Olympians to Deliver Key Insights at Athlete-Focused International Federation (IF) Forum 2019

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Olympians Danka Barteková and Virginie Faivre will bring the vital perspectives of athletes to the International Federation (IF) Forum 2019 after being announced as speakers at the annual three-day gathering in Lausanne.

The pair will offer valuable insights into the lives of elite athletes under the IF Forum 2019’s umbrella theme of ‘Athlete Centred Sport’ at the event, which will take place from 28-30 October 2019 and is organised by SportAccord for GAISF members and supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Slovak skeet shooter Barteková is the IOC Athletes' Commission Vice Chair, while Swiss freestyle skier Faivre is the President of the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020 Organising Committee. 

Faivre, a three-time FIS (International Ski Federation) world champion in halfpipe, will give the Keynote Address on the opening day of the IF Forum 2019 on Monday, 28 October. The opening day’s Welcome Session will also include input from IOC President Thomas Bach and Philippe Leuba, State Councillor, Department of Economy & Sport, Canton of Vaud. Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF, will deliver the Opening Address.

Barteková, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and has recorded some impressive results in 2019, will take part in a Fireside Chat entitled ‘The Athlete’s Perspective’ on Tuesday, 29 October.

With ‘Athlete Centred Sport’ as the event’s focus, safeguarding athletes, athlete welfare, future financial wellbeing, protecting clean athletes and strengthening athletes’ voices will be among the topics under discussion during the Sessions, Workshops, Keynotes, Scene Setters and Fireside Chats.

Faivre said: “It is so important to involve athletes in strategic discussions and I applaud all IFs and administrators who are getting athletes involved and including their feedback in the heart of their long-term strategies.”

“I look forward to discussing my experiences as an athlete, providing insights from my days of competitions and particularly highlighting areas which are crucial to athletes, from scheduling, communications and facilities as well as life after competition. In addition, I will also reflect on how we at Lausanne 2020 are looking to put the athlete at the centre of our plans for the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020.”

Barteková said: “Good organisation that is focused on athlete welfare makes for better sport and a more entertaining and enticing proposition for fans and other partners.”

The IF Forum 2019 will bring together more than 200 leaders from over 100 International Sports Federations at the Hotel Royal Savoy in Lausanne.

The gathering is limited to a small number of Partners, giving them exclusive access to an authoritative networking environment and recognition as a supporter of the Sports Movement. Presentation slots have been scheduled as part of exclusive rights and benefits available to Partners of the invitation-only event, with numerous other opportunities to engage directly with sport’s decision-makers, including VIP functions and social activities.

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’.

To discuss partnership opportunities and take advantage of exclusive access to the IF Forum, contact the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 21 612 3070. 

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

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, SportAccord receives the full support of the IOC (International Olympic Committee).

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