World Olympians Association and Malta Olympians

'Olympians' by definition, are those athletes, past or present, who have represented their respective countries in one or more editions of the Olympic Games. I believe that it is an accepted fact that these individuals are the most important elements of the Olympic Movement.

A few months ago I represented the Malta Olympic Committee (MOC) at a seminar organised by the World Olympians Association (WOA) in Budapest. This seminar was attended by about 55 delegates from 39 different European countries. The main scope was to urge European National Olympic Associations to establish Olympians clubs, or associations, which could then also affiliate with the WOA.

I returned from Hungary determined to implement what the WOA was recommending.

The seminar was presided by Pal Schmidt, WOA president. He introduced the subject by giving the background history of the World Olympians Association.

Following the formation of the Athletes Commission in 1981, the International Olympic Committee took an important step forward when in 1995 it established, on the suggestion of none other than Juan Samaranch himself, the WOA.

The WOA is the official representative body of all Olympians regardless of age, sport, nationality or other definitive measure. Today, it represents over 80,000 and is currently making dynamic progress.

The Olympian movement must take it upon itself to prepare the Olympians for life after their sport careers have come to an end.

After the completion of their career many athletes stick to their favourite sport as an official or administrator, sometimes even elected to represent their respective association in international sports conferences and congresses. It is necessary that they be professional, responsible and committed to be of a good example to their own fellow countrymen regardless of their age.

Olympians are among the most powerful symbols within nations. They therefore deserve to be identified and recognised as such.

National Olympians Associations have already been set up in some 117 countries. Most of them enjoy support of their respective National Olympic Committees for technical, moral and financial support.

Olympians are the essential link that inspire young athletes to greater heights, to overcome all obstacles they face from time to time.

It is evident, however, that the WOA is still evolving and developing its objectives depending on the feedback it receives from various members. It is also very clear that in the first years a lot of work has been done, by the team led by Mr Schmidt, to launch this world organisation.

From a presentation given by Ms Raimbault, I got the impression that the proper launching of the WOA will take place during the General Assembly and Congress in Monaco next year when a new Council would be elected.

Objectives

Although each national Olym-pians Association can draw up its own objectives for having such an organisation, I corresponded with the WOA and asked for more details and the ideal behind the setting up of this organisation.

The objectives which are derived from the statute of the WOA are the following:

a) to further the development of communications across the world between Olympians and promote the Fundamental Principles of Olympism and the Olympic Movement as set down in the Olympic Charter;

b) to promote the establishment of National Olympic Associations;

c) to enhance the quality of life of the Olympians;

d) to encourage the Olympians to take an active role in leadership of their local communities; and

e) to motivate Olympians to participate in community activities and promote Olympic ideals.

Statute and by-laws

I also asked the WOA if they have a standard 'Statute and By-Laws' which they expected the national Olympians Associations to adopt.

They replied that they have drawn up a set of by-laws which they would recommend each association to incorporate with their own statute.

The main features are: Purpose or objectives of the association; Composition of Board or Council; Definition of Olympian and therefore those eligible for membership; Recognition of the national association by the World Association; Election of representative committee; and Presentation of audited accounts and appointment of auditor.

The WOA has yet to draw up its 'Mission Statement'. This is expected to be presented at the next General Assembly of the WOA.

According to Mr Schmidt, the World Olympians Association receives an annual contribution of 120,000 Swiss francs per annum from the IOC to cover administrative costs, but its activities are mainly financed through an annual sponsorship of one million dollars that the WOA is receiving from 'Osaka City'.

What about our Olympians?

As stated in my introduction, the WOA is proposing that every National Olympic Committee should have its our own Olympians Association. Malta is no exception.

Malta, too, has its own small number of Olympians. In Malta, there are some 50 of them and I believe that they should also be identified and honoured as such.

I would here like to make it amply clear that I do not have the honour to be an 'Olympian' and therefore I am not trying to blow my own trumpet.

I have gathered some of the ideas floated during the seminar which I have classified 'the scope', 'the benefits' and 'obligations' arising from the setting of the Malta Olympians Club.

The scope - to honour, give and encourage due respect towards all those who represented Malta in the Olympic Games.

Benefits - There are benefits for both the 'Olympians' individually as well as for sport in general since there are various functions that the Olympians could take care of once they are organised as a group. The Olympic movement stands to gain a lot of publicity whenever the Olympians organise a function.

Then again, in certain European countries the Olympians Associations have managed, after opening a dialogue with governments and other institutions, to obtain certain financial benefits for their members. These include tax free pension; free or subsidised public transport; free entrance to sport facilities; and higher pensions.

The Hungarian Olympians Association has also managed to acquire a cemetery which is retained exclusively for Olympians to be buried there.

Obligations - The setting up of the Olympians Association would see members conscious of the fact that he/she is being given due importance but which at the same time would only be effective if each individual takes the initiative to get involved, to make himself/herself useful to the sport or even to society in general.

They should be encouraged to give back to sport some of the services that they had received during the years that they participated in sports getting involved in coaching, officiating, administration of sport and social work.

Implementation

I am happy to say that the MOC has approved the setting up of the Malta Olympians Club.

It is indeed fitting that this body would be established during the year when the MOC is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

An exercise has been carried out to identify those who are eligible to become members of this exclusive organisation. The MOC has recently sent notices to all Olympians urging them to attend a special meeting on Thursday at the MOC headquarters, starting at 7.30 p.m.

Those Olympians who have not received their notice to date are asked to contact MOC secretary Joe Cassar or myself on 21-332801 and 21-332806.