The International Olympic Committee (IOC) celebrated a milestone in India as its Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) reached 12 million children across more than 55,000 schools in the country. Launched in 2022 with initial support from the Odisha State Government and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), OVEP aims to instill Olympic values, enhance physical fitness, and promote social harmony through sport-integrated learning within and beyond the classroom.
Recently, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, hosted students and teachers from Assam, marking one year since OVEP’s implementation in the state. The delegation, coordinated by ABFT, participated in Olympic Week with sports and cultural activities, allowing students to engage with Swiss peers in workshops on weightlifting, archery, parkour, and more. For many, it was their first time traveling outside Assam, making it a momentous event.
Since its introduction in Odisha and Assam, OVEP has led to a marked increase in school attendance and sports participation, particularly among girls. Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, officially launched OVEP in October 2023, incorporating it into 100 schools. Student testimonials, like that of Ratul Haque Choudhury from Panbazar Higher Secondary School, reveal the program’s impact, with students gaining confidence, focus, and social skills through OVEP activities.
According to Suman Dey, a teacher from Bengali Higher Secondary School in Assam, OVEP’s mixed-gender activities foster respect and inclusivity among students, reshaping social dynamics in schools. Teachers have organized online sessions to connect OVEP students in Odisha and Assam, promoting inter-state exchange of values and ideas.
The Reliance Foundation and ABFT have been instrumental in expanding OVEP initiatives, with the program positively impacting educators, parents, and sports professionals. During the Swiss visit, teachers attended sessions on safeguarding and strategic planning, while students explored the Olympic Museum and met Olympians. Abhinav Bindra, an IOC Olympic Education Commission member, noted, “It is inspiring to see how OVEP has enriched the lives of Assam’s students, bringing them closer to the Olympic Movement.”
The success of OVEP highlights the potential for educational programs that integrate sports to inspire character building, teamwork, and resilience in young minds.
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