International Olympic Academy (IOA) Revisited

Prof. Wassong was invited as a keynote speaker for the 14^th International Session for Educators of Higher Institutes of Physical Education, which took placefrom July 8 to July 12at the International Olympic Academy at Ancient Olympia, Greece. In an interview with the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Prof. Wassong remarked that it “was inspiring to be back after 2021 and to experience the authentic research and teaching atmosphere in Olympia”. A total of 28 participants from 19 countries were welcomed and immersed in the Olympic Movement. The seven keynotes covered interesting topics, including the impact of sport in modern societies (Colleen English, USA), peace and Olympic education (Marion Keim, RSA), e-sports in the Olympic Movement (Jim Parry, UK), the Olympic Movement after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (Yoav Dubinsky, ISR), and the interference of politics in the Olympic Movement (Dionyssis Gangas, GRE). Prof. Wassong gave a keynote on the role of Olympism for and in university sports from a historical and pedagogical perspective. His colleague from Austria, Ottmar Weiss, addressed this topic from a more sociological perspective. The two presentations opened discussions for new research perspectives; especially with regard to the FISU World University Games in Chengdu (2023) and Rhine-Ruhr (2025). As always, participants had the opportunity to visit the highly interesting archaeological site of Ancient Olympia. At 5:00 a.m. on July 11, Prof. Wassong led a group of 11 participants up Kronos Hill to enjoy the spectacular view of the Alpheios Valley at sunrise.