I never thought that this day would come when I would speak about the CEOI as an idea, a desire that was born and realized in 1994. Today we are opening the 32nd edition. I have many beautiful memories from attending numerous CEOIs. I have always enjoyed being among young people, working with them and even preparing for the Olympiads was an interesting challenge. I consider myself very lucky because I made something become real. In many countries, there were kindred spirits who continued my dream.

Clearly, in 1994 we had entirely different conditions, but without the encouragement of our colleagues, especially Mr. Professor Horia Georgescu from the University of Bucharest, we would not have succeeded in organizing the first CEOI. On the websites of the Olympiads, you could read details about previous CEOIs, but there you find statistical data, possibly names of competitors and medalists, names of professors. If there are also photographs, you have seen faces, but you have not seen the friendships that were made, the discussions, the knowledge gained. Ultimately, the most important thing is what we take away after the Olympiad is over, so one should  look forward to new challenges.

I am extremely happy that the CEOI family has grown, that year after year new guests are coming up. This is due to the fact that the prestige of this competition has increased and the achievements benefit from special recognition. I thank the organizers of the current edition for the invitation so I can see where CEOI stands today.

I don’t think it’s necessary to give you any advice concerning studies. You are on top. So, I prefer to ask you to leave the computer as often as possible, search for people who are worth knowing and befriend them, analyze the world which besets us, visit beautiful places which are worth seeing and read books that are worth reading. I end my message by wishing you good luck not only in the competitions, but in your whole life!

Lect. Dr. IONESCU Clara - Honorary President, Universitatea "Babeș Bolyai", Cluj Napoca