In our fast-changing world, there is a magnitude of challenges we will be facing, some of which are easier to anticipate than others. Some are more driven by external global events, others are caused by internal dynamics in the sports world.
Looking at the latter, different organisations have different priorities and interests and that’s normal. If we just look at ASOIF’s member federations, there is a huge diversity in size, human and financial resources, and the level of commercialisation of each sport. This makes the beauty, but highlights the importance of unity if we want to keep strengthening the overall role of IFs in the Olympic Movement.
Times keep changing and, as discussed during our recent General Assembly, we need to look at the model of Games revenue distribution and the evaluation of each IF’s contribution to the success of the Olympic Games. There is also some action required on legal matters, such as aligning our position on anti-trust legislation.
Looking at global drivers, we have witnessed how fast a global pandemic can paralyse the running of sport events. Then there is of course climate change, which may have a more obvious impact on winter sports, but also affects summer sports if you think of heat waves or water scarcity. And, of course, geopolitical instabilities will continue to impact international sport and increase complexity. It’s important to do proper risk assessments, anticipate and remain flexible.
3 - YOU HAVE STATED YOU HAVE BIG SHOES TO FILL TAKING OVER FROM PRESIDENT RICCI BITTI. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE TAKING OVER FROM RICCI BITTI AFTER 12 YEARS? RICCI BITTI WILL CONTINUE AS PRESIDENT UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR, HOW DO YOU PLAN TO MAXIMISE THIS TIME?
I have had the pleasure to work closely with Francesco on the ASOIF Council and in other roles over the last years and he has really done an excellent job in leading ASOIF.
His passion and determination in uniting, supporting and promoting the Summer IFs has never faded throughout the last 12 years and he is a hugely respected figure in the Olympic Movement. There are so many important fields ASOIF is involved in and where it is really contributing to the success of the Olympic Movement. My aim is to preserve Francesco’s legacy and build on it.
Francesco will still be working on some important projects until his mandate will come to an end on 31 December, most importantly the Paris 2024 Olympic Games - so I can still learn from him. We harmonise really well and I am convinced together we will ensure a smooth transition towards the end of the year.
It’s very important. NOCs and IFs are both key stakeholders of the Olympic Movement and in the Olympic Games. As such, they both play a crucial role in ensuring the healthy functioning and the unity of movement.
Though NOCs and IFs have different roles, there is a strong interdependence. The better we work together, the better it is for everyone – most importantly the athletes.
Having been a member of the Board of Directors of the Belgium Olympic Committee since 2017, I know the nature, strengths and also the pain points of NOCs quite well – at national as well as at international level. I will definitely keep advocating for a close collaboration between the NOCs and the IFs.
