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Home , 31st Chess Olympiad, Demetrios Vikelas, Olympic Hymn, Olympic Oath, Summer Olympic Games

GENERAL OLYMPIC EDUCATION

Section General Olympic Education

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Main Aim : To provide club members with a basic understanding of , the Olympic Movement and both the modern and ancient .

Specific Objectives :

Students will be able to

• Demonstrate an understanding for the history of the Olympic Movement • Recognize and understand the principles, symbols and ceremonies of the Olympic Movement • Clearly define the structure of the Olympic Movement and the relationship between the various members • Compare and contrast the symbols, ceremonies, competitions and messages of the ancient and modern Olympic Games • Participate in discussions on the value of the Olympic Movement in today’s society • Recognize and discuss important criticisms, issues and challenges of the Olympic Movement and of sport in general (ex: drug abuse, cheating, effect on the environment, commercialism, inequity, racism, corruption)

Part 1 - Ancient and Modern Olympic History

The

According to ancient records, the first Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. They were dedicated to the Olympian gods and were staged on the sacred plains of Olympia. Olympia functioned as a meeting place for worship and other religious and political practices as early as the 10th century B.C. The central part of Olympia was dominated by the majestic temple of Zeus, with the temple of Hera parallel to it. The ancient in Olympia could accommodate more than 40,000 spectators, while in the surrounding area there were auxiliary

1 GENERAL OLYMPIC EDUCATION buildings added gradually up until the 4th century B.C. and used as training sites for the athletes or to house the judges of the Games.

The Olympics were held every four years during the month of July or August. The time in between two Olympic Games was called an . In the beginning the Games lasted only one day but gradually more events were added. By the 5th century B.C. the Games lasted for 5 days. The Olympic Games consisted of the following events: running, the pentathlon (jumping, discus, javelin, running and ) boxing, the pankration (a combination of boxing and wrestling), chariot racing, and horse racing. All , who were free citizens and had not committed murder or heresy, had the right to take part in the Olympic Games. Women were not entitled to take part except as owners in the horse races. They were also strictly prohibited from watching the Games.

The institution of the Olympic Games lasted for twelve continuous centuries and was abolished in 393 A.D. (the 293rd Olympiad) by order of the Byzantine Emperor Theodosios 1. Later, the functioning of all idol worshiping sanctuaries was forbidden, and in 426 A.D., during the reign of Theodosios II, the destruction of the ancient monuments was carried out.

The Modern Olympic Games

Local sporting competitions also called “Olympic Games” took place in several parts of , including , prior to the “official” revival of the Modern Olympic Movement in June 1894 in . At that time, Baron , a Frenchman and educator, addressed seventy nine delegates from twelve countries attending an international congress. His proposal to re-establish the Olympic Games met with unanimous approval by the delegates to the conference. In honour of the ancient Olympic Games, it was decided to hold the first modern Olympic Games in in 1896. of Greece was a strong supporter of this proposal. He became the first president of the IOC.

The Athens Games of 1896 was a great success. The Olympics had returned to the land of their birth. On April 5th, the Games were opened by King George of Greece, in front of a crowd of 60,000. The first competition of the Modern Olympics was the first heat of the 100m which was won by Francis Lane (USA), in a time of 12.5 seconds. American James Connolly was the first winner when he won the triple jump with a distance of 13.71 metres. The 1900 and 1904 Games were held in and St Louis respectively. Unfortunately, they were overshadowed by the trade fairs held concurrently with the Games. The Paris Games was the first to include women athletes. An interim Games was held in 1906 (in Athens), in an attempt to revive the flagging Olympic movement,

2 GENERAL OLYMPIC EDUCATION but was not included in the numbered sequence of the Games’. Twenty countries attended and the Olympic concept was put back on track. The 1908

Games were the best organized Games to date. The IOC had decided in 1907 to award medals to the first three places in all events. This was continued at in 1912, where electrical timing equipment was used for the first time in running events. After , the resumption of the Olympics in 1920 at saw the first Olympic flag unveiled in front of the twenty nine nations who participated. The concept of the was also introduced. In 1924, the Games were held in Paris again with an enormous increase in the number of competitors – four thousand from forty four nations. It was the first time all participating sports were organized by their international governing bodies. In 1928, the Games went to . At these Games, the burning of the throughout the competition, the release of doves at the Opening Ceremony to symbolize peace and the erection of a large results board were seen for the first time. In 1932, provided a special village for athletes, a vast stadium and an operating profit for the first time. The use of photo-finish equipment was also introduced in track events to decide close finishes.

The 1936 Games of the 11th Olympiad was held in where a political agenda and a desire to outclass previous host cities prevailed. World War II necessitated the cancellation of two Olympic Games - the 1940 and 1944 Games. After 12 years, the 1948 Olympic Games was held in London. and were not represented, but fifty nine countries attended. In 1952, the Games of the 15th Olympiad (the 12th set because of the war time cancellations) was held in with Japan and Germany re-admitted. This was also the first appearance of the . was the site of the Olympic Games in 1956. The threat of war in and caused five nations to withdraw their teams but this did not interfere with the scheduled events. For the first time at the Closing Ceremony, the athletes from all countries entered the stadium together, symbolizing the friendship of the Games. The idea came from John Ian Wing, an Australian born Chinese boy, in a letter to the Chairman of the organizing committee. The 17th Olympiad in 1960 in was not affected by any major political disputes and went ahead as planned. The 18th Olympiad in in 1964 was the first to be celebrated in an Asian country and was noted for its efficiency and flair. The following Games in in 1968 were troubled by threats of a boycott by African, American and Soviet block countries who demanded the continued exclusion of the South Africans because of their policy of . , in 1972, was interrupted by a violent attack on the compound by Palestinian terrorists when nine Israelis, five terrorists, and a West German policeman were killed. Boycotts again plagued the Games of the 21st Olympiad in , when most of the African countries withdrew their athletes because of an earlier tour of South by a rugby team. The 22nd Olympiad of 1980 in lacked the participation of the athletes of the of America and at least 35 other countries in protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. In 1984, the Los Angeles Games were

3 GENERAL OLYMPIC EDUCATION attended by the Chinese for the first time since 1952, but the Soviet Union and most of its allies withdrew their athletes, alleging insufficient security. Only attended. No major political disputes marred the 24th Olympiad of 1988, when the Games was held in . The 1992 Games, celebrating the

25th Olympiad was held in , with the theme “Friends for Life”. The Games, celebrating 100 years of the Modern Olympics, was held in in 1996. hosted the Games at the dawn of the new millennium in the year 2000 and most recently the Olympic Games for the 28th Olympiad returned to their birthplace Athens, Greece in 2004.

The Olympic Games are known as the Games of the Olympiad. The Olympic Games celebrate each “Olympiad” (a period of four successive years) and are held at the beginning of the Olympiad. The Olympic Games cannot, under any circumstances, be postponed to another year. The Olympic Winter Games now form a separate cycle. The first Olympic Winter Games was held in Chamonix, France in 1924, although skating and had been included in earlier Games. Since then, they have been held every four years (except during WWII) and numbered independently of the Summer Games.

1924 Chamonix 1956 Cortina 1984 1928 St. Moritz 1960 Squaw Valley 1988 1932 Lake Placid 1964 1992 1936 Garmisch- 1968 1994* Partenkirchen 1972 1998 1948 St. Moritz 1976 Innsbruck 2002 Salt Lake 1952 Oslo 1980 Lake Placid

In 1986, the International Olympic Committee members decided that after 1992, the Winter Games would take place during the second year following that in which the Games of the Olympiad are held. The first Winter Games to be held on this new cycle was the XVII Winter Games in Lillehammer, in 1994.

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Part 2 - The Structure of the Olympic Movement

The Olympic Movement

The Olympic Movement groups together all those who agree to be guided by the and who recognize the authority of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), namely: the International Federations (IF) of sports on the program of the Olympic Games; the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Organizing Committees of the Olympic Games (OCOGs), athletes, judges and referees, associations and clubs, as well as all the organizations and institutions recognized by the IOC.

“The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind, in a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.”

The Olympic Movement is defined also by the numerous activities which it engages in, for example:

• Promoting sport and competitions through the intermediary of national and international sports institutions world-wide • Cooperation with public and private organizations to place sport at the service of mankind. • Assistance to develop "Sport for All". • Advancement of women in sport at all levels and in all structures, with a view to achieving equality between men and women. • Opposition to all forms of commercial exploitation of sport and athletes. • The fight against doping. • Promoting sports ethics and fair play. • Raising awareness of environmental problems. • Financial and educational support for developing countries through the IOC institution Olympic Solidarity.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is an international non-governmental, non-profit organization and the creator of the Olympic Movement. It was founded on 23 June, 1894 by the French educator Baron Pierre de Coubertin who was inspired to revive the ancient Olympic Games. The IOC exists to serve as an umbrella organization for the Olympic Movement. It owns all rights to the , flag, motto , and Olympic Games . Its primary responsibility is to supervise the organization of the summer and . The IOC’s operations are regulated by the Olympic Charter. The IOC sets up specialized IOC Commissions to make recommendations to the Executive Board .

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Executive Board

The Executive Board consists of the IOC President , four Vice Presidents and six additional members. All the members of the Executive Board are elected by the General Assembly of the members of the IOC, by a majority of votes cast in secret ballot. The Executive Board manages all the affairs of the IOC.

The IOC President

The IOC President is elected for a period of 8 years, with the possibility of being re-elected once for a successive four year term. He presides over all the activities of the IOC and is the permanent representative. He is a member ex officio of all IOC Commissions and working groups and dissolves them when he considers that they have fulfilled their mandates.

1894 – 1896 1896 – 1925 1925 – 1942 1942 – 1952 Demetrius Vikelas Pierre de Coubertin Henri de Baillet-Latour J. Sigrid Edstrom Greece France Spain

1952 – 1972 1972 – 1980 1980 - 2001 2001 - Lord Killanin United States Ireland Spain

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IOC Commissions

The IOC Commissions’ work contributes to promoting the ideals of the Olympic spirit in their specific domains by studying certain subjects and making recommendations to the Executive Board. The IOC President sets up specialized commissions. Some of these are mixed with representatives from various domains including; IOC members, representatives of the International Federations and the National Olympic Committees, athletes, technical experts, advisers and sports specialists.

The IOC Commissions include the following:

Athletes Olympic Philately, Numismatic and memorabilia Culture and Olympic Education Olympic Program Olympic Games Solidarity Ethics Press Finance Radio and Television International Relations Sport and Environment Juridical Sport and Law Marketing Sport for All Medical TV and Internet Rights Nominations Women and Sport Olympic Games Study

International Federations (IFs)

The International Federations (IFs) are international non-governmental organizations recognized by the IOC as administering one or more sports at the world level. The national federations administering those sports are affiliated to them. While conserving their independence and autonomy in the administration of their sports, International Sports Federations seeking IOC recognition must ensure that their statutes, practice and activities conform to the Olympic Charter.

The role of the IFs is to:

• establish and enforce, in accordance with the Olympic spirit, the rules concerning the practice of their respective sports and to ensure their application • ensure the development of their sports throughout the world • contribute to the achievement of the goals set out in the Olympic Charter, in particular through the spread of Olympism and Olympic Education • establish their criteria of eligibility to the competitions of the Olympic Games conforming with the Olympic Charter and to submit these to the IOC for approval

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• assume the responsibility for the technical control and direction of their sports at the Olympic Games and at the Games under the patronage of the IOC • provide technical assistance in the practical implementation of the Olympic • Solidarity Program.

National Olympic Committees (NOCs)

The National Olympic Committees (NOCs) propagate the fundamental principles of Olympism at a national level within the framework of sports. Although most NOCs are from nations, the IOC also recognizes independent territories, commonwealths, protectorates and geographical areas. There are currently 202 NOCs, spread over 5 continents. The NOCs come together at least once every two years as the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) to exchange information and experiences in order to consolidate their role within the Olympic Movement.

The mission of the NOCs is to:

• develop and protect the Olympic Movement in their respective countries, in accordance with the Olympic Charter • propagate the fundamental principles of Olympism at national level within the framework of sports activity and otherwise contribute, among other things, to the diffusion of Olympism in the teaching programs of physical education and sport in schools and university establishments. They see to the creation of institutions which devote themselves to Olympic education. In particular, they concern themselves with the establishment and activities of National Olympic Academies, Olympic Museums and cultural programs related to the Olympic Movement • ensure the observance of the Olympic Charter in their countries • encourage the development of high performance sport as well as sport for all • help in the training of sports administrators by organizing courses and ensure that such courses contribute to the propagation of the Fundamental Principles of Olympism • commit themselves to taking action against any form of discrimination and violence in sport • shall fight against the use of substances and procedures prohibited by the IOC or the IFs, in particular by approaching the competent authorities of their country so that all medical controls may be performed in optimum conditions.

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IOC Member Nations

Afghanistan Democratic Saint Lucia Republic of the Saint Vincent and Con Lesotho the Grenadines American Samoa Liberia Samoa (until Djibouti Libyan Arab 1996 Western Dominica Jamahiriya Samoa) Antigua and Dominican Barbuda Republic Sao Tome and Principe Egypt Madagascar Saudi Arabia Aruba Malawi Equatorial Serbia and Guinea Maldives Montenegro Eritrea Mali Bahamas Sierra Leone Ethiopia Mauritania Federated States of Micronesia Mexico Solomon Islands Belgium Somalia Belize Former Yugoslav Benin Republic of Ma Mozambique Spain France Myanmar (ex Sri Lanka Bhutan Gabon Burma until Bolivia Gambia 1989) Suriname Bosnia and Swaziland Herzegovina Germany Nauru Sweden Nepal Great Britain Syrian Arab British Virgin Greece Netherlands Republic Islands Grenada Antilles Tadjikistan Guam New Zealand Darussalam Timor-Leste Guinea Niger Togo Burkina Faso Guinea-Bissau Tonga Burundi Guyana Norway Trinidad and Cambodia Oman Tobago Cameroon Pakistan Hong-Kong Palau Hungary Palestine Cayman Islands Uganda Central African Papua New Republic Guinea United Arab Chad Emirates Ireland People's United Republic Chinese Taipei Islamic Republic Republic of of Tanzania of United States of Comoros Israel America Congo Cook Islands Jamaica Japan Vanuatu Côte d'Ivoire Viet Nam Kenya Republic of Virgin Islands Korea Romania Democratic Kuwait Russian People's Federation Republic of Lao People's Rwanda Korea Democratic Saint Kitts and Republic Nevis

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Organizing Committees of the Olympic Games (OCOGs)

The organization of the Olympic Games is entrusted by the IOC to the NOC of the country of the host city as well as to the host city itself. The NOC forms, for that purpose, an Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG).The OCOG executive body includes: the IOC member or members in the country; the President and Secretary General of the NOC; and at least one member representing, and designated by, the host city. In addition, it generally includes representatives of the public authorities and other leading figures.

Olympic Summer Games (Games of the Olympiad) Host Cities

YEAR HOST COUNTRIES COMPETITORS 1896 Athens, Greece 14 241 1900 Paris, France 24 997 1904 St Louis, USA 12 651 1908 London, 22 2008 1912 Stockholm, Sweden 28 2047 1916 Berlin, Germany (not celebrated) 1920 Antwerp, Belgium 29 2626 1924 Paris, France 44 3089 1928 Amsterdam, Netherlands 46 2883 1932 Los Angeles, USA 37 1332 1936 Berlin, Germany 49 3963 1940 Tokyo, then Helsinki (not celebrated) 1944 London, England (not celebrated) 1948 London, England 59 4104 1952 Helsinki, Finland 69 4955 1956 Melbourne, Australia 72 3114 1960 Rome, Italy 83 5338 1966 Tokyo, Japan 93 5151 1970 , Mexico 112 5516 1974 Munich, Germany 121 7134 1976 Montreal, Canada 92 6084 1980 Moscow, 80 5179 1984 Los Angeles, USA 140 6829 1988 Seoul, Korea 159 8391 1992 Barcelona, Spain 169 9356 1996 Atlanta, USA 197 10318 2000 Sydney, Australia 199 10651 2004 Athens, Greece 201 11099

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Olympic Winter Games Host Cities

YEAR HOST COUNTRIES COMPETITORS 1924 Chamonix, France 16 258 1928 St Moritz, Switzerland 25 464 1932 Lake Placid, USA 17 252 1936 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Ger. 28 646 1948 St. Moritz, Switzerland 28 669 1952 Oslo, Norway 30 694 1956 Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy 32 821 1960 Squaw Valley, USA 30 665 1964 Innsbruck, Austria 36 1091 1968 Grenoble, France 37 1158 1972 Sapporo, Japan 35 1006 1976 Innsbruck, Austria 37 1123 1980 Lake Placid, USA 37 1072 1984 Sarajevo, Yugoslavia 49 1272 1988 Calgary, Canada 57 1423 1992 Albertville, France 64 1801 1994 Liiiehammer, Norway 67 1737 1998 Nagano, Japan 72 2176 2002 , USA 77 2399

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Part 3 – Olympism The Philosophy of the Olympic Movement

For Pierre de Coubertin and his colleagues who established the modern Olympics, the Games were to be more than an athletic event. They would be the focal point for a broadly based social movement which, through the activity of sport and play, would enhance human development and make the world a better place. To this end, de Coubertin and his colleagues tied the staging of the Games and the work of the IOC to a set of Ideal which has come to be known as Olympism.

Olympism is a state of mind, a philosophy even, encompassing a particular concept of modern sport, according to which sport can, through an extension of its practice, play a part in the development of the individual, and of humankind in general….and to strengthen understanding and friendship among peoples.

The Six Ideals of Olympism

• Mass Participation : The expansion of opportunities for sport and play for all people, regardless of race, geographical location, social class or sex • Sport as an Education : The creation of opportunities for personal growth through lessons learned on the playing field and through the application of sport in the classroom • Fair Play : Integrity, fairness and respect are the principles of fair play. With them, the spirit of competition thrives, fuelled by honest rivalry, courteous relations and a graceful acceptance of results. • International Understanding and Contribution to World Peace : A movement that transcends racial, religious, political and economic differences. and promotes understanding that can contribute to world peace • Harmonious Education of the Whole Person : An education for the body, mind and spirit that fosters development of the whole person, and contributes to a fulfilled and balanced life. • Excellence : The pursuit of excellence in any endeavour. De Coubertin said that the quest for success is not a goal but a means of aiming higher.

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Part 4 – Olympic Principles, Symbols and Ceremonies

The Olympic Charter

The Olympic Charter is the codification of the Fundamental Principles, Rules and Bye-laws adopted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It governs the organization and running of the Olympic Movement and sets the conditions for the celebration of the Olympic Games.

Olympic Rings

The most widely recognized symbol of the Olympic Games is the five interlocking rings that are coloured blue, yellow, black, green and red, on a white background. Pierre de Coubertin designed this emblem in 1913: At least one of these six colours appears in the flag of every competing nation. The rings are often said to represent the five parts of the world involved in the Olympic Games: Europe, , Oceania, Africa and the Americas.

Olympic Flag

The Olympic Flag first appeared officially in 1914, in Paris, on the occasion of the 20 th anniversary of the re- establishment of the Olympic Movement. It was first hoisted over an in 1920, during the Antwerp Games. The Olympic flag contains the coloured rings on a white background. Replicas of this flag are flown at all Olympic sites for the duration of the Games.

Olympic Motto

The Olympic Motto is Citius, Altius, Fortius which is Latin for FASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER. The Motto was created in 1920 by Father Henri de Didon, a friend of Pierre de Coubertin. The IOC uses this message to address all who belong to the Olympic Movement, inviting them to excel in accordance with the Olympic spirit.

Olympic Message

The words of the Olympic Message, first stated by Pierre de Coubertin, are displayed on the main scoreboard at every modern Olympic Games.

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“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part...Just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle.”

Olympic Hymn

The music was written by Greek composer Spirou Samara and the words were added by Greek musician Costis Palamos in 1896. The was not adopted by the lOC until 1957. The Olympic hymn is played at all official IOC ceremonies.

Immortal spirit of antiquity, Father of the true, beautiful and good, Descend, appear, shed over us thy light Upon this ground and under this sky Which has first witnessed thy unperishable fame. Give life and animation to those noble games! Throw wreaths of fadeless flowers to the victors In the race and in strife! Create in our breasts, hearts of steel! Shine in a roseate hue and form a vast temple To which all nations throng to adore thee, Oh immortal spirit of antiquity.

Olympic Mascot

The first official mascot to gain widespread popularity in symbolizing the Olympic Games was at Munich in 1972. Mascots add personality to the Games and reflect the host country’s styles, traditions and cultures in an animated form. The mascot serves as a symbol to be enjoyed and understood by the youth, whose inspiration contributes to the Olympic Movement.

Olympic Flame and Torch

The Olympic Flame symbolizes the endeavor for perfection and the struggle for victory, and represents peace and friendship. The tradition of the Modern Olympic Torch began in 1936 at the Berlin Games and has since remained as an Olympic custom. The torch is lit by the sun at Olympia, Greece and then passed from runner to runner in a relay to the host city. There it is used to light a flame in a cauldron at the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony. The flame burns throughout the Games and is extinguished at the Closing Ceremony.

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The Victory Ceremony

At the Ancient Games, winners were presented with a simple olive tree branch that was cut with a gold-handled knife from a wild olive tree. The Greeks believed that the vitality of the sacred tree was transmitted to the recipient through the branch. At the Modern Games, Olympic medals are presented to the winning athletes who stand on a dais at the completion of their event. A gold medal is presented for first place, silver for second and bronze for third. The host city is responsible for designing the medals within the guidelines set by the IOC. The national anthem of the winner is played as each medallist’s national flag is raised.

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony is the first public event of the Olympic Games and is primarily the responsibility of the host city’s Organizing Committee. The order of the ceremony is mandated by the Olympic Charter.

Order of Events

1. Parade of Nations - Greece first, host city last, others in alphabetical order. 2. Speeches by the President of the Organizing Committee and the President of the International Olympic Committee. 3. officially declares the Games open. 4. Olympic Flag is raised as the Olympic Hymn is played. 5. Olympic Torch is used to light the Olympic Flame. 6. Doves are released as a symbol of peace. 7. Olympic Oath is taken by an athlete and an official. 8. Cultural entertainment is provided by the Organizing Committee of the host city

Athlete’s Oath

The Olympic Oath, written by Pierre de Coubertin, is a symbolic gesture of sportsmanship and was first used at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp. An athlete from the host country takes the Olympic Oath during the Opening Ceremony on behalf of all athletes:

“In the name of all competitors, I promise that we will take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams.’’

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Official’s Oath

The Olympic Official's Oath was sworn for the first time in the XXth Olympiad at Munich in 1972. From 1972 onwards at each Olympics, an official or judge of the host country swears an oath. The words are:

"In the name of all the judges, I promise that we shall officiate in these Olympic Games with complete impartiality respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship."

Closing Ceremony

The Closing Ceremony signals the official end of the Olympic Games and is usually shorter and simpler than the Opening Ceremony.

Order of Events

1. Olympic athletes are not separated into national teams as they enter the stadium, to symbolize the unity and friendship of the Games. 2. Three flags are raised to the National - Greece, host country and next host country. 3. Olympic Flag passed to the Mayor of the next host city. 4. President of the International Olympic Committee pronounces the Games closed with the following statement:

“I declare the Games of the (current) Olympiad closed, and in accordance with tradition, I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now at (the site of the next Olympics), to celebrate with us there the Games of the (next) Olympiad.”

5. Olympic Flame is extinguished 6. Olympic Flag is lowered as the Olympic Hymn is played.

Cultural entertainment is provided by the Organizing Committee of the host city.

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Part 5 – Seychelles and the Olympic Movement

The Seychelles National Olympic Committee (SNOC) was founded in 1979, in Victoria, and was recognized that same year by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). SNOC’s mission, as outlined in the SNOC Constitution, is to develop and protect the Olympic Movement in Seychelles in accordance with the Olympic Charter. The Role of SNOC is to:

• propagate the fundamental principles of Olympism at national level within the framework of sports activity and otherwise contribute, among other things, to the diffusion of Olympism in the teaching programmes of physical education and sports in schools and university establishments. It sees to the creation of institutions, which devote themselves to Olympic education. In particular, SNOC is concerned with the establishment and activities of National Olympic Academies, Olympic Museums and cultural programmes related to the Olympic Movement • ensure the observance of the Olympic Charter in Seychelles • encourage the development of sport • help in the training of sports administrators • commit itself to taking action against any form of discrimination • fight against the use of substances and procedures prohibited by the IOC or the IFs • work to maintain harmonious and cooperative relations with appropriate governmental bodies. Nevertheless, the SNOC shall preserve its autonomy and resist all pressures of any kind, including those of a political, religious or economic nature that may prevent it from complying with the Olympic Charter.

SNOC is comprised of 22 sports federations and associations. They are:

Athletics Cycling Karate Petanque Football Rugby Weightlifting Boxing Squash Yachting Chess Judo Table Tennis

The 22 federations and associations are members of SNOC, along with the Seychelles Olympians Association (who represents the interests of the athletes) and make up its General Assembly, which convenes once a year . Each federation/association nominates candidates to serve on the SNOC Executive Committee. These candidates are elected by secret ballot and serve a term of four years. As per the SNOC constitution, the elections of the Committee shall be held before the 31 st of March in the year following the Games of the Summer Olympiad. The Executive Committee is comprised of nine members, they are;

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the President, Vice-President, Secretary General, Treasurer and five ordinary members. The current SNOC Executive Committee is comprised of;

President Mr. Antonio Gopal Vice-President Mr. Hughes Adam Secretary-General Mr. Robert Auguste Treasurer Mr. Ivan Roberts Member Mr. Simon Lespoir Member Mr. Selby Dora Member Mr. Alain Alcindor Member Ms. Paule Domingue Member Mr. Michel Bau

Seychelles Olympians participated for the first time in the Olympic Games in Moscow, in 1980. Since then, Seychellois athletes have participated at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1984, Barcelona in 1992, Atlanta in 1996, Sydney in 2000 and most recently in Athens in 2004. Seychelles boasts 47 Olympians who have attended Games over the last 24 years. They are:

Arthur Agathine Vincent Confait Basil Boniface Bessy De Latourdie Jean Claude Labonte Antonio Gopal Ralph Labrosse Marc Larose Rival Payet (Cadeau) Albert Marie Raform Roland Margaret Moral Jerry Legras Casimie Pereira Kitson Julie Regis Tranquille Tony Lespoir Denis Rose Francis Labrosse Philip Sinon Jonathon Barbe Marie-Ange Wirtz Allen Julie Joseph Adam Danny Adeline Danny Beauchamp Endra Hatiff Giovanna Fanny Jean-Paul Adam Paul Nioze Ivan Roberts Beryl Larame Kenny Roberts Joanna Hoareau Elke Sabine Talma Nelson Lucas Benjamin Lopinto Marie Evans Shrone Austin Celine Laporte Bertrand Bristol Michael Moncherry Steven Baccus Michael Pillay Sophia Vandagne Remy Patrick Zialor Richard Sheer

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In 2003, the Seychelles Olympians Association was formed, grouping all past and present Olympians together as one body, so that they can act for the furtherance of the Olympic Ideals in Seychelles.

The Seychelles National Olympic Committee through funding from the International Olympic Committee and specifically the Olympic Solidarity programme, gains assistance for the preparation of its athletes, training of officials, administrators and coaches, and support to administer national activities including sports medicine programs, sports for all activities, women and sports programme, Olympic Day Run and support for the Olympic Academy and Olympic education.

In 1997 the National Olympic Academy of Seychelles (NOAS) was created to further promote Olympism in Seychelles and bring the positive messages of the Olympic Movement to a larger population. The Olympic Academy sends participants to the International Olympic Academy each year in Greece, hosts national Olympic Academy sessions annually and hosts poem, public speaking, and quiz competitions for youth.

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