International Federation (IF) Forum 2019 to Explore Athlete-Focused Strategies

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – ‘Athlete Centred Sport’ has been unveiled as the theme of the International Federation (IF) Forum 2019, giving custodians of sport the opportunity to explore the game-changing benefits of putting athletes at the heart of their strategies.

The IF Forum 2019, which is organised by SportAccord for GAISF members and supported by the International Olympic Committee to tackle global matters related to the Sports Movement. The IF Forum will bring together more than 200 leaders from over 100 International Sports Federations from 28-30 October 2019 at the Hotel Royal Savoy in Lausanne.

The annual three-day gathering is also limited to a small number of industry partners and gives them exclusive access to an authoritative networking environment and recognition as a supporter of the Sports Movement.

Safeguarding athletes, protection of clean athletes, athlete welfare, future financial wellbeing and strengthening the voice of athletes will be among the topics under discussion during the IF Forum 2019 conference sessions, workshops, keynotes and fireside chats.

With attendance strictly limited to the International Sports Federations and the event’s Partners, delegates will discuss best practice in an intimate and inspirational environment, strengthening links within the global sports family as they gain a greater understanding of their role in supporting athletes and how they can benefit from ‘Athlete Centred Sport’.

Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), said: “As we approach the 13th edition of the IF Forum, the event continues to grow in importance, having become a vital gathering for the family of International Sports Federations to learn and network in a relaxed setting that encourages a healthy exchange of ideas.

“A sport cannot flourish without its athletes performing to their potential, so it is fitting that the focus of the IF Forum 2019 will be on how to nurture and strengthen relationships between International Sports Federations and athletes, who are sport’s most important stakeholders.

“It is paramount for the future growth of International Sports Federations and sport that athletes’ voices are heard and the development, interests and lives of such individuals are supported outside as well as inside the competition arena.”

Kit McConnell, Sports Director at the International Olympic Committee said: “We have seen the Olympic Movement not only recognise the value of the athlete voice but increasingly bring athlete representation into the core of their decision making structures in order to shape the future of sport. This has mirrored the increased focus of all partners in supporting athletes on and off the field of play. 

Putting athletes as a focus of this year’s IF Forum reinforces this focus and, in line with Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations, ensures that we keep athletes at the heart of the Olympic Movement and build on other key steps such as the launch of the Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities Declaration, the recent International Athletes’ Forum and the ongoing work of the IOC Athletes’ Commission.”

Presentation slots have been scheduled over the course of the programme as part of exclusive rights and benefits available to Partners of the invitation-only event.

The IF Forum 2019 will also feature numerous other opportunities for Partners to engage directly with sport’s decision-makers, including VIP functions and social activities for networking. 

To discuss partnership opportunities and take advantage of exclusive access to the IF Forum, contact Malcolm Hardman of SportAccord +41 (0)79 945 89 34 or email malcolm.hardman@sportaccord.sport

For further information about the IF Forum, please download the brochure here or visit: https://www.sportaccord.sport/if-forum.

For media enquiries, please contact: media@sportaccord.sport

EDITOR’S NOTES

The International Federation (IF) Forum

The IF Forum takes place annually and targets the specific needs of the Olympic and International Sport Federations movement with focus on sharing best practices and knowledge. The event is open to international sports federation members from ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations), AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations), ARISF (Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations), AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport) and GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations) and its Associate Members. In addition, the IF Forum receives the full support of the International Olympic Committee.

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