Unveiling ARISF’s History with the Olympic Studies Centre

In celebration of ARISF’s 40th anniversary, a commemorative book has been published, tracing the organisation’s journey from its creation in 1984 under the leadership of Dr. Kim Un Yong, to 2024 under the presidency of Dr. Raffaele Chiulli. This anniversary book provides a comprehensive overview of ARISF’s history and milestones.

The development of this publication would not have been possible without the collaboration of the Olympic Studies Centre (OSC). Their expertise and resources played a crucial role in uncovering and documenting ARISF’s rich history. The OSC granted access to ARISF archives, facilitated both physical and online access to the Olympic Library, and provided personalised guidance throughout the research process.

A considerable discovery emerged during our initial meeting with the Olympic Studies Centre team. We found that ARISF’s official recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) dates back to December 1983, one year earlier than previously assumed. This fact came to light thanks to a letter sent by the past IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch, confirming ARISF’s recognition. Although ARISF’s first statutes and activities formally began in 1984, this key piece of history might have been lost without the Centre’s support and access to their extensive archives.