CIA First International School striker Kunvat Chet takes the final penalty to win the U14s NOCC cup on Sunday. Photograph: Ken Gadaffi/Phnom Penh Post

THE National Olympic Committee of Cambodia launched its Implementation of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Values and Education Program in Schools on Friday during a ceremony at Zaman University.

Three local schools – Zaman International School, CIA First International School and Pour un Sourire d’Enfant – signed memorandums of understanding with the NOCC that will see them serve as pilots for the program, which is expected to help enhance the development of students as young athletes.

“The objective of the program is for us to build an Open School, a school which invites the educational community, parent associations and other citizens to participate with its activities, initiatives and events,” NOCC secretary general Vath Chamroeun stated in a speech.

“With the Asian Youth Games coming up later this August and the Youth Olympic Games in 2014 – both in Nanjing, China – the NOCC will be looking to identify young athletes under 16 years old to represent the Kingdom at these major events.”

NOCC adviser and program co-ordinator Ken Gadaffi then explained the steps to be taken towards its implementation.

“The NOCC will work closely with the schools and the highest authorities in Cambodia to accelerate progress towards the following goals: to play a key role to educate youth on the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect; to make an effective and positive contribution to maintain young people’s interest in sport and physical activity; and to reinforce the belief that youth represents the future of sport in Cambodia and of the Olympic Movement,” he said.

NOCC games co-ordinator Nhan Sokvisal also made a presentation to the more than 400 people in attendance, highlighting the history of the Olympic Movement from ancient times up to the formation of the modern Olympic Games.

A Japanese contingent from Ritsumeikan University were joined by Japanese language students from the Royal University of Phnom Penh in the audience, along with students from Zaman, CIA and PSE.

Following the signing of the memorandums, the NOCC presented sports materials to school officials before proceeding to the RAMA Sports Center for soccer and track and field events.

In the U14 boys and girls competition for the inaugural NOCC Culture and Education Soccer Cup, CIA First International School emerged as champions after defeating the boys from Japan 2-1 via a penalty shootout. The teams had finished regulation time level at 1-1. PSE Girls finished third following their 2-0 win over the girls from Ritsumeikan University.

In the senior boys category, the Japanese students from RUPP triumphed over PSE 3-0 in a one-sided final. Zaman Team 1 edged their second string schoolmates 1-0 on penalties.