EOC Executive Committee member and Chair of the EOC Culture and Education Commission José Manuel Araujo attending the opening of the 7th European Olympic Academies (EOA) Congress in Prague, Czechia, underscoring the close relationship between the two organisations.
More than 60 delegates from 30 National Olympic Academies are attending the event from 6-10 October, under the theme of “Current Issues and Developments of the Olympic Movement – Commemorating the Olympic Congress in Prague, 1925: Lasting Legacy and Ongoing Challenges”.
Welcome addresses were delivered by EOA President Prof. Manfred Laemmer and Alexandr Kliment, President of the Czech Olympic Academy, before José Manuel Araujo, Chair of the EOC Culture and Education Commission, highlighted the importance of the EOA’s work.
“The EOA plays an important role in promoting Olympism throughout Europe, and the EOC is proud to enjoy great collaboration with the EOA,” Araujo said.
“We are also extremely grateful for the work of the National Olympic Academies in spreading the Olympic Values.
“As we know, sport faces great challenges but also great opportunities in a rapidly changing world.
“We all have to embrace change, but we can do so while remaining true to our Olympic Values and traditions. These are truly embodied by the European Sport Model.
“I am sure the discussions in the next three days will be very valuable and insightful.”
International Olympic Academy President Prof. Charilaos Tsolakis also welcomed participants to the EOA Congress, and stressed the importance of education, cooperation and values-based leadership in strengthening the Olympic Movement during times of transformation.
The EOC played an instrumental role in the foundation of the EOA in 2018, and through a Memorandum of Understanding continues to serve as one of its most important partners.
Topics to be discussed at the 7th EOA Congress include Olympic education, gender equity and safeguarding in sport.
The annual EOA Flame Awards celebrating outstanding contributions to Olympic education and heritage will take place this evening (7 October), while the 8th EOA General Assembly will convene on Thursday (9 October).
