Abstract
International Olympic Academy (IOA) was officially established, and its activity began, in 1961, the idea that such an institution was needed came to fruition in Pierre de Coubertin's mind as far back as the 1920s. According to some sources, it had even occurred to him before the First World War.
The dynamic development of the international Olympic and sports movements in the course of the 20th century was the breeding ground that fostered the establishment of the IOA, along with the indispensable need to commemorate the original, intellectual dimension of the Olympic spirit. The mission of the IOA is based on the Olympic Charter and it manifests itself in various roles, functions, tasks and activities, which it has fulfilled successfully throughout its fifty-year history with respect to other Olympic entities as well as beyond the Olympic movement.