Delegates from more than 20 countries in southeast and east Asia arriving in Siem Reap today will gain a deep insight into the Olympic Solidarity-Olympic Council of Asia’s quadrennial plan during the two-day regional forum of national Olympic committees opening at the Sokhalay Angkor Resort tomorrow morning.

This is the second conclave of the Asian continental NOCs this year following the conclusion of a similar forum in Sri Lanka two days ago involving central, south and west Asian countries.

The quadrennial plan for the new Olympic cycle, and its salient features, were unveiled earlier this month at the first meeting of the Olympic Solidarity Commission in Sydney.

Now Asian regional Olympic bodies will get a better sense and understanding of the strategy, programs and internal organisation.

The objectives of the plan are spread broadly across four segments, the first of which is to increase assistance to athletes through scholarship programs.

Emphasis has been placed on reinforcing NOC structures and management capabilities while sustaining support for coach education.

Promotion of Olympic values forms the core of this four-year plan. A lot of significance has also been placed on the merits of greater communication and co-ordination between the international body, Olympic Solidarity and the Association of National Olympic Committees.

Interestingly, the region will be made fully aware of world programs, continental programs and Olympic Games subsidies, which will help a great number of developing nations that struggle with their economies.

“It is a wide-ranging agenda, and the value of this forum for Cambodia is immeasurable,” National Olympic Committee of Cambodia secretary-general Vath Chamroeun told the Post on the eve of the Siem Reap forum.

“We will use every possible means and opportunity to hold as many consultations and bilateral meetings as possible with some of the strong,  well established sports bodies in the region.

“Organising an event of this stature is a mammoth task and we have to thank the Olympic Solidarity, IOC and OCA for placing their faith in our organisational ability.

“We want to ensure this forum is a unique experience for all the delegates, beginning with a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site and the Angkor Wat temple.”

The forum’s working session on the opening day would begin with a detailed discussion on the athletes’ program beginning at 10am, Chamroeun said.

To contact the reporter on this story: H S Manjunath at [email protected]