Today, the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) in Sochi hosted the first meeting of the newly created Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) Culture and Education Commission chaired by ROC President Stanislav Pozdnyakov.
ANOC members representing Sri Lanka, Iran, Namibia, Brazil and Guam took part in the work of the Commission.
The main outcome of the meeting was the formation of the plan of activities of the ANOC Culture and Education Commission for the next four years. It will enter into force upon approval by the Executive Council of ANOC.
Stanislav Pozdnyakov:
— I am very pleased that the ANOC Culture and Education Commission began its work in Sochi at one of the world’s leading universities, which offers its students fundamental Olympic education. There are about 40 such universities in total, but RIOU occupies a special place among them. It offers the most sought after and effective training programmes that are highly valued by the Russian and international expert community.
I would also like to emphasise the following fact. At the end of last year, a representative of Russia for the first time ever became chairperson of one of the key ANOC commissions and a member of the Executive Council of this reputable sports organisation. I consider this appointment as recognition of the merits of our country in the promotion of Olympic values throughout the world.
The main tasks of the Commission include the study and use of global experience in the field of Olympic education, assistance to athletes in their professional adaptation after finishing their athletic careers, as well as the implementation of effective educational programmes on all continents, including in the anti-doping sphere.
Today, we have discussed a number of practical issues – for example, the exchange of students between relevant universities. In addition, our Commission is ready to develop criteria for the enrolment of talented young people in certain higher education institutions and the provision of conditions for their training. We must utilise all the opportunities of ANOC to promote the values of Olympism in society.
