WOA | About

History

1994

The concept of creating an association to gather all Olympians from around the world is first introduced during the IOC Centennial Congress in Paris.

1995

International Federation of National Associations of Olympic Athletes is founded on 21 November at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

A birth certificate is signed by the 25 founding members headed by IOC President, Juan Antonio Samaranch.

Australian Peter Montgomery OLY is named the first President of the newly created organisation.

1996

World Olympians Association (WOA) is ratified at the 105th IOC Session in Atlanta.  

Over 900 Olympians visit the first Olympians Reunion Centre at the Atlanta Olympic Games. 

1999

2nd WOA General Assembly at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne with 47 countries represented. 

Hungary’s Pal Schmitt OLY succeeds Peter Montgomery OLY as President. 

2000

Sydney Games Olympians Reunion Centre, sponsored by VISA, is opened by the Australian Olympic Committee, at the historic Customs House near the Sydney Opera House.

2001

New IOC President Jacques Rogge becomes WOA Honorary President.

Juan Antonio Samaranch becomes WOA Patron.

2002

First Winter Games Olympians Reunion Centre opens in Salt Lake City at the Salt Lake City Hardware Building with support from IOC Top Sponsor Visa.

2003

WOA opens offices in Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe and America.

WOA signs sponsorship deal with the Japanese city of Osaka worth USD $1millon per year for five years.

2004 

WOA and Visa open the Athens Olympians Reunion Centre at the Athens Tennis Club with more than 4,000 Olympians visiting. 

Named best hospitality venue of the Athens Olympic Games by Sports Illustrated.  

2006

Torino Games Olympians Reunion Centre at the historic Armida Rowing Club is opened by IOC President Jacques Rogge, with continued support from VISA.

2007

4th WOA General Assembly is held in Lausanne with 112 nations represented 

Dick Fosbury OLY is elected new WOA President.  

2008

Beijing Games Olympians Reunion Centre opens in the centuries-old Prince Jun Palace in Chaoyang Park.

2010

Vancouver Winter Games Olympians Reunion Centre opens in the Wing Sang Heritage Building in Vancouver's Chinatown.

2011

5th WOA General Assembly in Lausanne attended by a record 133 National Olympians Associations.

Joël Bouzou OLY is elected President.

WOA modernisation programme begins.

2012

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco OLY succeeds Juan Antonio Samaranch as patron of the WOA.

London Games Olympians Reunion Centre opens in Wellington Barracks, sponsored by Mario and Sonic.

WOA Gala is hosted by HRH Princess Anne OLY at St. James's Palace.

WOA membership reaches 142 National Olympians Associations.

2013

Phase two of the WOA's modernisation and rebuilding programme begins.

National Olympians Association Development Fund and Project Funds are launched.

Annual audited accounts are sent to NOAs for the first time.

New Committee structure is inaugurated.

IOC President Thomas Bach OLY becomes WOA Honorary President.

2014

A new look, logo and website are launched.

WOA hosts three events and five outings for Olympians in Sochi.

NOA Project Fund is expanded.

2015

6th WOA General Assembly held in Lausanne. 

Inaugural World Olympians Forum in Moscow featuring the President of the Russian Federation and 250 attendees.

2016

Award-winning, Rio de Janeiro Olympians Reunion Centre opens in partnership with EY, hosting hundreds of Olympians. 

2017

WOA launches OLY post-nominal letters initiative at the 8th International Olympic Committee (IOC) International Athletes' Forum in Lausanne.

Inaugural Service to Society Grants awarded to Olympian-led projects across every continent.

2018

WOA Olympians Health Study - the largest ever global study to analyse Olympians' long-term health - launches at SportAccord.

OLY Arts Committee is established to enhance the role of art and culture.

WOA appoints first Development Officer in Asia.

2019

2nd World Olympians Forum is held in Lausanne under the theme Olympians for Life.

WOA hosts 1st joint working day with the IOC International Athletes' Forum, bringing together over 200 athletes and Olympians.

WOA Development Officer programme expanded with appointment of Americas officer.

OLY scheme surpasses 10,000 Olympians worldwide.

2020

First online and 7th WOA General Assembly paves the way for new 2020-2024 Strategic Plan.

Joël Bouzou OLY re-elected President for third four-year term.

Initial findings of landmark WOA Olympians Health Study are published.

WOA offers life-changing academic scholarships as part of MOU with World Academy of Sport.