(ATR) International Federations receive assurances that a safe Olympic Games will take place next year during the first fully virtual IF Forum.
IOC President Thomas Bach, SportAccord and GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli, and World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised sport’s resilience and influence during the one-day conference on Nov. 5.
The theme for the 14th IF Forum was ‘How Sport and Society Can Emerge Stronger from a Global Crisis’.
Bach worked to assuage any worries about the fate of the Games next year, telling the delegates tuned in "The health and safety of all concerned has always been and remains our top priority. Because of the fast-changing situation, we may not yet have all of the answers to the operational questions that are at the top of the minds of all IFs, but please rest assured that we are developing a toolbox of Covid countermeasures for every possible scenario."
He added "we are prepared for safe Olympic Games, whatever conditions the world will be facing next summer."
Chiulli stressed the positive in his remarks.
"This year has provided many challenges, but I think it is also important to recognize that our movement will be able to look back on 2020 with a lot of pride. I have been truly inspired to see the creativity of International Sport Federations in how they have engaged followers and stakeholders through innovative channels and campaigns," he told the delegates.
Dr. Tedros, who has been at the forefront of the international response to the pandemic, pledged WHO’s support to IFs, sports, event organizing committees, sportspeople and fans in his keynote address.
"It is up to each of us to reinforce the essential role of sport as an enabler for better health, and WHO continues to strengthen our collaborations with sports entities, Federations and athletes, he said. "We are working to ensure that sports can be practiced safely, both at amateur and professional levels."
The invitation-only IF Forum 2020 brought together more than 200 leaders from over 125 IFs, with experts providing insights into areas such as crisis management, scenario planning, risk mitigation and staying connected with athletes, fans and stakeholders in times of crisis.
Two Additions to Global Sports Week 2021
Global Sports Week this week opened applications for the 2021 GSW Social Booster program, powered by 17 Sport.
The program, which "identifies, promotes and supports impact-led sports projects from around the world", is open to non-profits and social businesses that use sport to reach objectives in at least one of the these four UN Sustainable Development Goals: health, qualify education for all, gender equality and/or climate action.
The eight finalists will pitch their projects to potential investors and sports business and society leaders during Global Sports Week Paris from February 1-5, 2021.
After the event, the finalists will take part in a three-month program led by 17 Sport designed to provide strategic and structural support for their organization and/or project.
The deadline to apply is Dec. 4.
GSW last week announced it would again be hosting Le Tremplin Invest Finals. An initiative of the French Sports Ministry, GSW organizers say it is Europe’s biggest event for investors to connect with sports tech startups.
In 2020, Le Tremplin Invest Finals at Global Sports Week attracted more than 250 investors and 130 media from around the world with more than 3 million Euros raised by the 14 finalists.
In 2021, seven French and seven international finalists will again be selected through qualifying contests organised by partner companies from seven countries.
In 2020, Le Tremplin Invest Finals at Global Sports Week attracted more than 250 investors and 130 media from around the world. More than three million Euros were raised by the 14 finalists.
In 2021, seven French and seven international finalists will again be selected through qualifying contests organized by nine partner companies from eight countries.
The second edition of Global Sports Week Paris will also featureevents taking place in Beijing, Tokyo, Milan, Dakar, Los Angeles and online.
SportAccord Gold Partner Renews
The Sports Bureau of Macau SAR Government has renewed as a Gold Partner for SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2021 in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
The Sports Bureau has a prominent presence at the annual gathering, having supported the Summit since its 2008 edition.
SportAccord 2021 will be held from May 23-28 at the IEC Ekaterinburg-Expo.
The 2020 edition was originally scheduled for Beijing and then moved to Lausanne before being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With more than 1,500 key decision-makers representing at least 1,000 different organizations and over 150 cities and regions in attendance, the six-day event in March, April or May each year features high-level meetings, a conference program split into multiple sector-specific ‘streams’, a bustling exhibition and numerous social events for delegates.
Written by Gerard Farek
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