Online Reporter
WITH International Olympic Committee president-elect Kirsty Coventry looking on, over 400 gathered at the body’s headquarters in Lausanne for the International Athletes’ Forum to discuss the most pressing issues in sports, including funding, safeguarding and post-competition careers.
Hosted by the IOC Athletes’ Commission, athlete representatives from 200 National Olympic Committees, 54 International Federations, the World Anti-Doping Agency, the International Paralympic Committee, members of the Athletes’ Declaration Steering Committee, as well as future Games hosts, were present for the two-day event.
Both outgoing and incoming IOC heads and former Olympians Thomas Bach and Coventry were also in attendance.
“We see a world which is becoming more and more divided within societies and among societies. Sport is about unifying, is about solidarity. And solidarity means more than respect: it means that you not only respect each other but help each other.
“We are standing against hate, divisions, growing inequalities. We are about solidarity, peace and helping each other.
“This is why we have to be even more determined, outspoken and also to be extremely consistent in what we are doing,” said outgoing IOC President Bach, according to Olympics.com.
In his last appearance as IOC president, the former fencing champion was presented with a film that detailed his long and illustrious career within the Olympic Movement.
Many athletes thanked Bach for his work and was given a standing ovation by the forum’s attendees.
Bach’s successor, a two-time Olympic champion in swimming and former IOC AC Chair, Coventry, emphasised the role that athletes play in society.
“As athletes, we are all ambassadors. We are all role models,” she said.
“In order for us to continue to help inspire a younger generation, we need to ensure that we continue to make good decisions for our athletes, to ensure that we create an incredible platform which is the Olympic Games for all of our athletes to succeed, and to be able to leverage those Games for themselves and their communities and in their sports.”
The biennial event, filled with panel discussions, keynote speeches, and breakout sessions, addressed key issues and resulted in actionable solutions, including further investment in the Olympic Solidarity programme, new tools and initiatives to enhance athlete well-being and safeguard against violence and abuse in sport.
Furthermore, participants shared their knowledge in a panel discussion on effective ACs covered five case studies to help generate new ideas through peer-to-peer learning.
A further breakout discussion on the importance of effective athlete representation upskilled participants on AC compliance, communicating and maintaining a positive relationship with NOCs, and developing athlete feedback channels.
The forum also took the time to address the competition that is threatening clean sport and fair play.
A statement issued by the IOC AC and the WADA Athlete Council addressed the Enhanced Games, saying that they are “a betrayal of everything that we stand for”, which was welcomed with a round of applause.
“This Forum was a great inspiration for all of us. It is a hugely important engagement opportunity for the IOC Athletes’ Commission, and we want to thank all the 400 participants for taking the time and making their way to Lausanne.
“It is so important to meet them in person every two years and to hear directly from them what support they need,” said IOC AC Chair Emma Terho. — insidethegames.com.
