Following an invitation by the Beijing Institute for International Olympic Studies (BIIOS), IOA team members, Stella Tachtara – Head of Marketing and Communications, and Roula Vathi – Head of IOA Publications, visited Beijing, China and participated in the “Sports Sub-Forum of China-Europe Talent Forum 2024” and the “International Olympic Education Development Forum 2024” which took place from 15 to 16 October 2024.

The Forum was organised by Capital University of Physical Education and Sports (CUPES) where BIIOS is also based, in order to further advance the sustainable development of Olympic Education and strengthen international and domestic exchanges and cooperation in Olympic Education, by creating an international Olympic brand event, establishing new channels for international organisation talent development and exchange, building a high-level platform for Olympic Education research and exchange, and create a new image for the International Exchange Center of Beijing.

On October 14, the IOA team visited the CUPES campus, in central Beijing, where they had the opportunity to be guided through the sports and academic facilities, the BIIOS offices, and the one-of-a-kind Olympic Education Museum. On the same day, they spoke to CUPES students about the IOA, its history and legacy, its pivotal role in the Olympic Movement, its extensive and comprehensive educational programmes, and namely the International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors, the Master’s Degree Programme in Olympic Studies, Olympic Education, Organization and Management of Olympic Events, and the International Seminar on Olympic Studies for Postgraduate Students.

On October 15, they participated in a panel discussion, led by the President of CUPES, Zhang Xia, where they offered insights and suggestions on the development of BIIOS and the promotion of Olympic Education, while also looking into the progress of the collaboration between IOA and BIIOS which started in 2022 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding based on three pillars: a. infrastructure construction, such as the establishment and development of the Olympic Education Museum and the 29th Olympic Games Library in BIIOS, b. academic, management staff and student exchange as well as scientific research and cooperation in China and Greece and c. Olympic culture promotion, through the creation of Olympic Education programmes, events, material etc.

On October 16, the IOA team participated in the works of the 2024 International Olympic Education Development Forum, where they addressed an audience of students, professors, Olympic Education experts, and officials from CUPES.

Roula Vathi made a presentation titled “The publications of the International Olympic Academy as a supportive educational tool”, summing up the significant editorial work carried out by the IOA since the very first year of its operation, reflecting its educational policy. Through this valuable short library in the field of Olympic Studies, the IOA has been contributing since then to the scientific study of Olympism and Olympic education.

Stella Tachtara made a presentation titled “International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors: 64 years of bringing the world youth together” where she highlighted the role of the YOA Session in shaping the future Olympic Ambassadors, by offering an international forum for learning, for free expression and exchange of ideas, as well as a stimulating academic environment and by introducing young people to the principles and values of Olympism in a spirit of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding.

The IOA visit to Beijing and BIIOS served as an opportunity to reconnect with partners, colleagues and friends, to have productive discussions, to take stock of our cooperation so far and to plan our next joint educational projects. IOA and BIIOS will continue to work together for the promotion of Olympic Education and Olympic Values in Greece and China, inspired by their common vision to put Olympism in the service of humankind for a better world.

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