Muscat: The second phase of the Olympic Culture and Values Education Programme, “Olympic Flame Tour of Olympic Values in the Sultanate of Oman,” continues across several governorates. Organised by Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), represented by Oman Olympic Academy (OOA), in cooperation with Olympic Solidarity, the programme forms part of ongoing efforts to promote Olympic culture and raise awareness of the principles of the Olympic Movement and its educational and humanitarian values across the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
The programme’s stop in Al Buraimi Governorate concluded over the past two days, while activities continue in Musandam Governorate today (Tuesday) and tomorrow. The tour will then move to Dhofar Governorate on 18 and 19 October, as part of a plan to broaden the programme’s reach and engage diverse groups within the sports, education and community sectors.
The programme is one of the initiatives supported by the International Olympic Committee through Olympic Solidarity. It draws on the educational materials and guidelines of the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), which promotes the use of sport as a tool for education and character development. It also seeks to instil positive behaviours among young people, athletes and students by linking sports participation with humanitarian and educational values.
The programme is delivered by lecturer Hisham bin Salim Al Adwani, Programme Manager, under the supervision of Dr. Ishaq bin Ahmed Al Balushi, Director of Oman Olympic Academy. It targets athletes, coaches and teachers, as well as national personnel working in sports institutions, federations, clubs, academies and community teams. The aim is to develop qualified national personnel capable of promoting Olympic culture and applying its principles across sporting, educational and community settings.
The programme comprises two main components. The first focuses on training Olympic Values Education coaches and preparing national personnel with the knowledge and skills required to communicate these values to target groups through workshops combining theoretical and practical learning. The second focuses on Olympic culture and values initiatives, encouraging participants to apply their knowledge and skills through practical projects in schools, clubs, sports centres and other institutions.
The workshops cover the history, principles and symbols of the Olympic Movement, alongside the three core Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. Participants also engage in practical activities designed to help them embody these values in everyday situations and sporting practices. This is followed by a two-month field implementation period, during which participants independently carry out their initiatives. The projects will subsequently be evaluated, with the top three selected according to criteria including innovation, sustainability and feasibility.
The programme highlights the role of sport in instilling values and promoting positive behaviour by reinforcing fair competition, respect for rules, teamwork and acceptance of others. It also encourages commitment, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence, strengthening the contribution of sport to individual development and the creation of educational and sporting environments founded on respect and cooperation.
The implementation of the second phase builds on previous programme stops held in 2024 across Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah, South Al Batinah, North Al Batinah and South Al Sharqiyah Governorates, followed by Al Wusta and North Al Sharqiyah Governorates during the first phase of the current year. The tour will continue to additional governorates in accordance with the approved plan, further expanding the reach of Olympic culture and strengthening its lasting impact on Omani society.