International Sports Federation Collaborate to Drive Global Health at 10th Anniversary IF Forum

The 10th edition of the International Federation (IF) Forum successfully concluded today with Members declaring their commitment to collaborate to promote global and elite athlete health. This year’s conference programme took place from the 9-11 November in the Olympic Capital of Lausanne and focused on The Power of Sport to Drive World Health. The Forum provided delegates with the opportunity to discuss best practice examples and identify new ways to influence and promote the impact of sport for world health.

Commenting on the overall success of the IF Forum, Dr. Margo Mountjoy who represents FINA, the ASOIF Medical and Scientific Consultative Group, and the IOC Medical Commission Games Group said, "The International Federations (IFs) have worked hard over the last few days to examine the ways in which they can maximise athlete health and performance, as well as exploring collaborative methods to promote global health through the promotion of physical activity through sport."

The informative panel session Keeping Athletes Healthy and Performing set the tone for this year’s IF Forum with discussions covering injury surveillance in competition and training, exercise interventions to prevent injuries, changing sport rules to improve safety and the role of fair play in preventing athlete injuries. Dr. Rene Fasel, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation said, "Preventing athlete injuries is one of the main pillars to preserving not just the well-being of our athletes but the health of sport in general. We must assure parents everywhere that their child can take up a sport knowing that the utmost care is being taken to ensure that they can enjoy all the benefits of participation in a safe environment."

The IF Forum saw a strong line-up of speakers including specialists from the science, medical and legal communities. Dr. Jane Moran, ISU Chair Medical Commission, IOC Medical Commission, Member Games Group made the following observations. "The role of the IF in global health promotion is not only to promote physical activity through sport and media coverage at competitive events, but also to liaise with other IFs and government agencies, with the common goal of improving health through sport participation." Moran went on to say, "By doing so, we identify opportunities where together, we disseminate education of a healthier life through physical activity to a larger population base, and by working together, increasing the possibilities to promote and implement physical activity initiatives through sport."

International Federations also heard stirring accounts from athletes covering psychological health as well as harassment and abuse in sport. Delegates also heard from some of the International Federations whose initiatives are already promoting active lifestyles. These included FIFA 11 for Health, FIS Bring Children to the Snow, and FINA Swim for All. Other IF experiences in action shared with delegates were presented by the International Floorball Federation (IFF) and the International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS).

Delegates also had plenty of opportunity to network and discuss the day’s business during the IF Forum Cocktails hosted at the Hotel Royal Savoy each evening.

SportAccord Convention would like to thank all those who contributed to, and attended this milestone 10th anniversary IF Forum, and to extend a special thank you to the International Olympic Committee .

For more information, please contact:

Jenny Edmondson

Media Relations Officer

Email: jenny.edmondson@sportaccordconvention.com

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