Lapasset Launches SportAccord Manifesto

(ATR) Bernard Lapasset says four key principles will underpin his presidency if elected the next leader of SportAccord.

The chairman of the International Rugby Board revealed his campaign manifesto Thursday ahead of next week’s vote at the SportAccord General Assembly in St. Petersburg.

Marius Vizer from the International Judo Federation is the other candidate to succeed Hein Verbruggen, who steps down May 31 after heading the umbrella organization for IFs since 2004.

"I am passionate about sport and I believe in SportAccort," Lapasset, 65, said in his mission statement.

"I want to see International Federations work together to promote and protect the collective interests of sport, which is why my vision is of evolution through unity and good governance. We need to collaborate for the benefit of all sports, while respecting and embracing the diversity of sport," the Frenchman added.

"There are fantastic opportunities ahead and also some challenges, but I believe I have the vision, experience and passion to help SportAccord thrive; to engage, inspire and excite new generations."

Lapasset’s vision in four points: to place SportAccord at the heart of the values of the sport movement; to support a strong vision of the practices of international sport; to reinforce the unity of international sport families while maintaining their diversity; and to guarantee a stable economic environment as federations face new economic challenges.

His strategic priorities include promoting the positive dimension of sport in society, stepping up the fight against doping as well as match-fixing and illegal betting, and improving services to federations to help improve their governance.

The IRB chief proposes launching a SportAccord Academy to "develop expertise and innovate in the federations’ field ... and contribute to debate and participate in the evolution of international sport". He also wants to introduce a SportAccord Festival "to connect together different sport cultures and to see included other forms of activities adapted to a diverse audience".

"My aim is to make SportAccord an indispensible partner for your federations, working with them to develop and grow," he said Thursday in his manifesto.

"SportAccord must lead the sporting agenda, and if I am successful, I will strive to place it at the heart of all key international sporting and political bodies. What’s more by promoting sport’s strong values of inclusivity, tolerance, loyalty and respect, SportAccord can further sport’s role as a vehicle of social change."

Written by Matthew Grayson

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