July 25, 2008 – With just 16 days until the start of the Olympic Summer Games, it might be a good time to reflect on the Olympic movement and Olympism. To prepare for the 13th Olympic Congress to be held in Copenhagen (DEN) in October 2009, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is encouraging participation through the so-called virtual Olympic Congress. In the context of the overall purpose of the Congress – to take the pulse of the Olympic Movement and the general public – the fourth of the five themes that the IOC is asking the public-at-large to comment is Olympism and Youth.

Within this major topic area, the three sub-themes that can be commented are: Moving towards an active society; whether competitive sport is still appealing; and youth sport events. The specific issues being debated include questions such as which sports are currently most appealing to young people and why; to what extent can the multimedia world influence the involvement of young people in sport; and what motivates young people to watch and participate in sporting events.

Submissions will be accepted until 31st December 2008. They will contribute to a set of draft recommendations for discussion in Copenhagen. More information on the virtual Olympic Congress can be found at www.2009congress.olympic.org. Each individual may contribute two comments of up to 1000 words. Registration is required.