The World Olympians Association is an association of former olympic athletes ("Olympians") from all over the world, to promote the dissemination of Olympic ideals, fair play, advance environmental protection, educate against doping – drug use, supply educational resources, work against violence and intolerance, support diversity and equality, contribute to sport related charities, host special hospitality centres, involve Olympians in social support, display positive role models, advance sport management and promote culture of which sport is a part of.

An Olympian is any athlete who was once accredited to participate at a Summer or Winter Olympic Games. Olympians are WOA members through their local National Olympians Associations.

IOC President, Juan Antonio Samaranch created the World Olympians Association following the Centennial Olympic Congress, Congress of Unity, held in Paris in 1994. Formally, the WOA was established during a meeting held in the Olympic Museum on 21st November 1995 by 25 founder members.

Globally, there are 80,000 Olympians.

Objectives

• To encourage contact between Olympians, in support of Olympism and the Olympic Movement, as set forth in the Olympic Charter.
• To educate Olympians to become good ambassadors of the Olympic Movement
• To promote the establishment of National Olympians Associations.
• To foster cooperation between National Olympians Associations, in furtherance of the objectives of the WOA
• To support and represent the interests of Olympians and contribute to the enhancement of their quality of life.
• To motivate Olympians towards active leadership in their respective local communities and countries of residence.
• To support the participation of Olympians in activities where they can serve as role models who embody the Olympic ideals.
• To implement development programs as appropriate.

External links

• Official website of the World Olympians Association