The IOA operates from its magnificent premises which are situated a few hundred yards from the sacred site of Ancient Olympia.

The IOA's grounds are sprawled over 225 acres of beautiful green and hilly countryside.

All the buildings are functional and elegant in their simplicity, built so as to blend in with the purity and serenity of their surroundings.

The single storey guest houses can accomodate 250 guests in single and double guestrooms and dormitories, accommodating 4 to 8 persons.

Other facilities include a restaurant, an office building and the Otto Symitsek Lecture Hall, with a capacity of 200 persons, offering simultaneous interpretation in four languages.

The new Conference Centre which was completed in 1994, is a three level building covering 1,800 sqm, built to blend in with the environment and provide the IOA with state of the art facilities.

These facilities include:

• An amphitheatre for 450 persons, with simultaneous translation in 8 languages and full audiovisual equipment
• Two conference rooms for 50 persons each with simultaneous interpretation in 4 languages
• An administrative wing
• A library/reading room and sorting room covering 350sq.m
• A cafeteria and lobby
• Auxiliary facilities

Sports activities play an integral part in the IOA Sessions and the Academy sports facilities included

• A soccer field
• A 25 m.swimming pool
• A 250 m. running track
• 2 basketball courts
• 2 volleyball courts
• 2 tennis courts

In a Movement rich with traditions, there is an annual ritual which is unique. The solemn opening of the international session of the International Olympic Academy.Unique because it unfolds in the same country, Greece and in the same place, the hill of the Pnyx, which links us to antiquity. Unique because it brings together young participants from all over the world on whom we count to take over from us and safeguard our heritage and consolidate the Olympic Movement.
Juan Antonio SAMARANCH
IOC Honorary President for Life