An Olympic Education -- Majoring in Olympism

Among a variety of comprehensive educational programs and sessions offered at the International Olympic Academy in ancient Olympia is the master’s program in "Olympic Studies, Olympic Education, Organization and Management of Olympic Events," which became part of the institution’s curriculum in 2009.

The unique postgraduate degree program delves into an array of modules and lessons exploring all facets of the Olympic Movement: the history of the Games, contemporary problems, international relations, management, organizing sports events, peace and reconciliation, marketing, education, and others.

Professor Konstantinos Georgiadis is director of the master’s program in Olympic Studies, and also serves as an honorary dean at the IOA.

"The Olympic Movement needs well-educated people and leaders in the Olympic philosophy," Georgiadis told Around the Rings.

"The objective of the program is to provide a specialized workforce that will organize and direct Olympic and athletic institutions, promote the growth of programs of Olympic education on the international level and promote knowledge and research on issues of Olympic philosophy and education, organization and management of Olympic Games, athletic events, and in general Olympic and athletic studies," Georgiadis said.

In its fifth academic year, the master’s program has been attended by 139 students from 63 countries. Students live and study together during two semesters of two months each. They attend lectures at the IOA, then spend a period preparing a thesis. Minimum tuition for the program is 3,000 euros.

"Our main goal is the continuous improvement of the program and the maintenance of a high scientific level," Georgiadis said.

"At the same time, it is important to ensure the program’s financial sustainability with the contribution of donors and sponsors in order to keep fees at the lowest level."

The program is conducted in conjunction with the University of Peloponnese and through the financial support of the IOC and John S. Latsis Foundation.

Students of Olympic Studies

Apostolos Matsaridis, 28, of Thessaloniki is a graduate of the Olympic Studies program. The Greek citizen – a combat sports coach who owns and operates a gym and holds a degree in politics and sport – hopes to work with international sport federations and organizations in his future.

"It is not simply an extraordinary educational program leading to a unique degree in Olympic Studies; it is a lifetime experience," Matsaridis said. "It is a mark on your life and, apart from the high quality knowledge provided by the best experts of the world, it takes place at the birthplace of the Olympic Games."

Matsaridis said the diversity among students and the idyllic setting enhanced the experience.

"Most interesting was the multicultural environment, the different ages and cultures, all together for two intense semesters, living in the same place, in a small village in Greece," he said.

Bryan Fautley, 24, of Toronto, Canada, a current student in the master’s program approaching completion of his first semester, offered a similar perspective.

"I would say that the most exceptional aspect of the academy is its diversity, both in the form of its students and its professors," Fautley said, adding that he has been taught by professors at the top of their fields from Greece, Canada, Austria, the United Kingdom, and U.S.

"It truly demonstrates the power of internationalism and has provided me with many new ideas, perspectives, and most importantly, friends from around the world.

"I am hoping to apply the knowledge I have learned at the academy to an area of international sport where I can focus on the positive development of human rights on a global scale."

International Session for Young Participants

Adhering to Pierre de Coubertin’s philosophy and ideals, the IOA continues to promote education toward the younger generation, evidenced by the annual International Session For Young Participants.

The two-week session is traditionally held in June or July, offering a diverse mix of young international students with an introduction into Olympism and the Olympic Movement. In collaboration with the IOC, the IOA has conducted the youth-oriented program since its inception in 1961.

Dr. Gylton Da Matta, 49, a Brazilian native who resides in Colorado and serves as a consultant for Brazil’s Olympic volleyball teams, has been a guest professor at IOA each of the past two summers.

"The International Olympic Academy has a major concern to develop leadership and ambassadors for Olympic education, the Olympic values and the Olympic philosophy, and the youth participants are the true ambassadors for this to happen," Da Matta said.

"They’ve worked at their National Olympic Committees and national Olympic academies and through their enthusiasm and work here, they will proliferate the Olympic values."

Da Matta delivered three lectures to approximately 130 students in the program. His most recent lecture in June was titled, "The Challenge of the Olympic Games for Youth: The path to expertise and constraints for young gold medalist volleyball players."

"I was fortunate to create academic lectures, but also to motivate future ambassadors," Da Matta said. "How to engage and empower youth into the Olympic Movement is fascinating; it is a powerful issue."

Da Matta said that living on the premises alongside the students during the fortnight was an enlightening experience.

"After staying there with the participants, I realized that the purpose was not just to send numbers or disseminate new knowledge, but to inspire people to live a reality, to live this dream."

Inspired by his time and experiences at the IOA, Da Matta created and developed the Youth Olympic Sports Academy in Fort Collins, Colorado, in October 2012, bringing Olympic culture to young people in northern Colorado.

Additional Happenings at IOA

In addition to the master’s program in Olympic Studies and Session for Young Participants, the IOA also offers seminars and courses of study for National Olympic Academy presidents and directors, educators, sports officials, journalists, and even Olympic medalists.

In 2013, the IOA also organized five educational conferences in cooperation with the "Center for Hellenic Studies" of Harvard University, Yale, St. Andrews University, Georgetown University, and the Panteion University in Athens.

Aside from its educational activities, the IOA supports and provides guidelines for 144 National Olympic Academies worldwide.

"We are planning to expand the educational programs in all the fields that the current Olympic Movement needs," said IOA president Isidoros Kouvelos.

"We hope that very soon we will be in the position to announce new collaborations."

For more information, visit the IOA’s website.

Written by Brian Pinelli

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.