(ATR) Thomas Bach will underline the progress made on athlete-related IOC reforms at the start of the 7th forum in Lausanne.
The IOC president is scheduled to speak at the plenary session on Friday morning at the Olympic Museum. Joining him will be IOC Athletes’ Commission chair Claudia Bokel. They will discuss the impact of Agenda 2020 reforms and developments since the 2013 forum in Singapore.
"The aim is to inspire and empower athletes’ commissions at all levels, as well as to showcase IOC initiatives intended to serve athletes," the IOC said of the three-day meeting.
The forum gets underway on Thursday with an IOC Athletes’ Commission meeting and an evening practical session for athletes at the IOC’s headquarters. This will focus on the IOC Athlete Learning Gateway and the Olympic Athletes’ Hub.
"Participants will have the exclusive opportunity to test drive and provide feedback on the revamped Olympic Athletes’ Hub, which is a one-stop shop for athletes to find relevant IOC and Games-specific information and services, prior to its launch ahead of the Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016," the IOC said.
Two years ago, the Singapore forum called for strengthening of links between different NOC athletes’ bodies, further clarification of their structures, roles and responsibilities.
Delegates in Singapore also requested integration of practical information sessions within the forum’s program and exploration and promotion of the use of digital platforms to connect with athletes, in particular outside Games-time.
Another key recommendation focused on assessing how to optimise athletes’ experience during the opening and closing Olympic ceremonies and in the Olympic Village.
Around 100 athletes are expected to attend this week’s forum. Among their number will be IOC Athletes’ Commission members and representatives from the IPC, international federations, continental associations and, for the first time, athlete representatives from Olympic organising committees.
The conference includes sessions on athletes’ commission management, leadership, athletes’ services, new media and communication.
Speakers include IOC sports director Kit McConnell, Barbara Kendall, Angela Ruggiero, Tony Estanguet, Kirsty Coventry, Olympic Broadcasting Services chief Yiannis Exarchos, Adam Pengilly and James Tomkins.
The conference wraps up Saturday with a Q&A with Thomas Bach. On Sunday, another IOC Athletes’ Commission meeting is scheduled, with delegates offered a guided visit of the Olympic Museum.
Reported by Mark Bisson
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