1st Pan American Olympic Academies Seminar Antigua, Guatemala 2 – 7 July 2002 Preamble Sequestered in the ruins of Antigua Guatemala and surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery punctuated by magnificently imposing volcanic peaks, the first Seminar for Olympic Academies of the Pan American region proved to be an overwhelming success. The setting was ideal for four days of intense concentration on Olympians, the core concept of the International Olympic Movement. Dr Fernando Beltranena, President of both the Guatemalan Olympic Committee and the Academy, the host of the Seminar, brought together and exciting mix of presenters whose expertise in their respective areas of endeavor was meticulously woven into the wonderful tapestry of Olympism. The presentations were well prepared, professionally executed and well received. The ambience created during the Seminar could only be described as true manifestation of Olympism. Conrado Durantez’s tremendous research into the life, times and spirit of de Coubertin assured all participants of a better understanding of the man and of his vision for the Olympic Movement. The presence of IOC member for Guatemala, Willi Kattschmitt, was as instructive as it was insightful. The Session focused on an array of relevant topics such as ……………………… The infusion of cultural visits to the Seminar was refreshing and gave greater understanding of the importance of Cultural Olympiads to the Olympic Movement. The Seminar marked a watershed in the Olympic Movement in the /Americas. It ushered in a new perspective and energy into the work being done by our NOCs. The time has obviously come for NOAs to become a permanent yet ever developing component of every NOC in the Olympic family. Annual grants must be made to NOAs to facilitate the more rapid and fervent spread of the very raison d’etre of NOCs, Olympism. 1. Opening Ceremony a) The President of the Guatemalan NOC and Olympic Academy, Sr Beltranena delivered the official welcome to all delegates. This is the first ever Session for Olympic Academies in the region. It is funded by PASO Olympic Solidarity. b) Mr Willi Kattschmitt – IOC member for Guatemala He expressed gratitude to participants for having made the effort to be in Guatemala for so important and event. The Olympic Games are Quadrennial. It is the responsibility of the Academies to work to keep the Movement alive. These organizations infuse the Movement. c) Mr Conrado Durantez – President Ibero-American and Spanish Olympic Academies He joined the previous speakers in welcoming the participants. He congratulated Sr Beltranena on the initiative taken to host this Seminar. The Olympic Charter has among its tasks, the responsibility to disseminate the principles of the Olympic Movement. He officially inaugurated the first Pan American Seminar for Olympic Academies. 2. The Ancient Olympic Games – Mr Conrado Durantez Ancient Greeks saw spirits and physical culture as integral to the education process of all members of society. It was integral to the curriculums. The Greeks also introduced sports as a battle between two individuals – the victor was glorified while the vanquished was respected for performance in the altercation. Re the origins of the Olympism it is necessary to return to Greek mythology. Olympia – an ideal place to pay homage to Zeus. The historic origin of the Olympic Games - an atmosphere of moving simplicity – the pilgrims came to adore Zeus in Olympia. It was a religious pilgrimage. When Games began in Olympia is not known. First origin dated - 776 BC. The Stad – was a distance 192.4m. Stadium; the only Race. Bere Louis – France writer - see quotation Olympic Games developed in months of June/July – messengers went out indicating Olympiad – the first four-year gap between the Olympic Games. That the Games were coming and that there should be no war during the period – the Truce - A Sacred truce, was signed. 884 BC – The truce was signed by the three kings to defend the Games from wars. All had to swear to Zeus that they would observe the truce. Elians – the people who lived in Olympia. Women in Olympic Games Women have had a difficult time in getting into the Olympics. Women were excluded from the Games of Antiquity, under the threat of being murdered. They were not allowed into the Stadium. They had to stay outside the borders of Olympia. Athletes competed naked. This was at a particular historic period. The Greeks felt no shame in performing naked because they had prepared themselves, physically, through the use of gymnasia. In the Games of Antiquity – bribery, accusations of corruption, were rampant. Sanctions were imposed and many were reflected in the status. Bodily punishment was also an option inflicted on the less able athletes. This was the case of those who engaged in false starts in events. We are unaware of the actual length of the Games in Antiquity – five or six days. Equestrian was important. The horse was extremely important in Greek society at the time. Mounted horses and also chariot races were part of the process. There were Greek champions. American champions were also known. There was also a Spanish Olympic Champion – 128 AD in Olympia is the 4-horse chariot race. Pentathlon – gave rise to what Aristotle thought to be the example of all that should characterize the athlete – the archetype of the Greek athlete. This was a most valuable event. Foot Races, Wrestling and Boxing. Rewards – symbolic wild olive crowns; the ceremony was ritualistic. Wreath was made from a wild olive that - bears no fruit - cut by man whose parents were still alive - cut with a golden knife N.B. All was not well at the Olympic Games of Antiquity - corruption, bribery, professionalism, were among the major problems faced. 392 AD – end of Circuit Games – legislation by Teodisius. Olympia was a Sanctuary. It was not a City. Elitism characterized the Games of Antiquity 3. Principles and Olympic Philosophy – Dr Fernando Beltranena Olympism – see the Olympic Charter - A way of life; a philosophy of life; a life led in accordance with the highest ethical principles. De Coubertin – the athlete must: know himself govern himself conquer himself Participation in the Olympic Games must be founded in Olympism. Competition in the Olympic spirit is characterized by honesty and fair play. Compliance to rules Honorable treatment of losers Apply in life and in sport, honesty at all times. The development of the personality cult removes us from Olympism in sport. It facilitates selfishness and allows for the emergence of a philosophy to “win at all costs.” Olympism is a way of life based on: the joy of effort the educational value of good example respect for universal fundamental ethical principles Baron Pierre de Coubertin Placed sport at the service of harmonious development of the human being, with a view to encourage the establishment of a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity. He was appealing for justice among men. He intended NOCs to be at the service of the athletes and not vice versa. For him, the Olympic Games constitute a global festival that epitomizes at one and the same time the achievements of man in sport and the capacity of sport to enhance the human condition in terms of the removal of discriminatory barriers and the promotion of peace, camaraderie and cooperation. Sport can form the character of the individual: - values - energy - discipline - will - perseverance It is when we add Olympism to the aforementioned that we are able to allow for the emergence of ‘good’ rather than ‘evil’ character. The Olympic athlete: - is ascetic – concentrating on the plenitude of the definitive moment - is optimistic - is generous – sparing no effort in pursuit of excellence - is intelligent – works to a plan; leaves nothing to chance - Is competitive – i.e. the dialogue between effort and the struggle in striving to be better each day. Discussion NOCs have the first responsibility to convince ourselves of Olympism and our capacity to promote it among all who are involved in sport – athletes, coaches, physicians, agents, and managers. NOCs have the power to begin the process of change. Olympic Academies have a tremendous responsibility to promote Olympism. Building the individuals build the society and humanity in general. We have a responsibility to practice Olympism in our homes, in our schools and everywhere – including our politics. 4. Fair Play – Ethics and Sport – Mr Carlos Luna longo Guatemala has delivered over 180 lectures on Fair Play at schools, universities etc – reaching over 16, 000 people. One of the mandates of Olympic Academies – to disseminate information and provide examples. We can speak about the moral and ethical principles that should guide involvement in sport. To put them into practice is something completely different. The meaning of Fair Play: Play – an activity – recreational activity with rules allowing for winning and losing. Fair – without blemish; clean Olympic Academies are the best institutions to disseminate the ideals of Fair Play. They are ideally placed to carry out this mandate. We need to work through the media for the promotion of the ideals of Fair Play. We have to overcome the media’s penchant to project news and images of negative conduct and persons rather than positive role models. Ours is a worthy cause – the promotion of Olympism and especially those of Fair Play. It is important that we are able to apply the moral and ethical principles and values in every aspect of my life. It is our business. Everything to do with the promotion of positive values and morals is our business. How is it that the scoundrels and criminals work consistently and with great diligence to succeed in their wicked deed? Ought we too not to go the extremities to promote Fair Play Committees everywhere to help effect change? The IOC does not have a Fair Play Commission.