The IOC President, Dr Thomas Bach opened the SportAccord IF Forum 2015 with a record number of international sports federations in attendance. This year’s conference programme is focused on governance and sport and has been developed in close cooperation with the International Olympic Committee and the SportAccord Convention stakeholders. The event was by invitation only for international sport federations from SportAccord, ASOIF, AIOWF, ARISF and AIMS.
Dr Bach gave a warm welcome speech to all the recognised international sporting federations and associate members outlining the importance of good governance in sport, with Francesco Ricci Bitti issuing the following statement. “Today, the International Sport Federations welcome and accept the IOC’s invitation to work together to not only establish indicators and assessment mechanisms, but to promote their use within their respective sports. The objective of this undertaking is to ensure that the state of governance within sports institutions can be readily assessed publicly and monitored on an ongoing basis. This will be done in an inclusive manner, taking into account best practices and using the most appropriate available tools so as to not only establish the right processes, but to promote and ensure a ‘Culture of Good Governance’ within all Sport Federations.”
AIMS president Stephan Fox again outlined the importance of the SportAccord Convention and the close cooperation with the IOC to continue the service of sport and positive change. This year’s topic could not come at a better time as good governance and integrity and sustainability is the foundation all sport, regardless of being Olympic or non Olympic recognized, stands on. With the impressive capacity and knowledge of the speakers, undoubtedly practical solutions will benefit the overall development of sport on all levels.
Charissa Tynan, IFMA Sport Director and Executive Board member was in attendance at the IF Forum; IFMA is proud member of the AIMS family and will continue to be a credible international recognized sporting organization. Times and society is changing, this year’s topic could not have come at a more appropriate time; IFMA will continue the close cooperation within the AIMS family and the resources given by the IOC and SportAccord.
