The International Olympic Committee -IOC- and the World Olympians Association -WOA- have renewed their cooperation agreement with the aim of strengthening their joint efforts in support of Olympians. Both organisations have signed a new Cooperation and Licence Agreement that consolidates a partnership built over several decades.
The renewed agreement will enhance resources and coordination between the IOC and the WOA, promoting greater engagement of Olympians in initiatives led by the Olympic Movement. The document focuses on three key areas: reinforcing athlete involvement, strengthening shared governance, and maximising the impact of joint programmes.
A renewed commitment to Olympic values
According to IOC President and double Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry, this collaboration seeks to preserve the lifelong bond that unites Olympians. “As athletes, we share a permanent connection through the values and experiences that define the Olympic Movement. This renewed partnership strengthens our commitment to supporting Olympians — not only during their sporting careers but throughout their lives,” she said.
Coventry also highlighted that this continued collaboration will “empower Olympians as role models, community leaders and ambassadors of Olympic ideals around the world.”
The WOA expands its capacity to support Olympians
Meanwhile, WOA President Joël Bouzou OLY, Olympic medallist and world champion, emphasised that the renewal of the agreement “strengthens our relationship with the IOC to better serve the needs of our National Associations and individual Olympians, with more resources and greater support.”
Bouzou recalled some of the milestones achieved over the past three Olympic cycles, including the creation of the OLY post-nominal letters for athletes, as well as the launch of grants and scholarship programmes. “We look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with the IOC to deliver even more services and opportunities for Olympians,” he added.
Three decades of institutional cooperation
The World Olympians Association has been supported by the IOC since its foundation in 1995, initiated under former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch. The organisation represents Olympians from all Games and generations, with more than 100 National Olympians Associations active worldwide.
Through its work, the WOA promotes the values of Olympism and encourages athletes to continue contributing to society after their sporting careers, serving as examples of the principles of sport and the Olympic spirit.
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