IFMA is a proud member of the GAISF and SportAccord Family, and the 2018 edition of the IF Forum traditionally held in the Olympic Capital was one to remember under theme “Open Doors and Open Minds – New Tools for IFs”.
The session started with an IF Briefing where the 100+ international federations and organisations convened. It started with a minute of silence led by the GAISF Council in loving memory of the late GAISF President Patrick Baumann which made GAISF One voice for all Sport, and a promise by the council to continue his legacy, using the power of sport to build a brighter tomorrow.
Raffaelle Chiulli was voted by the Council to be Acting President until the forthcoming General Assembly scheduled for May next year in the Gold Coast, Australia. IFMA General Secretary Stephan Fox will continue in his role as the Vice President of GAISF.
The IOC President Dr Thomas Bach was the opening speaker making an emotional tribute to the late President, followed by Francesco Ricci-Bitti, President of ASOIF and acting President Raffaele Chiulli.
Dr. Bach stated “This year’s IF Forum is an important follow up to the discussions we had in Buenos Aires. The rapid development of digital technology will affect the world of sport from the way sport is practised to the way spectators experience it. As the theme highlights, we must open our doors, open our minds, and use the new tools we have at our disposal to help us meet the challenges sport is facing today”.