(ATR) For championing the cause of women sport leaders, the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) receives a high honor from the IOC.
Olympic leaders gathered at the 2015 IOC Women in Sport Awards on Tuesdayat the Olympic Museum in Lausanne where the NZOC took top honors.
In a statement, the IOC explained their decision saying the NZOC"has long been at the forefront of championing change to ensure that women have a prominent role in sport, on and off the field of play."
"We know that, through sport, women can both build and demonstrate the same qualities that also make great leaders," NZOC secretary general Kereyn Smith said after accepting the IOC World Winner award."We believe gender balance leads to better decision-making, better organizations and ultimately a better society."
The IOC also recognized continental winners for their work on various women in sport initiatives: Sheikha Hayat Bint Abdulaziz Al-Khalifa for Asia,Cathy Freeman for Oceania,Mervat Hassan for Africa,Stavroula Kozompoli for Europe, andSara Rosario for the Americas.
Lydia Nsekera, IOC Women in Sport Commission chair, addressed the winners during the ceremony and said they all have something in common, "they all want to make the world a better place through sports.
"On and off the field of play they are working together to make sure that through sports women can play an important role.We still have a long road to travel, but working together we will get there."
The ceremony on Tuesday also commemorated the 20th anniversary of the IOC Women in Sport Commission.
Speaking at the celebration, IOC President Thomas Bach said, "Women have always been truly inspirational role models.
"Sport is a powerful platform for gender equality to empower women and girls," Bach added. "This is one of the reasons why in Olympic Agenda 2020 we are underscoring the call for stronger gender equality."
Bach noted gender equality milestones achieved in 2015 in the Olympic Movement. They included gender equity for the first time in an Olympic Program at the 2018 Youth Olympicsand the IOC's work with the UN on the "One Win Leads to Another" initiative, using sport to empower 2,500 young girls in Rio.
The candidature procedure for the 2016 IOC Women in Sport Awards is open. NOCs, International Federations, and continental associations must submit nominations by Dec. 15.
Written byNicole Bennett
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