programmerror's blog

Convincing My Country to Participate in IOI
By programmerror, 3 years ago, In English

My country doesn't participate in IOI even though basically all of its neighbours do, including those that aren't as 'prosperous'. However, I am pretty sure that the reason they do not participate is because of the cost, and also because basically nobody does the national OI.

Do you think it would be possible for me to convince officials to send a team to IOI 2023? I can pay for the trip myself if need be. I still plan to try and convince local government officials to attend future IOIs even if I can't attend myself.

I would also appreciate it if someone could answer these questions:

  • Does the team need to be selected through the national OI, or can any eligible contestants go?
  • Would it be feasible for a country to sign up for IOI right now and be able to participate in IOI '23?
  • Do you have any other answers/information that might be important or help me convince the government officials?

I'm asking because I checked my country's rankings, and I was surprised to find that I am the highest-ranked out of all eligible Codeforces users. I am confident I would be able to perform well at the IOI, and hope that I will be able to since it is my last year that I am eligible.

Even if I am not able to participate, I still want to approach government officials and see whether the country might be able to participate in the future. I just want my country to be represented at IOI now, and in the future.

Thank you very much to anyone who responds.

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3 years ago, hide # |
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I think you can sign up with less than 4 members and even with out national oi because for my country (Dominican Republic) I don't think there is oi and we had only one member in 2022:

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    3 years ago, hide # ^ |
     
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    I spoke with him back in the IOI and as far as I know, there were actually more than 4 contestants but only one of them managed to get the required score to be eligible for the Dominican team.

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      3 years ago, hide # ^ |
       
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      Hello! That was me, and I confirm this fact. There's been a national OI for 10 years now.

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    3 years ago, hide # ^ |
     
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    This year, the DR is celebrating its 10th national OI anniversary :)

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3 years ago, hide # |
 
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In order to apply to join the IOI I believe the country needs to be an observer for at least one year and there might be some other obligations they need to fulfill. Let's summon eduardische.

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    3 years ago, hide # ^ |
     
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    Thank you! Hopefully he sees this blog.

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      3 years ago, hide # ^ |
       
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      I just saw this, sorry for the delay. kostka's general understanding is correct.

      Point N2.6.2 of IOI Regulations states:

      N2.6.2. If a Country wishes to attend IOI as an Invited Observer, they should contact the Secretary of the IOI for information on how to apply. A typical application would include information about programmes that are already established within the Country. The IC is responsible for deciding whether to approve such applications.


      Programmes that are already established within the Country are crucial because to also answer your first question, it is required to have a National Olympiad to select students that will attend IOI, as is indicated in point A2.5 of IOI Regulations:

      A2.5. Students who are to be considered for representing their delegations at an IOI must, in addition to meeting the eligibility requirements set forth in S2.5, have participated in a selection procedure that:

      • Is based on ability and includes a test of the students’ programming and problem solving ability;

      • Is open to all eligible students in their delegation’s Country, although restrictions may be placed on where, when and how students can enter the procedure, and a student’s nationality can be limited to that of the relevant Country.

      If, after you graduate, you are serious about being the long-term main driving force behind national olympiads with support of your Country's official institutions, I would highly encourage you to contact the Secretary of the IOI, who would be able to explain the process and expectations in more details. The contact information is available at IOI website.

      Unfortunately though, given the timeline of these applications, and the general framework of being Invited Observer at first, you shouldn't expect your Country to be able to send contestants to the IOI earlier than IOI 2025 at best.

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        3 years ago, hide # ^ |
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        Thank you very much for your reply! It was really helpful.

        I guess I'll try to convince my country to participate in the future nonetheless. Even though I won't be competing, at least I might be able to play a part in making sure we are represented at IOI.

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3 years ago, hide # |
 
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programmerror, the first step to making this a reality is to start organizing the National Olympiad. Educational institutions that are legally recognized by your government could serve as host. In the future, one of them could serve as representative of your country for the IOI.

That is my suggestion given the status you describe. Good luck!

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