Global Olympian community to gather in Lausanne

Global Olympian community to gather in Lausanne

Up to 150 Olympians from 110 National Olympians Associations will participate in the 2nd World Olympians Forum from 15 – 17 April.

World Olympians Association (WOA) is pleased to announce that up to 150 Olympians from 110 National Olympians Associations will gather in Lausanne, Switzerland for the 2nd World Olympians Forum, taking place from 15 to 17 April 2019.

Under the theme Olympians for Life, the Forum will highlight the important role of Olympians as ambassadors at the heart of the Olympic Movement.

WOA President Joël Bouzou OLY will be joined by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach OLY and IOC Athletes’ Commission Vice-Chair Danka Barteková OLY at the global event.

Following feedback from participants as part of a survey by WOA, the Forum will focus on key areas such as strengthening the capabilities of National Olympians Associations, celebrating Olympians and highlighting their vital role as representatives of the Olympic ideals.

The Olympians present will be involved in workshops, a Grants Challenge and sessions aimed at upskilling and providing the tools necessary for them to become effective National Olympian Association leaders who are ambassadors of the Olympic Movement and have the skills to support the needs of Olympians at all stages of their lives.

Key topics to be discussed include:

· Leadership and governance

· Engaging Olympians as ambassadors

· Delivering projects to benefit Olympians and their communities

· Building capabilities of NOAs and strengthening partnerships within the Olympic Movement

· Mentoring opportunities and best practice guidelines

The Forum will also feature a joint session with the IOC 9th International Athletes’ Forum – which runs from 13-15 April. The joint session will take place on Monday 15 April and will see athlete representatives and Olympians from across the Olympic Movement come together to build a unified and effective network for future cooperation.

The joint session is part of a collaboration between WOA and the IOC Athletes’ Commission to work in partnership on Olympian and athlete welfare, development and engagement.

WOA President, Jöel Bouzou OLY said:

"As we continue to build towards the 2nd World Olympians Forum I am delighted at the enthusiastic response we have had from Olympians and National Olympians Associations around the world. With two weeks to go we are at full capacity with more than 170 Olympians from over 110 NOAs set to join us in Lausanne.

"As torchbearers of the Olympic Movement and a vital, living legacy of the Games, it is important that Olympians remain connected and feel valued. I very much look forward to engaging with them on the issues that matter most to Olympians.

"I am also pleased to welcome the involvement of IOC President Thomas Bach, who will make an invaluable contribution to our discussions, further underlining the strength of our partnership with the IOC and underpinning our shared strategic priority, under Agenda 2020, to engage with the athletes at the heart of the Olympic Games.

"We are particularly excited about our joint session alongside the 9th International Athletes’ Forum – which will take place on 15 April – and we have been working closely with the IOC Athletes’ Commission on developing the joint day that will allow us to better connect and support Olympians and athletes in the future."

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