The WOA coordinate the 142 National Olympian Associations (NOA) existing worldwide by giving financial aid to run independent programmes as well as an NOA Grant Fund to support longer term projects.

Among further schemes being formed, in a "range of benefits for Olympians", are university scholarships, mentorships, job placements and life coaching programmes for ex-athletes.

It is hoped the new website will also offer its Olympian members "powerful new ways to connect and communicate with each other, share experiences and pass on useful opportunities".

All of this was outlined in tonight's cocktail reception here - also the opening event held in the IOC Olympic Club - where President Joël Bouzou as well as the organisation's patron Prince Albert of Monaco and chief executive Mike Miller were all in attendance.

WOA President Joël Bouzou with WOA patron Prince Albert of Monaco at the unveiling of the revamped organisation this evening ©ITG




The event was also attended by a combination of Olympians, International Olympic Committee (IOC) members - including the recently re-elected Athletes' Commission chairman Claudia Bokel - along with at least three International Federation Presidents.

In a relaxed atmosphere, there was a sense of optimism that sunnier times lie ahead for the organisation as they strive to represent Olympians from all backgrounds as well to help sport serve a wider development role.  

This fresh start was emphasised by chief executive Mike Miller when he outlined to insidethegames how the WOA has "a new emphasis in helping Olympians around the world". 

He explained how, while when people think of Olympians they invariably consider figures like Usain Bolt, in reality most Olympians do not win medals and are not from privileged backgrounds.

He also said, in a similar message to that conveyed by the IOC throughout their Session here this week, that the Olympic Movement has a wider role to inspire development - as envisaged by Pierre De Coubertin who saw it as a means to an end.

Miller, formerly chief executive for the International Rugby Board, added that there are many impressing development projects by Olympians worldwide, and that the new website is also a way to coordinate and publicise the good work which is already being done. 

Bermuda's two time luge and skeleton Olympian Patrick Singleton is the treasurer of the WOA...and an example of a less well-known Olympian ©Getty Images


Similar views were echoed by WOA President Joël Bouzou when he described what is a
"very exciting time for the WOA.

"We're delighted to launch our new identity and website here at the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi", he said.

"We believe the new logo and website signifies the great strides we have made in 2012 and 2013 with the appointment of a new chief executive, the creation and launch of our National Olympians Association Development Fund and Project Fund, and our much improved communications with our members around the world.

"We're now looking forward to building on the momentum and continuing to take the organisation forward.

"We are in the process of developing new partnerships and projects that will benefit Olympians around the globe and the communities they live in.

"We are also hoping to soon be able to announce the host city for our inaugural World Olympians Forum.

"Olympians have a special capacity to use the power and neutrality of sport for the good of society and it is our duty to help them achieve this goal".