International Skating Union Presidential Candidate Didier Gailhaguet Outlines Vision

International Skating Union [ISU] Presidential candidate Didier Gailhaguet has today published further details of his vision and Manifesto for the ISU - "Change Before We Get Changed". Gailhaguet, President of the Federation Française des Sports de Glace [FFSG], and member of the Administrative Council of the French National Olympic Committee, specifically outlines proposals aimed at supporting skaters, ensuring integrity in all ISU operations and getting the global skating family to work more efficiently together.

Didier Gailhaguet said:

"Ice skating has been at the heart of my life for more than 40 years first as a competitor, then coach and over the last decade and more, as an administrator and it would be an enormous honour to serve my sport as ISU President. What I am clear on, however, is that in an ever-changing environment we cannot simply assume that what we have built up will last forever.

"While our sport has strong traditions and values, it is vital that the ISU meets the challenges and opportunities of the IOC’s Agenda 2020 and a dramatically changing sports and media landscape as a matter of urgency. At its core, this means increasing the global appeal of figure and speed skating. One of the major issues we face is attracting more countries to our competitions and championships and creating new competition formats that are more appealing to a wider audience. We also need a steadfast commitment to attract newcomers and young skaters to our sport and into our ice rinks.

"It is also important that the ISU operates with the highest ethical and professional standards. That is why I will ensure transparency in relation to the awarding of major ISU events and contracts, and instigate a full revision of the ISU constitution to ensure we fully embrace modern ethical management practices."

Didier Gailhaguet’s Manifesto pledges outlined in "Change Before We Get Changed" include:

· A doubling of development investment to US$10 Million for Member Federations

· Increase prize money of speed, short track and synchronized skaters and ensure it is distributed evenly across all five ISU sports

· Ensure absolute fairness in the number of medals awarded in the two main branches of speed and figure skating

· Place athletes and coaches at the heart of ISU by ensuring they are elected to the five ISU Technical Committees

· Abolish anonymous judging in figure skating

· Create an Olympic Academy of Skating to support emerging skaters

· Provide every new or small Member Federation with a temporary ice rink

· Consider how emerging disciplines such as extreme sports can help reach new younger audiences

· Have a new TV and marketing strategy related to geographical zones

· Introduce a uniform maximum age for all ISU officials

· Protecting clean athletes with zero tolerance to doping

Didier Gailhaguet added:

"I’m looking forward to meeting Member Federations over the coming weeks and months to hear their views, exchange ideas and to explain my vision for skating. These are exciting times for our sport but we also have to be brave in order to ensure the future is bright for all skating disciplines."

Gailhaguet, who confirmed his intention to stand for ISU President in October 2015, will publish further details of his Manifesto in early 2016. The election of the ISU President will take place in June 2016.

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