EOC PRESIDENT Dear Colleagues

EOC NEWSLETTER No. 213 June 2021 MESSAGE FROM THE EOC PRESIDENT Dear colleagues,

It was a great pleasure to welcome most of you in person to Athens in June for the 50th Anniversary General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees.

The trust you have placed in me by electing me as the 9th EOC President is something I do not take for granted, and I commit to work diligently over the next four years on behalf of all 50 of our European National Olympic Committees to strengthen European sport and help our athletes achieve their goals.

As I outlined in my election commitment, the top priorities that I intend to focus on first for the EOC include: Sustainability, to ensure lasting success; Solidarity, respecting the European Sports Model; Digital technology, to unlock growth and promote Olympism; Integrity, participation and accountability; Funding and practical support for the NOCs of Europe; and developing our shared resources.

I will also support the evolution of the Good Governance and further strengthen the operations model of the EOC. Sport is big business, and as a business leader I am fortunate to have experienced the highest standards of governance, as applied to publicly listed companies. I am confident that the EOC can be a leader in this critical area, as well.

Many new and important ideas are also coming from you via our Strategic Agenda 2030 project, which is aimed at defining where the Olympic Movement in Europe currently stands and where we would like to be in the future.

Thanks to your participation in the recent survey, we understand your priorities better than ever. It will be up to the new EOC Executive Committee to eventually put these ideas into practice, and with that in mind we will discuss our shared roadmap in greater detail at the EOC Seminar this November in Samorin, Slovakia.

In the first days of my presidency, I have focused on our events programme, specifically finalizing the inclusion of additional sports for the European Games 2023 and securing our host cities for the future EYOFs. Over the coming weeks we will be announcing additional partners to the EOC family that will help us secure the long- term future of the European Olympic Committees, which I am sure will come as refreshing news to all of you.

Of course, our first order of business this summer are the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and there is still much to do in preparation for the event. With three weeks to go, our NOCs will be completely centered on Tokyo 2020, ensuring that our European athletes once again demonstrate a significant level of success! I wish you all the very best in Tokyo and look forward to seeing you at the Games.

With EurOlympic regards,

Spyros Capralos EOC President

1 EOC NEWSLETTER June 2021 EOC Capralos named 9th EOC President

On 10 June 2021, Hellenic Olympic Committee President Spyros Capralos was elected as the 9th European Olympic Committees (EOC) President, defeating Danish Olympic Committee President Niels Nygaard by 34 votes to 16.

The election took place during the EOC’s 50th General Assembly in Athens, attended by representatives of all 50 European National Olympic Committees (ENOCs) — 46 in person and four virtually.

“I have been very proud to serve the EOC as a member of the Executive Committee. To now have the opportunity to lead the Executive Committee on behalf of you, the National Olympic Committees of Europe, is a very great privilege indeed. Your support means so much to me. I am very grateful,” Capralos said. “I will be engaged, open-minded, transparent, and a President for all nations.” 2021-2025 Executive Committee

Elections for the 2021-2025 Executive Committee (ExCo) were also held on 10 June, with Vice President Daina Gudzinevičiūtė (LTU), Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi (ITA) and Treasurer Peter Mennel (AUT) all getting the nod.

The election took place during the EOC’s 50th General Assembly in Athens, attended by representatives of all 50 European National Olympic Committees (ENOCs) — 46 in person and four virtually.

Joining them as Members of the ExCo are: Hasan Arat (TUR), José Manuel Araújo (POR), Jean-Michel Brun (FRA), Victoria Cabezas (ESP), Mihai Covaliu (ROU), Líney Rut Halldórsdóttir (ISL), Berit Kjøll (NOR), Zlatko Mateša (CRO), Annamarie Phelps (GBR), Uschi Schmitz (GER), Cristina Vasilianov (MDA), and Đjorđje Višacki (SRB). Following a motion proposed by the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) and approved by the EOC GA in November 2020, a minimum five of the 16 Executive Committee members must now be of each gender. For the first time in EOC history, seven women now sit on the Executive Committee, up from two during the previous 2017-2021 period.

EOC Ethics Commission

A new EOC Ethics Commission was elected on the same day, with Maja Smrdu (SLO), Martina Spreitzer-Kropiunik (AUT) and Juha Viertola (FIN) being voted as the three Members. Read more

Recap of the 50th Anniversary General Assembly – Day 1

The meeting began with former EOC Treasurer Kikis Lazarides (CYP) being awarded the 2021 Order of Merit for his outstanding contribution to the Olympic Movement during his distinguished career.

“I am indeed very pleased to receive this great Order of Merit and I want to thank you all, as for me to perform as I did over the years is also credited to all of your support, the support of all my friends in the Olympic Movement,” Lazarides said.

Representatives of the 50 National Olympic Committees received updates on EOC activities from former EOC Acting President Niels Nygaard, Secretary General Pagnozzi, and Acting Treasurer Mennel.

2 EOC NEWSLETTER June 2021

Hasan Arat, Chair of the Coordination Commission for the European Games Krakow & Malopolska 2023, provided a comprehensive report on the progress being made for the third edition of Europe’s leading multisport event for elite athletes. Eighteen sports are now confirmed for the programme, with a further 12 expected to follow, making it the largest and most innovative European Games to date.

After hearing from ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg, IOC Director of NOC Relations and Olympic Solidarity James Macleod provided an update on preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, with a particular focus on safety measures for athletes and other stakeholders this summer in the Japanese capital. Representatives of the Organising Committee for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad gave further details remotely from Tokyo. Read more Recap of the 50th Anniversary General Assembly – Day 2

The milestone 50th Anniversary General Assembly came to a close in Athens with the umbrella body for the continent’s 50 National Olympic Committees looking confidently towards the future.

EOC Executive Committee Member and Chair of the EOC Strategic Agenda 2030 Working Group Đjorđje Višacki provided a report together with external consultant Jon Tibbs on the initiative to help shape the direction of the organisation over the next decade.

“Ten recommendations will serve as a useful tool for the newly elected ExCo to define the strategic plan. It can be a cornerstone for the strategic vision of the EOC,” said Visacki. “The Second Phase is now on the shoulders of the new ExCo. It is the opinion of the Working Group that it is very important that we finish the document by the end of the 2021 so we can start implementing next year.”

EOC Executive Committee Liaison Member with the EOC EU Commission Jean-Michel Brun gave an impassioned presentation on the “tragic importance” of the EOC and IOC in safeguarding the European Sport Model, which continues to come under attack from purely commercial interests.

Reports were also delivered on the Games of the Small States of Europe and preparations for the upcoming European Youth Festivals (EYOFs) in Vuokatti, Finland (Winter 2022); Banská Bystrica, Slovakia (Summer 2022); Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy (Winter 2023); and Maribor, Slovenia (Summer 2023).

EOC President Capralos also announced that he had asked Nygaard to become Vice Chair of the Coordination Commission for the European Games 2023, a role that the Dane accepted. Read more PIOTR NUROWSKI PRIZE Repinc named Europe’s Best Young Winter Athlete of 2021

Biathlete Lena Repinc of Slovenia was awarded the Piotr Nurowski Best Young Athlete prize in Athens following a vote by the 50th EOC General Assembly.

Considered one of the most talented young biathletes of the last decade, Repinc claimed the 6th Winter Piotr Nurowski prize ahead of Belgian snowboarder Evy Poppe, Croatian Alpine skier Zrinka Ljutić, Estonian freestyle skier Henry Sildaru and British freestyle skier Kirsty Muir.

In addition to the new PNP trophy, Repinc takes home a EUR 15,000 training scholarship, with runner-up Poppe receiving EUR 8,000, third-place finisher Ljutić taking home EUR 5,000, and fifth-placed Sildaru and Muir both receiving EUR 3,000.

“When I was very young I was terrible at sports and I would never even dream of winning a prize like this,” said Repinc. “But success is only 10 per cent talent and 90 per cent hard work. So in the last couple of years I have really trained hard and made lots of sacrifices to be at the point I am right now.”Read more

3 EOC NEWSLETTER June 2021 EUROPEAN GAMES EOC signs MoU with EBU

The EOC and Eurovision Sport have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work towards an exclusive agreement for the 2023 and 2027 editions of the European Games.

The MoU marks the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)’s first involvement with the European Games, a pioneering, quadrennial multisport event that is set to celebrate its third edition in Poland in 2023.

The signing underscores the commitment of the two parties to move forward together in pursuit of a broadcasting deal that will ensure the coverage of the Games will be available on free-to-air public television across the continent. Such an agreement would bring the stories of the European Games and Europe’s elite athletes to households worldwide only a year out from the Olympic Games of Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.

“This is a positive development for the athletes of Europe and brings added value to all 50 NOCs across Europe,” said Hasan Arat, EOC Chair of the Coordination Commission for the European Games 2023. “The agreement comes during the 50th anniversary of the EOC and this partnership will help us continue to showcase our events to the biggest audience possible. We have a commitment to partner with the strongest sports, and with the good relations that the EBU has with many federations, it is a natural fit for us to team up to tell the story of the European Games in the most compelling way.” Read more

Innovative events programme continues with inclusion of summer Ski Jumping

Ski jumping fans will get to witness the sport at a summer multi-sports event after the EOC announced the inclusion of the sport as part of the European Games 2023 programme.

Although traditionally a winter sport, the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) already organises a Ski Jumping Summer Grand Prix, and the addition of the European Games into the calendar will be a great opportunity for the best European ski jumpers to show off their sport to new audiences.

“We are really looking forward to our Summer Ski Jumping competitions at the 2023 European Games,” said FIS Ski Jumping Race Director Sandro Pertile. “I know that our athletes will really enjoy competing in this high-profile event during our summer competitions series. It is sure to be a memorable event for everyone.”

The competition is set to take place in Zakopane, Poland, home to one of the best venues and facilities on the international circuit. Poland also boasts one of the leading teams in the world and will be hoping for some home medal success across a total of five individual and team events for men and women in 2023.Read more

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European Games hat trick for table tennis as it signs on for 2023 edition

The EOC is pleased to announce the inclusion of table tennis on the programme for the European Games Krakow- Malopolska 2023, marking the third straight Games appearance for the Olympic sport.

The signing of table tennis brings the total number of sports so far for 2023 to 18.

The 152 table tennis players who will be in Poland for the Games will have their eyes firmly set on Paris 2024, as the European Games will offer Olympic qualification opportunities, as it has done in the past. With the European Table Tennis Championships having been held in Warsaw recently (22-27 June), the popularly of the sport in Poland is undeniable and its inclusion at the 2023 European Games is sure to be popular with local fans.

“We are extremely happy that table tennis has once again been included as part of the prestigious European Games,” said European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) President Igor Levitin (RUS). “We are looking forward to watching our best athletes compete in Poland and to continuing our cooperation with the EOC in the interests of further developing European table tennis.” Read more

ROAD TO TOKYO

Lithuania’s Krupeckaitė living in the moment on Road to Tokyo

Lithuanian track-cycling legend Simona Krupeckaitė is gearing up for her fifth Olympic Games with zero expectations and even less pressure on herself.

While she admits it would be a dream come true to win an Olympic medal – the only thing missing from her overflowing trophy cabinet – the two-time World Champion, three-time European Champion and gold and silver medallist at the 2019 European Games says she has learnt from experience that it is better to stay loose and enjoy the moment than to burden yourself with lofty ambitions.

Krupeckaitė is set to join an elite group of Lithuanian Olympians this summer when she becomes just the sixth athlete from her country to appear at five or more Games. The list currently includes National Olympic Committee of Lithuania President and shooter Daina Gudzinevičiūtė, discus thrower Virgilijus Alekna, biathlete Diana Rasimovičiūtė and ice- dancing pair Margarita Drobiazko and Povilas Vanagas.

“I will enter into history at least in this way, not necessarily having won medals,” Krupeckaitė says with a laugh, having finished just off the podium at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016. “Indeed, it is a huge achievement to be among the elite individuals for so many years and to keep winning fairly high places. Such things are very flattering. It also makes the work of the whole team meaningful. Because I would have never achieved it without the people who stand by me.” Read more

5 EOC NEWSLETTER June 2021 EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPIC FESTIVAL Maribor, Slovenia, puts pen to paper for 2023 EYOF

The Host City Contract for the 17th Summer European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) was signed in Maribor, Slovenia, on 16 June 2021.

The agreement was penned by EOC President Spyros Capralos, Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi and their counterparts Mayor of Maribor Aleksander Saša Arsenovič and President of the Slovenian Olympic Committee Bogdan Gabrovec.

The Maribor EYOF is scheduled to take place from 23 to 29 July 2023. It will be the second time for Slovenia to host an EYOF, after a successful winter edition held in Bled in 2003.

“It is with great pleasure that we have signed the Host City Contract with Maribor today,” said Capralos. “Slovenia is a great sports nation, as you can see from the number of Olympic medals they have won in both summer and winter sports, and we know that we are in safe hands with Maribor. The EYOFs have always been a great showcase for Europe’s best young sporting talent, and we look forward to seeing some terrific elite-level competition in two years’ time.”

Mayor Arsenovič said: “I’m convinced that Maribor will organise the best EYOF ever and that the city will present itself in the best possible way. We will do everything in our power that the athletes will leave the city with great memories and will return in the future as students, tourists or entrepreneurs.”

Over 2,000 of the continent’s best athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 from all 50 European National Olympic Committees will compete in an estimated 12 sports: artistic gymnastics, athletics, 3×3 basketball, cycling (road cycling and mountain bike) handball, judo, swimming, tennis, volleyball, skateboarding, canoe sprint, football (girls only). Read more Friuli Venezia Giulia 2023 unveils new logo

The official logo of the Winter EYOF Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) 2023 was unveiled in Trieste, Italy on 25 June 2021.

During the presentation of the logo, Governor of the region Massimiliano Fedriga emphasized the symbol of the edelweiss as a reference to the rootedness with the territory, in the sign of the values of the mountain tradition.

“EYOF FVG 2023 is an important international event that will involve thousands of young people and will also confirm and consolidate the key role that Friuli Venezia Giulia has for this area of Central Europe,” said Fedriga.

The winter event will take place in just under two years on 21-28 January in Friuli Venezia Giulia, with competitions also in Slovenia and Austria.

It will also represent a springboard for young athletes aged 14-18 on the road to the Winter Olympics Milan-Cortina 2026. In this regard, Fedriga also announced the signing of a partnership with the Milan-Cortina Foundation for a cooperation towards the two events that will see the Italian Alps as protagonists.

EOC Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi, who virtually participated in the press conference, said that he is proud that the Winter EYOF came back to Italy after a long time.

“On behalf of the European Olympic Committees and as Italian, I am very happy and proud that the EYOF, which represents the most important youth sports event in our continent, is returning to Italy after the inaugural edition in Aosta in 1993, the only winter EYOF edition ever organised in our country,” said Pagnozzi. Read more

6 EOC NEWSLETTER June 2021 ENOCs BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA - NOC of BIH celebrates Olympic Day!

On 23 June, the National Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) celebrated Olympic Day in collaboration with the Municipality of Teslić. On this extraordinary day, President of the NOC of Bosnia and Herzegovina Marijan Kvesić asked to once again remember the power of sport in making a world a better place for all and, echoing the words of IOC President Thomas Bach, highlighted the importance of togetherness, solidarity and optimism.

H.E. Makoto Ito, Ambassador of Japan in BIH, also actively participated in Olympic Day, playing table tennis with young participants.

More than 150 young participants tried out different sports, including football, handball, table tennis, shooting, athletics, karate, badminton and basketball.

BIH Olympians and elite athletes Hamza Alić, Kemal Mešić, Tatjana Đekanović and Mihajlo Čeprkalo joined the activities during the day and spread the message of Olympism. Read more

BULGARIA – Over 400 young aspiring champions attend 14th Olympic Youth Festival

The Bulgarian Olympic Committee has hosted its 14th Olympic Youth Festival in Albena, Bulgaria, with over 400 future champions of Bulgaria taking part. The 14th edition saw competitions in many sports, including badminton, 3×3 basketball, athletics, beach volleyball, beach wrestling, swimming, football, table tennis and baseball.

With the motto “Let’s discover the Olympic hopes of Bulgaria,” the event aimed at conveying to the young talents the basic ideals, principles and values of Olympism, while also serving as a test for sporting hopefuls who may have a chance to be part of the national team in their respective sports. ESTONIA – National uniforms for Tokyo 2020 unveiled

On 17 June 2021 Estonian Olympic athletes unveiled the official apparel for the Estonian Olympic team that will compete at the Summer Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

The uniforms were officially presented by female wrestler Epp Mäe, hurdler Rasmus Mägi, rowers Allar Raja, Kaspar Taimsoo, Jüri-Mikk Udam and Tõnu Endrekson, long jumper Ksenija Balta, decathlete Janek Õiglane, heptathlete Grit Šadeiko, marathon runner Roman Fosti and badminton player Kristin Kuuba.

President of the Estonian Olympic Committee (EOK) Urmas Sõõrumaa said that the EOK highly appreciated its cooperation with Nike, which began back in 2007. “Nike is well known not only by its innovative solutions but also by the nice attitude and kindness of its employees. I am happy that there are such responsive and talented people among us, whose efforts resulted in producing this great collection,” said Sõõrumaa.

Backed by decades of scientific work, Nike creates apparel that facilitates performance, is tailor-made for athletes and disciplines, and allows them to fully concentrate on competitions and performance, eliminating any distractions. Hurdler Mägi was eager to see the new collection: “It is really nice! There are some beautiful colours and I am sure the apparel is extremely comfortable!” Read more

7 EOC NEWSLETTER June 2021

FRANCE - Brigitte Henriques became first woman elected CNOSF President

Brigitte Henriques has been elected as the new President of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF), becoming the first woman to secure the role in the organisation’s 49-year history.

Henriques, the French Football Federation vice-president, now replaces Denis Masseglia, who retired after 12 years in charge of the CNOSF.

She polled 57.78 per cent of the votes cast in the first round of voting at the CNOSF General Assembly to claim a convincing victory.

Thierry Rey, an Olympic judo gold medallist at Moscow 1980, was Henriques’ nearest challenger with 19.26 per cent of the votes, while Emmanuelle Bonnet-Oulaldj polled 16 per cent and Patrice Martin 6.82 per cent.

The 50-year-old former footballer is set to play a key role in preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “I want to dedicate this victory to all women, first and foremost to my daughters Barbara and Fanny but also to Garance Oulaldj because she can be proud of her mother,” said Henriques following her election victory. Henriques has created a programme to implement, which is based around 121 measures with the ambition of “raising France up in sport”.

A total of 108 member federations of the CNOSF took part in the vote, along with Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet and International Olympic Committee members Guy Drut and Jean-Christophe Rolland. Read more

GEORGIA – NOC launches “Olympism in Schools” project

The Georgian Olympic Committee supported the National Association of Sport, Fitness and Physical Education of Georgia in organising the project “Olympism in Schools” on 18 June 2021.

Also supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia as its project partner, the project is aimed at promoting Olympism, healthy lifestyles and physical activity and sport as well as motivating schools and teachers to improve the quality of physical education and sports lessons.

The first stage of the project consisted of internal school contests, in which the best drawings or paintings were selected by a jury at a regional level. Winning regions received medals, certificates and gifts.

GREECE - Official uniforms of Team Hellas for Tokyo 2020 unveiled

On 29 June 2021, the Hellenic Olympic Committee presented the official uniforms of the athletes for Tokyo 2020.

The uniforms were worn by Voula Papachristou (track and field), Evangelia Platanioti (artistic swimming), Evelina Papazoglou (artistic swimming), Vyron Kokkalanis (sailing), Apostolos Christou (swimming) and Emmanouil Karalis (track and field).

HOC President, IOC member and newly elected EOC President Spyros Capralos addressed the athletes and said: “The Hellenic Olympic Committee was filled today with hope. Hopes that are embodied in you, the athletes who will represent Greece in the top sporting event that starts in a few days in the Japanese capital.

“I am certain that you will do your duty again, as you have done many times in the past, offering moments of national pride to all Greeks, with your struggle, but also with your ethos and presence in Tokyo.” Read more

8 EOC NEWSLETTER June 2021 ISRAEL – NOC celebrates Olympic Day, sees of Olympians at President’s House

Olympic Day is regularly celebrated in Israel and it presents an excellent opportunity for the public to delve into Olympic themes and experience the Olympic spirit. In this Olympic year, the Olympic Committee of Israel marked Olympic Day 2021 with two notable events.

On June 9, an Olympic Day Webinar was held within the framework of the 6th International Congress of Exercise and Sport Sciences at the Academic College at Wingate in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Israel and the European Olympic Academies.

The Webinar covered 22 different lectures in the field of Olympic History, Olympic Education, and the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, among others, which were delivered by an impressive list of guests, including IOC Member Richard Pound, IOA Dean Prof. Konstantinos Georgiadis, EOA President Prof. Manfred Laemmer and seven-time Olympic medalist in gymnastics Ms. Simona Amanar.

On June 23, exactly one month before the Opening Ceremony of Tokyo 2020, the NOC conducted an interactive Olympic Quiz on its social media channels with the participation of Israeli athletes who will represent the country at the Tokyo Olympics. The Olympic Quiz was hosted by Ms. Yarden Har Lev and included short videos featuring interviews with the Olympic athletes, followed by a series of questions regarding the content of the interviews asked by the athletes themselves. More than 70,000 people interacted with the Olympic Day content. The Olympic Day was opened with a message by the Israeli Chef de Mission Gili Lustig and closed with a special greeting from the President of Israel, Mr. Reuven Ruvi Rivlin.

KOSOVO - Over 7,000 children get active for Olympic Day 2021

Over seven thousand children from 16 municipalities celebrated Olympic Day 2021 in Kosovo on 21 June 2021.

After a break last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children were able to join the Olympic Day Run in their own cities.

President of the Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOC) Ismet Krasniqi emphasised the relevance of Olympic Day, while encouraging teachers and parents to let their children practise sport as much as possible, and to be inspired by Kosovo hero Majlinda Kelmendi and many other athletes who will represent the country in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Among other activities, hundreds of students organised a hike to the Luboten mountain top.

In addition, the Kosovo Olympic Committee, in cooperation with the “Let us Clean Kosovo” (“Ta Pastrojmë Kosovën – TPK”) organisation, celebrated the International Day of Sports and Environment on 4 June 2021.

The celebration was held at the premises of the Oncology Hospital in the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (UCCK), with KOC and TPK representatives, other sports federation managers, athletes and officials in attendance.

“We planted the Olympic tree today, so that we could jointly convey a message of preservation of a clean, safe and healthy environment, especially in sensitive areas such as the UCCK, and other places hosting sports activities,” said KOC President Krasniqi.

The attendees planted an Olympic tree 2021 and dozens of other saplings in the facilities of the Oncology Hospital. The KOC also donated a bicycle to the patients of the hospital. Read more

9 EOC NEWSLETTER June 2021 LIECHTENSTEIN - Almost 600 schoolchildren take part in Olympic Day 2021

On Wednesday 16 June 2021, more than 580 schoolchildren took part in Olympic Day 2021 and were able to discover different sports and learn from Olympians. This was the first major sporting event in months and represents a milestone in this difficult period.

True to the Olympic Day motto “Move, Learn, Discover,” children in grades 4 and 5 of primary schools were able to try out a total of 27 different sports across the country presented by associations and clubs from Liechtenstein. Each class chose which sport they wanted to discover. Thanks to the fantastic weather, many classes travelled by bike or on foot. The enthusiasm for the various sports was clear. Even Olympians like Martha Bühler and Biggi Beck-Blum were positively surprised at how the associations and clubs presented their sports to the children.

Liechtenstein’s Prime Minister, Dr Daniel Risch, visited several of the sites and enthusiastically joined some of the activities. Liechtenstein Olympic Committee President Stefan Marxer did not miss the event either and thanked the federations for their commitment. Indeed, most of the 120 coaches at the 27 stations took a day off especially for the event. Read more LITHUANIA – Olympic Day celebrations marked record lasting 6 days The 2021 Olympic Day festival in Lithuania lasted for a record-long time of six days.

Over almost one week sport fans had the opportunity to try more than fifty different sport activities, included a children’s 500 metres run, the Lithuanian Olympic mile (1988) and 5 and 10 km running competitions.

“The Olympic Day has become an integral part of the summer for sport lovers, giving the opportunity not only to have a good time, but also to try new sports,” Olympic champion and LNOC President Daina Gudzinevičiūtė said. “We are very happy to have had in Vilnius the real Olympic Day this year again and we continue our journey around Lithuania with this sport festival.” Read more MONTENEGRO – NOC joins Olympic Day celebrations

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SERBIA - Team Serbia hits the catwalk ahead of Tokyo 2020

The Olympic collection of Team Serbia for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 has been presented at a fashion show at Olympic House in Belgrade. Ten athletes who will represent Serbia at the Olympic Games played the role of models who presented the Team Serbia collection.

As in Rio 2016, the Serbian Olympic team will wear 4F equipment. The Olympic collection of the Serbian team was created by a 4F design team of 20 people. The most important criterion when selecting the technology and materials used in the design of the collection was to adapt it in the best way possible to the weather conditions during the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The collection consists of four lines: ceremonial uniforms for the Opening Ceremony, training suits, leisure suits and ceremonial uniforms for the medal ceremonies. The collection is completed by a large number of accessories, including sneakers, sunglasses, hats, bags, backpacks and towels. OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2020 – ‘Olympic Agora’ cultural hub to open ahead of Games The Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) has announced the programme for its inaugural Olympic Agora, set to take place around the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in the heart of the host city. On view from 1 July to 15 August 2021, the new initiative will present a series of art installations and an exhibition on the Olympic spirit and ideals, leading with the landmark commission of a permanent, site-specific sculpture by French artistXavier Veilhan.

Resulting from Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC’s strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement, the Olympic Agora will realise a key recommendation to “further blend sport and culture” during and between editions of the Olympic Games through onsite and digital culture programmes. Spearheaded by the OFCH, the IOC’s division for arts, culture and heritage, the project is inspired by the public assembly spaces—or agoras—of Ancient Greece.

Located throughout Tokyo’s historic Nihonbashi district, the Olympic Agora will feature installations by Japanese artists Rinko Kawauchi and Makoto Tojiki, as well as an exhibition of works by six Olympian and Paralympian artists- in-residence. In addition, the Olympic Agora will present a participatory multimedia installation by Montreal-based studio Moment Factory, and an exhibition of treasures from The Olympic Museum’s permanent collection in Lausanne, Switzerland. Read more PARIS 2024 – CNOSF and Paris 2024 launch ‘Ambassadeurs Génération 2024’ programme for NOCs The French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) and Paris 2024 have launched Ambassadeurs Génération 2024, an international sports volunteer programme for NOCs.

This programme offers NOCs the opportunity to let qualified volunteers become part of their entourage and support the implementation of projects in the fields of education and culture, sports practice and international cooperation. These volunteers will be a valuable asset for NOCs in the run-up to the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

From 2022 to 2024, NOCs will be able to host one or more young volunteers, with a demonstrated passion and commitment for sport – free of charge. NOCs interested in hosting a volunteer are invited to fill out this form.

11 EOC NEWSLETTER June 2021 EUROPEAN UNION EU Sports Forum 2021 held under the motto of ‘Towards a healthier, resilient and sustainable European sport’

Under the motto “Towards a healthier, resilient and sustainable European sport,” the 2021 edition of the European Union Commission-led EU Sports Forum brought together representatives from public policy, EU institutions, private enterprises, education and sport to discuss challenges, opportunities and the future of sport in the EU on 8 and 9 June.

In light of the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel and MEP Tomasz Frankowski highlighted the importance of the European Sport Model for a more cohesive and inclusive Europe based on solidarity.

“Sport must and will prepare for a new world and rebuild a more human-centred society,” said IOC President Thomas Bach.

The panel discussions and workshops offered expert views, stakeholder opinions and practices to consider when shaping the future of sport in Europe. Read more

MISCELLANEOUS European Olympic Academies releases ‘Golden Memories’ Tokyo 1964 Online Gallery

In line with the venue of this year’s postponed Olympic Games, the European Olympic Academies (EOA) have launched a website with photographs of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad Tokyo 1964, a throwback to 57 years ago. The project, called “Golden Memories,” aims to bring to life unique moments not only from the sports venues, but also from training and preparations, everyday life in the Olympic Village and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

“Despite the difficult times we find ourselves in, Olympism lives on. We have searched through our archives and brought to light very personal and almost forgotten moments that can now be marvelled at and relived. And especially in view of this year’s Olympic Games at the same location as in 1964, we are very pleased to have created a valuable contribution to Olympic commemoration through this online gallery,” noted Manfred Laemmer, President of the European Olympic Academies.

The project was originally initiated by the Czech Olympic Academy, which, with the help of many Olympic Academies in Europe, rummaged through its archives and was able to create a considerable collection. This compilation was subdivided into different sections: Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony, Everyday Life in Japan, Arrivals and Departures, Opening Ceremony, Sports Venues, Olympic Village, Training, Tokyo City, Olympians in Action, Farewell in Tokyo and one Extra section. All these photos are then staged on the website golden-memories.gallery where each section will be gradually published throughout the summer of 2021. They are freely accessible to the public. The website is supported by an Instagram account (@goldenmemories_tokyo1964) that will share more interesting content around the photographs. Read more

12 EOC NEWSLETTER June 2021 Forty international students graduate in Master of Sport Administration A total of 40 international students graduated with Master of Sport Administration (MSA) degrees from the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) in Sochi on 25 June 2021.

In a special graduation ceremony, diplomas were given to graduates from 12 countries (Russia, Albania, Belarus, Belgium, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Morocco, South Korea, Turkmenistan and Uganda).

As in previous years, many of the students were supported in their studies by the Vladimir Potanin Foundation through its Olympic Scholarships programme. Some of the students were nominated by RIOU’s partner organisations, including the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), the Pan American Sports Organisation (Panam Sports), the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM), and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

In a video address to graduates of the 8th MSA, ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg said: “At ANOC we recognise the excellent value of the course, which is why we have partnered with RIOU since 2013 to provide our National Olympic Committees with scholarships to study the MSA.”

“We have enjoyed a very positive and fruitful collaboration with RIOU over these eight years and been able to give our ANOC scholarship holders a chance to learn from the international best practice so they can benefit their NOCs and the Olympic Movement in their countries.” Read more EOC 50th ANNIVERSARY NOC TOP MOMENTS As the EOC celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we asked our most important stakeholders – the 50 European National Olympic Committees – to share their top moment in sport from the past half century. In each of the next editions of the newsletter, we will publish some of them. Let’s start with the NOCs of Austria and Bosnia & Herzegovina!

AUSTRIA - The first Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck in 2012 received top honours from Austrian Olympic Committee President Karl Stoss, while it was the cross-border Winter European Youth Olympic Festival jointly organised by Austria and Liechtenstein in 2015, together with the rise of Alpine skier Katharina Liensberger, that made the grade for NOC Secretary General Peter Mennel. Click here to see the best memories from NOC Austria!

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina President Marijan Kvesić named the hosting of the Sarajevo & East Sarajevo Winter European Youth Olympic Festival in 2019 as his favourite sporting memory. And who could blame him? The EYOF marked a historic moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina, illustrating a willingness on all sides to embrace peace and friendship through sport and to work together for a brighter future. The NOC and the cities of Sarajevo and East Sarajevo were later awarded the coveted “Peace and Sport” Diplomatic Action of the Year award for their joint efforts in organising the event. Click here to see the best memories from NOC Bosnia & Herzegovina!

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