Thirty-sixth episode: Belgian Thierry Zintz, vice-president of the Belgian Olympic Committee, member of the IOC Olympic Education Commission.
FrancsJeux:What was your journey into the sports movement?
Thierry Zintz: He started in the field. In the 70s, I pursued studies in sports and sports education. Then I became an athlete, coach and manager of a sports club. I was then asked to run as a candidate for the board of directors of the Belgian Olympic Committee (COB), where I was elected. At 45, some of my colleagues suggested that I do a doctoral thesis. I accepted. I embarked on the adventure, between the ages of 45 and 49, of a thesis on institutional changes in sports organizations. A job that led me to a university career since I was recruited in 2005 to teach at the Catholic University of Louvain.
What is your role today?
It is very diverse. I am vice-president of the Belgian Olympic Committee, a member of the IOC Olympic Education Commission and I participate in the work of the sports department of the Slovak Presidency of the European Union. Furthermore, I chair the European Observatory on Sport and Employment (EOSE). And, of course, I am a teacher at the Catholic University of Louvain, in Belgium. I synthesize an academic background and field experience.
What does the sporting Francophonie represent in your eyes?
Two things. The sporting Francophonie is first of all a reality, a fact. Francophones must play a positive role in the development of sport. But they must not do it while remaining in their ivory tower. They must not isolate themselves by focusing on the historical preeminence of the French language in certain international institutions. We must integrate other networks, Anglo-Saxon in particular, to synthesize them, be present and act in complementarity.
What do you expect from the Rio 2016 Games?
Many things. First of all, a very good sporting event, despite the problems currently encountered by Brazil. These problems are a reality, we must not hide our faces. The Rio Games also expose the issues of governance and doping in sport to the world. I expect from the Rio Games that international bodies, led by the IOC, will take these issues head on and address them in a positive manner. Decisions must be made on the governance of sport and on doping. A final subject which should not be reduced to the sole case of Russia.
In your opinion, can the values and practice of sport promote “living together”?
I have just participated in a conference in Bratislava on sports diplomacy and education through sport. This subject therefore touches me very closely. Within the European Union, we regularly deal with the place of sport as an educational and social integration tool, notably through the Erasmus + program. In my eyes, sport stands out as a fantastic tool for bringing people together.
