1st International Student Conference

DAY 1 – Domestic Arrivals & Journey to Olympia

Theme: Connection: Meeting self, others, and the Olympic spirit

• Morning: After Breakfast Visit to Olympic Museum
  • Welcome circle and joint ice-breakers.
• Afternoon (by 11:30): Bus departs for Ancient Olympia.
  • Onboard discussions: “What does the Olympic spirit mean today?”
• Evening: Arrival at IOA.
  • Welcome Dinner: Greek-style communal meal.
  • Campfire Session: Olympic values storytelling and trust-building games.
  • Journaling Prompt: Who am I in this group, and what do I hope to discover?

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DAY 2 – Simplicity in Motion

Theme: Simplicity: Returning to the roots of human excellence

• Morning:
  • Opening Ceremony at the IOA Olympic Grove
  • Interactive lecture: The Origins of Olympism – From Ancient Rituals to Global Movement
  • Group game: “Olympic Trivia Quest” around IOA grounds
• Afternoon:
  • Sports Rotation 1: Traditional Olympic Sports (Track, Shot Put, Long Jump)
  • Values Lab: What makes a sport “Olympic”?
• Evening:
  • Sunset Breathing & Mindfulness Circle: Simplicity in Mind & Motion
  • Journaling Prompt: Where in my life can I remove complexity to grow?

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DAY 3 – Heritage & Creativity

Theme: Creativity: Reimagining traditions through new ideas

• Morning:
  • Guided Tour of the Ancient Olympia archaeological site & museum
  • Activity: “Whispers of the Stones” – students sketch / write short reflections inspired by statues or ruins
• Afternoon:
  • Workshop: Design Your Own Olympic Torch or Emblem
  • Group Pitch Challenge: Create a New Olympic Sport – design, values, and presentation
• Evening:
  • Esports Showcase: Debate – Are esports the future of the Olympics?
  • Journaling Prompt: How can I use my imagination to respect and renew tradition?

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DAY 4 – Innovation & Resilience

Theme: Innovation & Resilience: Solving problems and bouncing back

• Morning:
  • Simulation Activity: The Olympic Village Problem – teams navigate real-world ethical dilemmas faced by organizers, athletes, and nations
  • Workshop: From Idea to Impact – Innovation in Sport & Society
• Afternoon:
  • Sports Rotation 2: Fencing, Archery, Volleyball
  • Challenge: Obstacle Course of Resilience – teamwork, failure recovery, leadership
• Evening:
  • Guided Town Visit: Explore Ancient Olympia’s modern town through a photo scavenger hunt
  • Journaling Prompt: When did I last fail forward, and what did I learn?

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DAY 5 – Celebration & Reflection

Theme: Reflection: Understanding the journey and preparing for the future

• Morning:
  • Creative Lab: Map Your Olympic Journey – visual timeline of your personal growth
  • Workshop: Letter to My Future Self
  • Community Circle: Group reflections and shout-outs
• Afternoon:
  • Torch Relay Ceremony through the Academy grounds – symbolizing passing on values
• Evening:
  • Closing Ceremony – Awarding of Certificates and Special Recognitions
  • Celebration Dinner with music, dancing, and photo montage screening
  • Journaling Prompt: What legacy do I want to carry forward?

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DAY 6 – Departure & Continuity

Theme: Continuity: Bringing home the Olympic spirit

• Morning:
  • Final Breakfast
  • Farewell Circle and sharing of contact trees (peer networks across countries)
  • Group Departure to Athens
  • Distribution of “Reflection Kits” – curated journal pages,
  • Olympic values bookmark, and future goals worksheet

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Students from around the world age 14 to 17

A Week of Leadership, Connection, and Discovery

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Learn By Doing

Take part in hands-on workshops, team challenges, and interactive sessions that bring leadership to life.

Connect Globally

Meet students from around the world who share your passion for making a difference.

Explore Ancient Olympia

Walk through historic ruins, reflect in peaceful olive groves, and experience the spirit of the Games in a place like no other.

Grow with Mentors

Work with expert educators trained by international leaders in youth development and Olympic values.

Discover New Perspectives

Engage in meaningful conversations about leadership, identity, and global citizenship.

Be Inspired

From the setting to the speakers to the friendships you’ll build—this experience will stay with you long after summer ends.

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