Hosted by the Korean Olympians Association during the Asian Games, the workshop discussed how the bodies can support their Olympian members, sharing practices and working together to expand WOA membership and increase NOA activities throughout the region.

A platform for debate on how NOAs can activate Olympians and encourage them to run Olympism in Action projects in the communities they live in will also be created, it is hoped.

"We're delighted to get together with NOAs in Asia to share experiences and explore how we can grow the movement and serve society by empowering Olympians to run sporting and social programmes in the communities they live in," said WOA President Joël Bouzou.

"The Olympism in Action projects are further examples of how the WOA and NOAs can create wonderful opportunities for Olympians to make a meaningful contribution to their local communities and inspire the people around them to achieve positive social change.

"We encourage all NOA and NOC delegates and Olympians attending the Asian Games to participate, contribute and share their vision for Olympians."

The workshop is a further example of the WOA's effort to widen its global influence around the world following the rebranding of the organisation earlier this year, when a new logo and website was launched.

Hye-Jung Cho, a South Korean Olympic volleyball bronze medal winner at Montreal 1976, leading a free Primary School volleyball session ©WOA



Like others, this project will involve social initiatives and charity and sports events that offer Olympians the opportunity to give back to their communities and spread the Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence.

"We are delighted to help facilitate the start of Olympism in Action projects in Asia by hosting this workshop in Korea," added Sun Chong Song, President of the Korean Olympians Association.

"They will provide a platform for discussion about how we can better support Olympians in the region,"

"Our aim is to support all Olympians and by working together, sharing ideas and supporting each other we can go even further to achieving this goal and bring Olympic values to life in communities in Asia and the rest of the world."

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