São Paulo, Brazil | 30 September – 3 October 2026

The Brazilian Olympic Studies Forum 2026 took place in São Paulo as part of the Brazilian Olympic Committee Expo 2026  Home | Comitê Olímpico do Brasil, bringing together researchers, educators, students, and representatives of institutions dedicated to advancing Olympic Studies and Olympic Education.

The Forum was organised by the Brazilian Olympic Academy of the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB), in partnership with the Brazilian Pierre de Coubertin Committee (CBPC) Coubertin Brazil – Pierre de Coubertin Brazilian Committee, under the leadership of its President, Prof. Nelson Todt. This collaboration reflected a shared commitment to strengthening academic cooperation, promoting Olympic Education, and disseminating the intellectual and educational heritage of Pierre de Coubertin throughout Brazil.

Through academic presentations, discussions, and exchanges of experiences, the Forum provided a valuable platform for examining contemporary challenges facing the Olympic Movement and exploring the contribution of Olympic Studies to education and society. Particular emphasis was placed on connecting academic research with educational practice and demonstrating how Olympic knowledge and values can contribute to human development, social responsibility, and the broader understanding of Olympism.

The Forum also welcomed representatives of Brazilian Olympic Studies and Research Centres included in the directory of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Studies Centre. Their participation encouraged academic dialogue, strengthened institutional cooperation, and facilitated the exchange of research findings, educational approaches, and practical experiences.

A particularly significant dimension of the Forum was the participation of educational institutions recognised by the Brazilian Pierre de Coubertin Committee for their contributions to Olympic Education. These included URI Basic Education School in Erechim, officially recognised as a Pierre de Coubertin School in Brazil, and the School of Sport with a Heart  About us – Escuela del Deporte con Corazón, an educational initiative of New Acropolis. Their involvement illustrated how Olympic values can be translated into meaningful educational experiences, inspiring children and young people to embrace the principles of respect, solidarity, excellence, and personal development beyond competitive sport.

The Forum was further distinguished by the participation of Prof. Kostas Georgiadis, Honorary Dean of the International Olympic Academy International Olympic Academy, and Prof. Lina Vélez, President of the Colombian Pierre de Coubertin Committee. Their presence enriched the international dimension of the event and underscored the importance of cooperation across national and institutional boundaries in advancing Olympic Studies and promoting Coubertin’s intellectual and educational legacy.

The Brazilian Olympic Studies Forum 2026 reaffirmed the importance of strengthening national and international networks of institutions committed to Olympic Studies and Olympic Education. It also highlighted the valuable contributions of the Brazilian Olympic Academy and the Brazilian Pierre de Coubertin Committee to fostering academic excellence, educational innovation, and international collaboration.

Above all, the Forum demonstrated the enduring relevance of Pierre de Coubertin’s humanistic and educational vision. By bringing together research, education, and practical initiatives, it reinforced the understanding of Olympism as a philosophy of life whose values extend far beyond the Olympic Games, contributing to the development of individuals and to the enrichment of education, culture, and society.

From the left: Lina Vélez, Ricardo Vela, Kostas Georgiadis and Nelson Todt

Message of Appreciation from the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee

The International Pierre de Coubertin Committee (IPCC) extends its sincere congratulations and appreciation to the Brazilian Olympic Academy and the Brazilian Pierre de Coubertin Committee, under the leadership of Prof. Nelson Todt, for the successful organisation of the Brazilian Olympic Studies Forum 2026.

This important initiative demonstrates the value of cooperation between academic institutions, Olympic organisations, and educational communities in advancing Olympic Studies and translating the values of Olympism into meaningful educational practices.

We particularly commend the Forum’s commitment to fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge, and strengthening national and international partnerships.

The IPCC warmly acknowledges the dedication of all organisers, speakers, and participants whose contributions help ensure that Pierre de Coubertin’s educational and humanistic vision remains a living source of inspiration for present and future generations.