Bhubaneswar: Odisha became the first state in the country on Tuesday where the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) was launched. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the programme in 90 schools of Odisha.
Launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the programme has been developed in partnership with Odisha’s School and Mass Education Department and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT).
The programme aims to integrate an Olympism-themed curriculum into the school education system.
Started as a pilot project in schools of Rourkela and Bhubaneswar, it will be expanded to other schools in the coming days.
Speaking on the occasion, Naveen said, “This is the beginning of a new Olympic movement in the country. Through this programme, our children will experience and benefit from the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.”
He underlined that Odisha is emerging as a major sports hub in India and will continue to lead in the sports sector through such partnerships. He further said that it’s a privilege to engage with the IOC to launch this programme. “We thank IOC for partnering with us in this endeavour to excel in sports,” he said.
Minister of School & Mass Education Sameer Ranjan Dash said that the programme will make a difference to the lives of students. He praised the vision and leadership of Naveen for bringing transformative changes to every sector, including education and sports.
Joining the programme, IOC Education Commission Chairperson Mikaela C. Jaworski said that sports is a powerful tool of change which formal education may not necessarily bring about. “Olympics movement can contribute significantly to society. This programme will be integrated in school syllabus,” she added.
Director of IOC Culture & Heritage Committee Angelita Teo said that Olympics education will enhance the philosophy of life. It will help students to lead a peaceful, better life. Olympism will focus on value-based learning, she added.
IOC Member Neeta Ambani said that though every child cannot be an Olympian, but all can learn, powered by Olympism.
Olympian Abhnav Bindra said that core values of life are learned outside the classrooms. Olympic movement has the potential for social change, he said.
President of Odisha Hockey Promotion Council Dillip Tirkey said that he has learnt values of self-discipline, respect and confidence by playing in Olympics.
Indian Olympic Association Chairperson Narendra Batra said this movement will instill the values of sports in education, will create respect for cultural diversity. With this unique movement, Odisha will create example for other states, he added.
