From September 20-22, 2018, representatives of 20 European National Olympic Academies gathered in Ljubljana, following the decision from last years’ meeting to establish the European Olympic Academy (EOA).

During the official reception, the participants were welcomed by the President of the European Olympic Committees, Mr Janez Kocijancic, President and Dean of the International Olympic Academy Mr Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the European Paralympic Committee Mr Ratko Kovacic, President of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia Mr Bogdan Gabrovec and the President of the Slovenian Olympic Academy, Mr Miroslav Cerar.



European University Sports Association (EUSA) was also invited to attend, and was represented by Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, Secretary General. Mr Milan Zvan, EUSA Executive Committee Member also attended the event in his role of the Dean of Faculty of Sports of the University of Ljubljana.



The founding assembly of the European Olympic Academy was held the following day. Assembly elected Mr Manfred Laemmer as the President of the European Olympic Academy and elected the rest of the board members.



The main aim of the newly established organisation will be promoting the Olympic idea, working together with the International Olympic Academy, the National Olympic Committees, the European Olympic Committees and other organisations. The EOA Headquarters will be in Frankfurt.