8th Intake of the M.A. Olympic Studies started

From 26th of September till 2nd of October the Olympic Studies Centre at the German Sport University Cologne (GSU) hosted the 1st Module of the 8th Intake of the M.A. Olympic Studies Programme.

The 8th Intake consists of 34 participants from 30 countries. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the module was conducted as a hybrid teaching scenario, 21 students attended on-site at the GSU and 13 students participated online.

The week started off with an official opening ceremony where the students were welcomed by Stephan Wassong, director of the Olympic Studies Centre at the GSU, who provided the students with Information upon their upcoming studies. Great appreciation must be given to Maria Bogner, Head of The Olympic Studies Centre in Lausanne and Nicole Girard Savoy, Olympic Solidarity Head of Finance, who gave opening addresses to the students via video, reflecting the continuous support of the M.A. Olympic Studies by their institutions.

Both the M.A. Olympic studies team and the new students were happy to welcome Leah Bonga, Project Coordinator for Olympic Solidarity, and Annett Chojnacki-Bennemann, Board Member of the M.A. Olympic Studies Alumni Circle, at the opening ceremony and to receive their opening addresses onsite. The opening ceremony was followed by a social get-together at the guest house of the German Sport University Cologne.

The 1st Module focused on the topic of Ethics, Values and Olympic Education. The teaching team consisted of Prof. Otto Schantz, Prof. Karen Joisten, Prof. Jens Flatau, Prof. Stephan Wassong, Rory Flindall and Daniel Quanz. The week involved lectures, group discussions, social gatherings and ended with a written exam on Saturday the 2nd of October.