CEHD News

Dr. Mary Hums was selected by the United States Olympic Committee as one of only two people to represent the U.S. at the International Olympic Academy (IOA). The academy was held in Olympia, Greece in July and more than 80 people representing 42 different countries were in attendance. The Educators Session is held once every two years. The other representative for the U.S. was Dr. Wayne Blann from Ithaca College in New York.

Dr. Mary Hums
Courtesy UofL news.

The IOA functions as an International Academic Centre for Olympic studies, education and research. It is an international forum for free expression and exchange of ideas among the Olympic Family, intellectuals, scientists, athletes, sport administrators, educators, artists and youth of the world.

“The Academy brings people together from all over the world in a spirit of friendship and cooperation,” says Hums. The mission of the IOA is to urge participants to use the experiences and knowledge gained in the academy to promote Olympic ideals in their respective countries, (International Olympic Academy 2006).

“It was a tremendous honor to be chosen to represent the United States at the IOA,” stated Hums. “While there, I studied with scholars from around the world, all of whom share a common research interest in some aspect of the Olympic movement.”

Dr. Hums was also selected to present her paper titled “Ethical Issues Facing the Paralympic Movement.” Only 14 of the academy participants were chosen for this opportunity. Participants attended lectures and discussion groups on various aspects of Olympism and the Olympic movement. They were also given a tour of the archeological site of the ancient olympic games.

“The best part was the people I met and interacted with,” said Hums. “It was an amazing experience to share ideas with scholars of this magnitude from around the world. Attending the IOA was a dream of a lifetime.”

Visit the IOA web site, for more information about the 2006 session.