The 19th International Session for National Olympic Academies’ and National Olympic Committees’ Delegates continues in Ancient Olympia with two rich days of lectures, dialogue, working groups and shared experiences, bringing together the international Olympic education community.

The programme opened with a lecture by Ms Emma Terho, bronze medallist and five-time Olympian in ice hockey, on the Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities Declaration. Drawing on her experience as an athlete and leader within the Olympic Movement, Ms Terho highlighted the importance of empowering athletes with knowledge, voice and responsibility, reminding participants that athlete-centred education is essential for the future of sport.

The Session continued with two thought-provoking lectures on ethical leadership and the educational role of National Olympic Academies. Prof. Dr Mike McNamee addressed the subject “Policy and Power: The Role of Education in Developing Ethical Olympic Leaders,” focusing on the responsibility of education in shaping leaders with integrity and moral awareness. This was followed by Prof. Dr Nelson Todt, who explored “How Can National Olympic Academies Promote Ethical Leadership Through Education for Athletes?”, underlining the unique position of NOAs in supporting athletes not only as competitors, but also as responsible members of society.

The formed working groups give delegates the opportunity to transform the ideas of the lectures into discussion, reflection and practical proposals and create an essential part of the IOA educational experience, encouraging active participation, intercultural dialogue and the exchange of different national perspectives.

The programme continued with a strong focus on integrity, leadership, Olympic education and safeguarding. Prof. Dr Yannis Pitsiladis delivered a lecture on “Integrity and Protection of Clean Sport,” addressing one of the most urgent issues in the protection of athletes and the credibility of sport.

The theme of responsible leadership was further developed by Dr Vesa Nissinen, who spoke on “Leadership with Responsibility: Building Ethical Cultures in Sports Organizations for Athletes and Their Entourage, Officials and Administrators — A Deep Leadership Approach.” His lecture emphasized the importance of building ethical cultures within sport organizations, where responsibility is shared by all those who influence the athlete environment.

Prof. Dr Ik Young Chang, presented “Reframing Olympic Education for a Critical Understanding of the Olympic Movement: History, Values, and Structure.” His contribution invited participants to approach Olympic education not only as the transmission of ideals, but also as a critical and informed understanding of the Olympic Movement, its history and its evolving role in society.

Emphasis was also placed to safeguarding and safe sport. Prof. Dr Stiliani “Ani” Chroni spoke on “The Roles and Responsibilities of Sports Organization in Safeguarding Education, Culture and Systems,” highlighting the need for education, structures and organizational culture that protect athletes. This was followed by Prof. Dr Cesar R. Torres, whose lecture “Some Thoughts on Safe Sport & Safeguarding in Sport” added further depth to the discussion on creating safer, more respectful and more responsible sporting environments.

The programme also included a presentation by Ms Maria Bogner, Head of the IOC Olympic Studies Centre, on “Disseminating Olympic Knowledge and Fostering Olympic Education and Studies – The IOC Olympic Studies Centre.” Her presentation underlined the importance of access to Olympic knowledge, research and educational resources, and highlighted the role of the IOC Olympic Studies Centre in supporting the global Olympic education community.

A particularly meaningful moment of the Session was the video projection of NOA activities, during which National Olympic Academies and National Olympic Committees shared their initiatives, programmes and achievements. Through these videos, delegates had the opportunity to discover the valuable work being carried out in different countries and regions, from educational activities and youth programmes to community initiatives, leadership development and the promotion of Olympic values.

This exchange of experiences brought visibility to national efforts and reinforced one of the central messages of the Session: when good practices are shared, they can inspire new ideas, strengthen cooperation and create new opportunities for collaboration within the NOA network.

As the Session continues, the International Olympic Academy reaffirms its mission to support National Olympic Academies and National Olympic Committees in their educational work, promoting inclusion, integrity, responsibility and respect for every athlete.

Olympic education remains deeply relevant today. It is a tool for leadership, a foundation for ethical sport, a pathway to safeguarding and inclusion, and above all, a shared responsibility for the future of the Olympic Movement.

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