The Implementation of Olympic Education Programs at World Level

The objective of this survey was to collect and validate data on the present situation of Olympic education programs within the Olympic Movement, investigate any related problems and present proposals for their solution. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire, which was completed by Directors of National Olympic Academies and Officials of National Olympic Committees (N = 92), from 70 countries from all five continents during the 9th International Session which was held in Ancient Olympia from 1st to 8th June 2007.The elaboration and analysis of the data leads to the conclusion that Olympic education is an innovative educational activity enjoying international recognition. Its implementation varies from country to country and is achieved, in most cases, through education, in all its tiers. The organizations that assist in the implementation of Olympic education programs are mostly the National Olympic Academies and the National Olympic Committees and, to a lesser extent, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, sports associations, sponsors and social institutions. During their implementation, problems arise mostly related to insufficient funding and, to a lesser extent, to inadequate training of people in charge of implementation, inadequate organization and inadequate promotion.