Olympic Day 2026: Pentathlon stars inspire next generation through Olympic Values Education Programme

The educational power of Modern Pentathlon was brought to life at UIPM 2026 Pentathlon World Cup Budapest, where Olympic champions, young athletes and schoolchildren came together for a special Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) activation.

Organised by the Hungarian Olympic Committee with the support of UIPM and the Hungarian Modern Pentathlon Association, the initiative welcomed 25 schoolchildren aged 13-16 and their teachers to an interactive learning experience linking the five disciplines of Modern Pentathlon with five Olympic values: Respect, Resilience, Joy of Effort, Balance and Striving for Excellence.

Working in groups, the students explored the disciplines through discussions, athlete interactions and creative word-cloud activities, reflecting on how Olympic values can be applied both in sport and everyday life.

The activity was enhanced by the participation of Paris 2024 Olympic champions Michelle Gulyas of Hungary and Ahmed Elgendy of Egypt, who shared personal experiences from their journeys to Olympic success and joined the students in contributing thoughts and ideas to the value-themed boards.

The schoolchildren were also joined by Hungarian pentathletes Diana Rajncsak and Bence Csanad Domjan, as well as Oleksandr Tovkai of Ukraine, Temirkhan Sabdenbek of United States and Tatiana Thomatos of South Africa, who helped guide discussions around the disciplines and values of Modern Pentathlon.

As part of the programme, students, teachers and athletes received commemorative gifts from the Hungarian Olympic Committee and UIPM, while the completed word clouds remained on display throughout the World Cup competition as a visible celebration of Olympic values in action.

Alexandra de Navacelle de Coubertin, Treasurer of the Pierre de Coubertin Family Association, Chair of the UIPM Pierre de Coubertin Commission and Member of the IOC Culture and Olympic Heritage Commission, praised the initiative and the role played by the athletes.

“It was a real joy to witness young people engaging so enthusiastically with athletes and discovering the values that lie at the heart of Modern Pentathlon and Olympism,” she said.

“Events such as this OVEP activity bring Pierre de Coubertin's vision to life by creating meaningful opportunities to inspire both hearts and minds through sport. They remind us that the educational mission of sport remains as relevant today as ever.

“It was especially inspiring to see the pentathletes embracing their role not only as sporting champions but also as educational ambassadors. Their interactions with the schoolchildren felt completely natural, helping to connect sporting experiences with the values that shape both athletes and young people.”

For Elgendy (EGY), whose Olympic gold and silver medals were earned through years of dedication and perseverance, the lessons of sport extend well beyond competition.

“Throughout my journey to becoming an Olympic champion, I learned that success is not only measured by medals but also by the values we carry with us,” he said.

“Olympic education gives young people the opportunity to learn lessons that extend far beyond the field of play: discipline, respect, friendship and determination.

“Modern Pentathlon reflects these values every day, teaching athletes to adapt, overcome challenges and continuously improve. I believe sport is one of the most powerful tools to inspire youth and help them reach their full potential in life.”

Dorottya Pignitzky, Senior Sport Associate at the Hungarian Olympic Committee, highlighted the impact of bringing Olympic champions and young people together.

“It is always good to learn from the best,” she said. “Having Olympic champions alongside the students transformed the activity into a truly inspiring experience.

“Through the word clouds, discussions and interactions with athletes, the schoolchildren explored how Olympic values can guide not only sporting success but also everyday life.

“What impressed me most was how naturally the pentathletes used their sporting journeys and experiences to bring these values to life and connect with the young participants.”

The OVEP activation formed part of a wider commitment by the Olympic Movement to use sport as a tool for education and personal development, demonstrating how Modern Pentathlon continues to embody the values that inspired its creation more than a century ago.

On Olympic Day, it also served as a reminder that the legacy of sport is measured not only by medals and records, but by the lessons passed from one generation to the next.