Productive 72nd ANOC Executive Council Meeting Concludes in Madrid

The ANOC Executive Council today met in Madrid for its first meeting of 2017 as it heard a number of positive reports and updates focused on ensuring that ANOC continues to improve and develop the support it provides its NOCs.

The meeting was opened by ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah before the Sports Director General from the Spanish High Sports Council, Jaime González Castaño, and President of the Spanish NOC Alejandro Blanco welcomed the ANOC delegates to Spain and reinforced the country’s commitment to the Olympic Movement.

ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg provided an update on the latest work of the organisation including the results of the NOC debrief for Rio 2016 and the creation of working groups with the IOC to study accreditation, transportation, ticketing systems and collaboration with the IFs for future Olympic Games.

Reports were given from each of the nine ANOC Commissions and Working Groups. Of particular note, was an update from the ANOC Events Working Group chair Timothy Fok and Working Group member Haider Farman on the latest progress of the ANOC World Beach Games. ANOC has held positive discussions with all the IFs whose sports are set to be included in the event and all have shown great enthusiasm in taking part. Representatives from commercial and creative advisors, ESP Properties, part of the WPP Group, also gave a short presentation on the study they have conducted into the potential marketing and broadcasting revenue which could be generated by the competition.

During the ANOC Legal Commission’s report, Commission Chair Michael Chambers explained that an anti-match-fixing code and anti-doping code for the ANOC World Beach Games will be developed in order to safeguard the integrity of sport and protect clean athletes. Chambers also highlighted the proposed change to the ANOC Constitution to include Continental Associations as members of ANOC which was approved by the Council.

ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah said:

"As we enter into a new Olympiad it is a good opportunity to reassess our objectives for the years ahead. NOCs make a vital contribution to the development of the Olympic Movement and at ANOC it is our job to ensure that they are properly represented and that we provide them with the best level of support. Our Executive Council meeting today was focused on how best to do that. The meeting was highly productive and allowed us to hear updates on our latest progress and initiatives. We are committed to ensuring that NOCs work closely with all Olympic stakeholders to guarantee a brighter future for the Olympic Movement."

The International Relations Commission Chair Julio Maglione updated the Council on the ongoing cooperation between ANOC the IOC to promote good governance and ensure the autonomy of sports organisations in their countries. Meanwhile ANOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Barbara Kendall reported that the Commission is finalising their new strategic plan and will work with the IOC Athletes’ Commission to ensure they are aligned in their objectives and plans for delivery. The next Commission meeting will take place on 27 April.

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Email: media@anocolympic.org

Justin Shea

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