OVEP-SPAIC by the NOC Sri Lanka Inspires Children with Successful Pilot Launch
Updated Date: 2nd September, 2024
Colombo, August 23, 2024 – The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) proudly announced the successful implementation of the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) – School Program for Arete, Innovation, and Citizenship (SPAIC) at the De La Salle College, Colombo 15. This event marks a significant step in embedding Olympic values into the primary school layer of the educational fabric of Sri Lanka. The program, aptly themed “Olympism Towards Prospering the National Character,” brought together over 600 students from grades 3 to 5 from 11 schools within the Colombo North Education zone, alongside additional (2) invited schools.
Held from 8:00 AM to 4:05 PM, the OVEP - SPAIC featured a series of thought-provoking and engaging activities centered around the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect, and Friendship. Students had the opportunity to engage in creative showcases, reflecting on essential Olympic Educational Values of Joy of Effort, Fair Play, Respect for Others, Pursuit of Excellence, and Balance between Body, Mind, and Will under a comprehensive agenda spreader in class rooms, playground, and theatre.
Esteemed presence included Mr. Maxwell de Silva, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka representing the leadership, and Academic Director Mr. B.L.H. Perera remarking the pioneering educational consultancy. Special guests gracing the occasion included Mrs. G.A.S.K. Perera, Assistant Director of Education from Colombo Zonal Education Office; alongside leadership from the host school Rev. Bro. R. J. Jeyakanthan, Olympian Niluka Karunaratne, and principals of other local educational institutions.
"The Olympic Values Education Program is more than just an educational initiative; it’s a movement towards cultivating a generation of well-rounded individuals who are not only skilled in sports but also imbued with values essential for personal development and societal harmony," stated Mr. Maxwell de Silva during the event.
The impactful curriculum was delivered by a dedicated team of OVEP-trained teachers, supported by a network of NOCSL administrators and volunteers, ensuring the program's successful execution. The cohort of primary school educators included Ms. Piyumi Silva, Ms. Roshani Fernando, Ms. A. S. F. Safra, and Ms. Sasini Perera, all trained under the National Olympic Academy in 2022. This team were guided and supervised by Ms. Eranga C. Fernando, an OVEP facilitator trained by the International Olympic Committee.
The NOCSL extends its deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Education for their unwavering support. The Colombo Zonal Education Office and De La Salle College's exceptional collaboration resulted in involving 70 teachers, 45 senior prefects, and more than 250 parents contributed showcasing a collective commitment to fostering Olympic values in young minds. Host school’s western band, Singithi Scouts, IT unit, media unit, and senior choir demonstrated a comprehensive community effort.
With the expected adherence to the NOCSL's strategic roadmap (2024-2032), this pioneering pilot phase aligns with the IOC’s Agenda 2020+5, positioning Sri Lankan Olympic initiatives to nurturing the Olympic Movement in Sri Lanka, reaffirming their commitment to quality educational projects that benefit all humanity.
Looking forward, the OVEP-SPAIC initiative will serve as a benchmark for future programs, with plans to monitor and evaluate ongoing activities rigorously, ensuring the sustained impact and elevation of inspired Sri Lankans across the nation to harvest the fruits of Olympism.
