRES THAT NEARLY BURNT DOWN the values ofthe Olympic Movement aimed at world- THE ACADEMY wide diffusion of the Olympic ideal, global participation, and promotion ofknowledge and research in Olympia, site ofthe ancient Olympics and World Heri- Olympic issues. Grounded in Olympism and Olympic tage Site, was evacuated on August 26, 2007. Fears were pedagogy, the academics are based on the three pillars of expressed forthe survival ofthe ruins ofAncient Olym- the Olympic Movement: Education, Sports, and Cul- pia lying near the raging fire. The famous statue of ture. I am privileged to have been among the first group Hermes ofPraxiteles and nearby antiquities were spared of30 students to undertake this course. The pro- from the fire, but the yard of the museum where the gramme is an exceptional experience as it is uniquely statue is housed was scorched. The fire burnt all the multicultural, drawing no more than one student per trees on the hilltop above, and an area ofbrush and country save for the hosts from Greece. open space adjacent to the Olympic Academy. The fire did not damage the archaeological museum nor did it damage the several ancient structures in the area. The 2009 ö LIGHTING OF THE VANOC sacred Hill ofKronos was totally burnt during the blaze. OLYMPIC FLAME The hill was left blackened. However, following great One ofthe highlights ofmy memories of IOA is witness- efforts, trees were replanted and Kronos is green and ing the lighting of the flame for the Vancouver Winter beautiful again. Olympics; the flame was lit by the sun's rays in an ancient ceremony, heralding the start ofthe torch relay INTRODUCTION OF THE IOA for the 2010 Winter Games. MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMME The sun shone just enough over the fallen In 2009 the IOA introduced an Olympic Movement temples at the birthplace ofthe ancient Olympics fora innovation, in collaboration with the Department of Greek actress in a priestess' white gown and sandals to 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 275 focus its rays on a silver torch using a concave mirror. ofZeus, passing by Mount Kronos taking photographs The IOC President Jacques Rogge said the Olym- by the statue ofDiagoras on the shoulders ofhis sons. pic torch conveyed a global message `offriendshipand Definitely the first thing that enters one's mind respect'. `The Olympic torch and flame are symbols of when visiting Olympia is ofcourse the Olympics. the values and ideals which lie at the heart ofthe Olympia is where the Games started close to 3,000 years Olympic Games', said Rogge as hundreds ofspectators, ago, Olympia is so beautiful that visitors to the IOA love including fellow students of the Master's Degree Pro- taking pictures and taking them home for their friends gramme and myself, looked on from the stadium's to see. In Olympia one can do so many things, including grassy banks. posing from behind ruins ± it is also great to take photos Although cauldrons were lit during the ancient ofone running in the ancient stadium, throwing an Games, held in Olympia from 776 BC to 394 AD, imaginary discus or shot put. But most important, the torch relay is a modern addition to the Olympics. IOA in Olympia is where one goes to take 3,000 years It began during the 1936 Berlin Games, and debuted ofknowledge, knowledge on Olympism. at the Winter Games at the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics. I would like to acknowledge the great work done by the Presidents of IOA in the past and presently by Isidoros Kouvelos, the Honorary Dean of IOA Professor Other highlights ofmy visits and stays at IOA include Kostas Georgiadis, the Director of IOA Professor Dio- visiting the archaeological site and running at the an- nyssis Gangas, and all the staff past and present. cient stadium, getting inside the workshop ofPhidias, I look forward to more educational and cultural walking through the Crypt to the ancient stadium, programmes to be developed and implemented at the walking past the Prytaneion, walking or sitting in the IOA. Gymnasium, the Philippeion, being close to the temple The students of the Master's Degree Programme (academic year 2009/2010) at the marble steps with the Professors M. Bronikowski and K. Georgiadis.

Photo of postgraduate students in front of the statue of Diagoras, 2009. Students of the Master's Degree Programme (academic year 2009/2010) with the IOC President J. Rogge, after the lighting ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. 20072007

e e e e Walther TroÇÇger

Honorary Member of theIOC

Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the International Olympic Academy

Y OWN OLYMPIC CAREER is almost ex- return, many participants owe their Olympic commit- actly in compliance with the existence ments to their participation in events ofthe Academy. ofthe International Olympic Academy. It was not before 1969 that I had an opportunity When I started to work for the National to visit the Academy myselfand to take part in a Olympic Committee for Germany in the year 1961, seminar. Later on I very often came back. As a lecturer, this was shortly before the inauguration of the Acad- as a member ofsteering and advisory bodies and as emyinthesummerofthesameyear. counsellor to the management board ofthe Academy, a From the very start ofmy work the relation to this close relationship has developed. My contacts to the Academy and the cooperation with its persons in most important representatives ofGerman sport, who charge belonged to my tasks, having been responsible were friendly connected with the Academy, have also for the selection of the German participants in its contributed to this development. I wish to remind of seminars, which ± during the first years ± took place Carl Diem, who had set up the Academy together with for larger groups. These seminars contributed to a con- John Ketseas, his wife Liselott Diem, Franz Lotz, Her- siderable extent to the activities ofthe Academy and, in bert Kaebernick and later on Manfred LaÈmmer and 280 Walther TroÇÇger

Norbert MuÈller. Due to this cooperation close relations tent camps had already been over. The facility, however, and friendships have grown to the presidents of the reflected some kind of student atmosphere and has Academy. Prince George Wilhelm ofHanover, who, developed only over the years, with the important sup- uncle ofthe formerKing Constantine, directed the port ofthe Greek government, in a way which deserves International Academy at first, was at the same time high recognition. The same goes for the connection to Chairman ofthe Commission forthe National Acad- the cultural sites in Olympia in the course oftheir emy, for which I had been responsible as Director. I progressing excavations, for example also of the ancient fondly recall my cooperation with Epaminondas Pe- Olympic stadium. One ofmy fondestmemories is my tralias and, for example, a visit during which he invited run at the reopening ofthe ancient stadium together me to a walk and showed me the places planned for the with Prince ofHanover and Jesse Owens. treasure houses. Due to the increasing intensification of the coop- Even more intensive had been my relationship to eration with the International Olympic Committee, Nicos Nissiotis, with whom I shared ± besides many the Academy has influenced generations of visitors, interests in different areas ± the affinity to basketball. participants and, above all, young students. This had This is why it was an obligation that, when staying both a positive influence on the Olympic family and has in Olympia, we met in the morning before the begin- thus generated many important supporters (rooters) ning ofthe activities under the basket hoop and played a and assistants for this institution. Its work represents game ofone-on-one together. And, finally, I accom- above all, also, a significant bridge between the begin- panied for many years the work of my colleague Nikos nings ofOlympic history, which even today is part of Filaretos with interest and many recommendations. the basis ofthe Olympic idea and the Olympic work, During my first visit in 1969 the period of the and the modern Olympism and its activities. Lecture by W. TroÈger, 31st International Session for Young Participants, 1991.

The German Olympic Academy Commission in its early years. From left to right: F. Lotz, W. TroÈger,N.MuÈller, Prince George of Hanover (Chairman), Liselott Diem, H. Kaebernick, B. Hunger and K. Zieschang. 20082008

e e e e Prof. Ingomar Weiler

Karl-Franzens University, Graz, Austria

The importance of eyewitnesses in Ancient Olympia

NE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ancient universal history ofantiquity, fromwhich only the Greek historians, born in Megalopolis, books 1-6 and many important fragments have sur- c. 130 km distant from Olympia, Poly- vived. In book 27 he presents the above-mentioned bios (c. 200 ± after 118 BCE) describes a athletic event, which did not happen in his lifetime boxing match between Kleitomachos ofThebes and (27.9.3-13). Polybios, a didactic historian, has de- Aristonikos, an athletic proteÂgeÂ ofthe Egyptian King veloped a new concept ofwriting history, the so-called Ptolemy IV Philopator in the 141. Olympiad (= 216 pragmatic history (pragmatike historia). His main goals BCE). This description offers some insight in the be- are to offer a handbook for politicians and, in the haviour and psychology ofancient spectators ofthe context ofthis paper, more interesting and important, Olympics. Is it only a special text concerning some to teach, like Thucydides, the general reader anthro- details ofan ancient sport event or is it a topic fora pological patterns. He speaks about the question ofthe general analysis ofspectator attitudes, which can be validity ofdocuments and witnesses as a source for interpreted as a timeless phenomenon in sport? Poly- historical studies. He is also one ofthe firsthistorians, bios is the author of40 books, Historiai,akindof or the first who discusses methodological questions 284 Ingomar Weiler about writing history, and he criticizes some ofhis fore- searches in perfect repose and compare the accounts runners and contemporary historiographers. Among ofdifferent writers without exposing oneselfto any criticism and general postulates, Polybios stresses the hardship.Personalinquiry,onthecontrary,requires necessity ofreliable sources and he obviously prefers severe labour and great expense, but is exceedingly eyewitnesses. In a famous passage where he criticizes valuable and is the most important part ofhistory the Sicilian historiographer Timaios ofTauromenion (trans.W.R.Paton). (c. 356-260 BCE) ± by the way, Timaios introduced the Olympiads as a general chronology ± Polybios In his Historiai Polybios mentions the importance of quotes Herakleitos (12.27): the eyewitnesses (autoptes/autoptai) for the scholarly research work a second time (20.12.8): Nature has given us two instruments, as it were, by the aid ofwhich we informourselves and inquire Itisnotatallthesametojudgeofthingsfrom about everything. These are hearing and sight, and hearsay and from having actually witnessed them, ofthetwosightismuchmoreveraciousaccordingto but there is a great difference. In all matters a cer- Herakleitos.`Theeyesaremoreaccuratewitnesses tainty founded on the evidence of one's eyes is of the than the ears,' he says. Now, Timaeus enters on his greatest value. The historian prefers his own eyes inquiries by the pleasanter ofthe two roads, but the instead ofthe ears, and instead oflearning by read- inferior one. For he entirely avoids employing his ing books (trans. W. R. Paton). eyes and prefers to employ his ears. Now the knowledge derived from hearing being of two sorts, Ti- Being an eyewitness, being physically and mentally maeus diligently pursued the one, the reading of present in Olympia is also important for the partici- books, as I have above pointed out, but was very pants ofthe IOA.Thisisthefirstmajorpointofmy remiss in his use ofthe other, the interrogation of contribution. Since my first staying in Olympia in living witnesses. It is easy enough to perceive what 1960 and excursions with students ofseveral univer- caused him to make this choice. Inquiries from sities, and especially since many sessions and lectures books may be made without any danger or hardship, with postgraduates and participants ofthe Master's provided only that one takes care to have access to a Degree Programme, organized by the University of town rich in documents or to have a library near at the Peloponnese and the IOA, I have learned that teach- hand. After that one has only to pursue one's re- ing in Olympia, visiting the Altis and the other archae- 50 YEARS INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 285 ological sites, climbing up the Kronos Hill and walking memorials; (b) commemorations, mottos, and all along the Alpheios is the easiest, fastest and most profit- rituals; (c) objects such as inherited property, com- able and productive way to study the history ofthe memorative monuments, manuals, emblems, basic ancient Olympics. Ofcourse, there is another very texts, and symbols. Every other topic ofhistory, training helpful didactic possibility to become absorbed in the methods, social background ofathletes, ancient litera- agonistic and cultural problems ofancient Greece: ture, about religion, psychology, management, sociol- There are three well-known museums, one ofancient ogy ofsport, can be taught in every place in the world, sports, one ofthe archaeological excavations and one of even on the North Pole (if you have the facilities for the modern history ofthe Olympic Games and ofthe teaching and a warm seminar room). But for studying Olympic Movement conceived by Pierre de Coubertin. ancient Olympic history, the landscape ofthe Alpheios All these opportunities together offer for the students River, the archaeological remains, the museums, the the advantages ofthe lieu de meÂmoire. They enlarge the climate, the quietness ± when the tourist buses have knowledge, they promote a better understanding ofthe left for their next sightseeing tour ± Olympia and the games, ofthe sanctuary, ofthe connections between IOA are unparalleled unique places, an irreplaceable early sport and religion, and ofthe ancient sport-archi- meeting point for young people who want to learn tecture like the stadion, gymnasion and the palaistra. about the cradle ofancient sport. For many years the Olympia is a place where, in the definition of Pierre IOA has been offering the chance to be an autoptes in Nora, `cultural memory crystallizes and secretes itself'. the meaning ofPolybios to hundreds or thousands of Nora's concept ofthis modern term includes: (a) places participants from all over the world in different sessions such as archives, museums, palaces, cemeteries, and and meetings. Lecture by I. Weiler in front of the statue of Diagoras, 7th International Seminar on Olympic Studies for Postgraduate Students, 1999. Learning and practising the ancient pentathlon under the guidance of I. Weiler, 7th International Seminar on Olympic Studies for Postgraduate Students, 1999. 20092009

e e e e Kevin Whitney

Artist

The Fine-Art Workshop at theIOA

N1982IHADADREAM;thisdreamcame subsequently attended the Los Angeles Olympic about due to my lifelong appreciation of Games in that official capacity. ancient Hellenistic Greek Art and the fact It wasn't until the BOA sent me to the International that the British government had sent in Olympic Academy in 1986 that I realized the signifi- 1982 a flotilla of troops to the Falkland Islands to war cance ofthe Academy as the spiritual and cultural centre with Argentina. They included an official war artist, a ofthe Olympic Movement, as a peace movement; at the tradition that started at the battle ofWaterloo. I request ofthe late Dean Otto Szymiczek and President thought why celebrate death and destruction in a war Nissiotis I started the Fine-Art Workshop at the IOA. zone when at the Olympic Games, Life and Beauty at Returning year after year the workshop was at first its ultimate could be celebrated by an artist as it was in in my quarters, then the room next door was cleared ancient Greece. After a few meetings the President of for use, and after eight years the late President Nikos the British Olympic Association (BOA), Princess Ann, Filaretos built me three studios next to the tennis the Princess Royal, appointed me the first ever official courts, for painting/sculpture, poetry and dance, which Olympic artist, the first for any country worldwide. I ofcourse are still there today. 290 Kevin Whitney

For many years Mrs Elizabeth Hanley (USA) In the Painting Department some athletic partici- would run the Dance Workshop and we would com- pants would pose for figure drawing. A lot of partici- bine all ofthe workshops in the Happening on the pants at the session may not have attempted painting steps ofthe Academy, one evening during each session. and sculpture and were often surprised by their efforts. Panagiota Apostolopoulou (GRE) helped me for The workshops became a large part ofthe curriculum. many years, as my personal assistant. Her talents in the There was rarely a low attendance at the workshops. I Arts and enthusiasm for the workshop were outstand- always tried to have diverse, cross sections ofthemes in ing and supportive. The late Dr John Powell (CAN) all the workshops. In painting and sculpture, a general would read his excellent poems in the Happening, thus theme oflandscape and the human body and illustrating the event was for people of all ages. Olympism. In photography, Beauty, Speed or Nature, These were big multi-arts audio-visual events, at- and in poetry a variety ofthemes, which would be tended by everyone. An annual Photo/Art Exhibition printed, exhibited and judged in the Fine-Art Exhibi- would be put on in the studios and at the vernissage the tion. President, the Dean, two lecturers, two participants On my first arrival at the IOA in 1986 I remember and two guests would democratically judge the works standing at the top ofthe steps and saying to myself, and award first, second and third positions, respect- `I'm Home!' ively. I didn't partake, to avoid favouritism. Apollo on the steps of the Academy.

Large painting on the steps of the Academy. Scene from the Arts Happening. The Fine-Art Workshop. 20102010

e e e e y David C. oung

Professor Emeritus, Department of Classics, University of Florida,USA

Olympism and the trees of the International Olympic Academy

VENONTELEVISIONthe 2007 fire that Friends ever since, she and I worked together on an devastated Ancient Olympia was horrify- Olympic project just this past year. I fondly recall chat- ing to watch. When the trees ofthe IOA ting with the IOA President Nicos Nissiotis just a few burned, my memory quickly raced weeks before his tragic death. He and I agreed to cor- through several past moments there. I knew those trees respond. We never could, but I knew I was lucky just to well. Just a few weeks before they burned, I had walked have known him. And I clearly remember a very hot among those familiar green pines while attending my afternoon, when our small discussion group took ref- fifth IOA session. Some ofmy best memories are tied to uge from the scorching sun in the shade of the trees. I the Academy and to its trees. Strong friendships begun felt I now had been befriended even by the pine trees during my first session in 1986 endure to this day. I on the IOA grounds. That first IOA experience was first met Ian Jobling, Australia's prominent spokesman remarkably invigorating for me. The authentic inter- ofOlympism, beside the temple ofHera. Lucinda nationalism seemed unique and especially attractive. Adams, 1960 Olympic Gold Medallist in the 400m IreturnedtotheIOA as a lecturer in 1991, 1992 relay, was a fellow member of my USA delegation. and 1997, and continued to make new, permanent y 296 David C. oung friends each time, including Georgios Dolianitis and one-sentence definition, one easy to repeat to others Konstantinos Georgiadis ofGreece. Mr Dolianitis and without having to read it from a piece of paper. I have recently exchanged guest lectures on the Olym- Yet once more I saw my fellow delegates become pics, I in Athens, he in Florida. For decades Dr Geor- truly discomforted because of our difficulty in defining giadis and I have collaborated in our research on Olym- this will-o'-the-wisp. One member ofour group had a pic beginnings, the one's work complementing the `laptop' with her; but the spell-checker immediately other's, an instance, I think, oftrue Olympism. Ironi- declared Òlympism' a non-word. We talked about cally, a reviewer ofmy book about the Olympic revival Olympics and the world in general. The delegate from (The Modern Olympics: A Struggle for Revival, Balti- Libya gave me a Libyan Olympic Committee pennant more, 1996) complained that I had twice used the (which now proudly decorates my game-room). That word Òlympism', a word which he claimed was seemed a genuine act ofOlympism. Then we talked `meaningless' or àt best fuzzy'. To use Òlympism' only more. Finally Olympia's trees and history ± along with twice in a 250-page book I thought was rather sparing, the camaraderie ofmy group ofnew-foundfriends andbothtimesIuseditadvisedly. from truly diverse national and ethnic backgrounds ± I had been especially careful because before 1992 I worked their magic. Those are/were powerful trees. My myselfwas somewhat suspicious ofthis term. It seemed group ultimately decided, almost in one voice, that we to me rather vague, ifnot meaningless or `fuzzy'. And I, actually knew what Olympism is. Our definition is not like some others I knew, had spent a long time at as elegant and comprehensive as the definition given in Ancient Olympia ± surrounded by great natural beauty Point One ofthe Olympic Charter. But we thought and awesome history ± agonizing with fellow delegates ours concise and easy to remember. Everyone must trying to fulfill our assignment, which was to define form his or her own definition, but ours was: Òlympism'. At my third such session in 1992 my Òlympism is the pursuit ofindividual human discussion group (which I led) again sat in the shade excellence in the context ofinternational brotherhood ofthe pines. As we sought the meaning ofÒlympism' and good will toward men'. For us, at least, it was no some of us remembered seeing official definitions, but longer meaningless or even fuzzy. At the plenary session could not recall the exact wording. In fact the main I gave my subcommittee's report with conviction ± and memory we each had was that the definition that we a final silent sigh of relief. Eventually the trees will grow had seen was rather long, vague and not very memor- back, I am sure. able. We all agreed that our own should be a simple, Awarding of the ISOH Prize to D. Young (on the right) by K. Lennartz (on the left) and E. Katsiadakis during the opening ceremony of the 47th International Session for Young Participants, Hill of the Pnyx, 2007.

The US delegation at the 1986 IOA Session; third from left is Lucinda Adams, Olympic Gold Medallist in Rome 1960.