The COE's Olympic Academy hosted the Olympic Values Education Programme at the Santa Elena Peninsula State University (UPSE).

A total of 76 students attended the workshop, which was staged as part of the fourth semester of a basic education degree.

Jorge Cedeño, Ana Karina Albán and Diana Mendoza were the facilitators of the programme, while representatives from the Olympic Academy and UPSE, rector Néstor Acosta and academic vice-rector Gisella Paula, were present at the inauguration.

"With the programme we intend to promote Olympism in education," said Mendoza.

"That is why it is not only intended for physical education but also for teachers from different areas, precisely because education is now becoming interdisciplinary."

Student María de Lourdes Fernández said it had been "intensive training" as they learnt about the basic pillars of the Olympic philosophy such as "excellence", "friendship" and "respect" but added that the facilitators were able to "motivate us".

"This knowledge is very important to apply in teaching," said Fernández.

"Currently we are going to carry out our internships and we can also give our points of view in the different institutions, how education is approached to apply the Olympic values."

Fellow participant Luis Fernando Gonzabay added: "This learning helps us a lot in the activities, planning in which the Olympism must be included.

"The training has made us aware of their values, which are excellent for education in the new modalities that are being implemented."