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  • European Championships: changing sports for the better

    European Championships: changing sports for the better

     

    Glasgow’s preparations for the 2018 European Championships are “impressive”
    No programming overlaps between sports will be accepted in evenings
    Hopes for another outdoor athletics event in Glasgow in the future
    Russia “not missed” from athletics until it “follows the rules”
    IAAF expected to follow European Athletics’ lead in investigating the credibility of historical records
    Two or three potential host cities for 2022 European Championships to be shortlisted on 7th February
    Sports must bring top athletes to the 2018 European Championships to stay on the programme for 2022
    Further sports may be considered for 2022, particularly those popular in the host city

     
    HOST CITY: The 2018 European Championships is taking place in two cities simultaneously, Berlin and Glasgow. How will live audiences in the cities how will they feel like they are at the same event?
    Svein Arne Hansen: They will feel it very well. It is a really good programme that brings all the sports together and this is the same for Glasgow and Berlin.
    I am very used to this; I come from a winter sports nation, Norway. Every weekend in the winter, different sports go on throughout the whole day in different places in Europe, but the guys sitting in front of the television don’t really care where it is.
    My understanding is, and I feel from the meetings we have had, that Glasgow and Berlin are working very well together and hard together to make this a big success. 
     
    HOST CITY: In terms of the European Championships brand, what is being done to make sure that it’s experienced as a single brand?
    Svein Arne Hansen: That is what we are working on the final layout now, that is one of the things we will discuss on 7 February and for sure later this year. Because we have to look alike and be the same.
    For example, we will have a medal table that will be combined between the two places. Victory ceremonies will be exactly the same in the two places. We are working to have it look as much as the same.
    But we must not lose the characteristics of athletics. And I’m sure that the other sports don’t want to lose the characteristics of their sports. I will not be a very popular person if we sold away athletics!
    In the future this championship will probably be in one place. But for the moment we are happy to have two such interesting host cities.
    I am impressed by Glasgow and the way they are really taking all the sports on board. And of course Glasgow organised the Commonwealth Games in 2014, which was a huge success. Athletics will also come back to Glasgow with the European Indoor Athletics Championships in 2019.
    For the moment we are working to try to integrate the two cities so it’s a lookalike for the people sitting in Switzerland, in Norway or here.
     
    HOST CITY: How challenging is it to schedule without programming clashes?
    Svein Arne Hansen: It is challenging in one way, but also we have gone into this because we don’t want anything to overlap over the afternoon/evening sessions. That’s a must from European Athletics; that we have no other interference from 6.15PM to 9PM from other sports in those days.
    This is a 10-day event we are not accepting any overlap at those times from day one. We have to look after our sport. We are about to solve that now so I don’t think that will be a problem.
    The scheduling is going very well. I don’t know how official this is yet, but we are coming out with a very good schedule for each sport and every sport should be recognised.
    That’s what we are going to discuss the final layout of the timetable at our next meeting.
     
    HOST CITY: What is your feeling about how the people of Glasgow reacted, responded and embraced the Commonwealth Games in 2014?
    Svein Arne Hansen: You see now the fantastic interest there was for that Commonwealth Games. The athletics there was very good. There’s unbelievable interest for athletics in Great Britain.
    I really hope in the future some time we can come back with an outdoor event in the summer in Glasgow. I am very impressed by Glasgow, the people, the city and the effort they are doing.
    They are always willing to find solutions. They are innovative, are open for ideas, because we have to make changes to our sport.
    As IOC President Thomas Bach said a year ago, “you have to change or somebody will change you”. Glasgow is really on to it and taking on this big job with several sports all together and it’s a really massive effort. We are very impressed.
     
    HOST CITY: Athletics has clearly had a difficult time recently and you have been very vocal about the need to clean the sport and its administration.
    Svein Arne Hansen: We have difficulties. We have the Russian problem with the state-sponsored doping, which is unbelievable, at least for me, that something like that can happen.
    But we saw the fantastic championships in Amsterdam this summer, which sold out the five days and not a single person asked “why are the Russians not here?”. Not a single one asked me that.
    It was the same with the Olympics in Rio. OK, they were not there, but nobody really missed them because they had not been following the rules that everybody else has to follow.
     
    HOST CITY: What do you think Russian Athletics thinks about this?
    Svein Arne Hansen: They are starting to think along the same lines because they know that they have to change otherwise they will not be coming back.
     
    HOST CITY: And you have established a taskforce to look into the integrity of athletics by investigating European records.
    Svein Arne Hansen: Yes, we have put on a group to work on that and it was amazing, the reaction on social media.
    This is a very difficult task. The taskforce now has until September/October to come back with proposals we will bring forward to the IAAF.
    It’s a challenge, of course. People will feel offended but if we don’t do that, people will say you can’t just let it go on. You have to look into it. Of course some people will be hurt by this, but you can’t make an omelette without breaking the eggs.
     
    HOST CITY: Your suggestion is that the IAAF might follow your lead?
    Svein Arne Hansen: I hope so. We will take this decision about European records, but I am sure the IAAF will follow. We have talked to them already and they have been very supportive of this and put one of their best people on the taskforce. So that’s a good sign.
     
    HOST CITY: Another thing that put the IAAF under the spotlight is the host city process for the World Championships.
    Svein Arne Hansen: I was not around [on the IAAF Council] then then so I don’t know too much about that. I have heard the same rumours.
     
    HOST CITY: There is an ongoing host city selection process for the 2022 European Championships. Presumably that host will be announced at your board meeting in November?
    Svein Arne Hansen: Yes. That’s what we hope.
     
    HOST CITY: Remind me what bids you have on the table?
    Svein Arne Hansen: We have a lot, but I can’t say any more. There will probably be a statement after our board meeting on February 7. We plan to come out with participants for the final round. We are looking for two or three cities to be shortlisted.
    We also have made a very tough selection for the sports. If they don’t bring their best people to the Championships in 2018 in Glasgow they will not unfortunately be a part of 2022.
    We know all the best athletes will be in Berlin. Swimming are saying the same and they know that all the best swimmers will be in Glasgow, all the sports in Glasgow must also come with their best. Glasgow is not investing so much money to have a second-class Championships.
     
    HOST CITY: But all of the seven sports will remain for 2022?
    Svein Arne Hansen: It looks like it. But as I said they must bring their best people. It’s also important that they include a sport that is popular for the host city.
     
    HOST CITY: So that suggests there might be some changes?
    Svein Arne Hansen: Yes, there might. But we will see. First we have to organise 2018.

  • Inaugural SIGA Sport Integrity Forum commits to action not just words

    Inaugural SIGA Sport Integrity Forum commits to action not just words

    [Source: SIGA] A series of high profile delegates, headed by European Athletics President Svein Arne Hansen, today called for active and sustainable sports governance reform at the inaugural SIGA Sport Integrity Forum.
    The Forum was held in the historic Chartered Accountants’ Hall – the headquarters of SIGA member, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Representatives from over 100 organisations from the international sports community attended, with high profile delegates from sport (international federations, clubs, leagues, national governing bodies and regional confederations), government, international and regional organisations, civil society and the commercial and professional services sectors.
    Hansen began the high-profile Forum with a keynote address in which he described the corruption and doping scandals seen across a number of sports in recent years as “betrayals of sport’s values and of the trust of millions of people, young and old.”
    Read Host City’s exclusive interview with Svein Arne Hansen here
    He went on to highlight the significant progress that has been made both by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and European Athletics in integrity and good governance. Hansen concluded: “I see SIGA as being from the sport movement and that it and European Athletics have common interests. Therefore, I want to wish you all the best with your project and I hope to work with you in the future.”
    Hansen also took advantage of his address to reveal that he is asking that in future “we will store the doping control sample for any European record for a minimum of 10 years to allow for retesting when technology improves.”
    The Forum’s three panel discussions on good governance in sport, financial integrity and sports betting integrity featured prominent and influential leaders from the world of sport, united in their belief that all of sport’s stakeholders should work in partnership to bring about real and lasting reform.
    The debate was geared towards identifying solutions to the problems sport currently faces and the role SIGA can play in supporting organisations implement reform. Speakers included Lars-Christer Olsson (Chairman, EPFL), Nick Bitel (Chair, Sport England), Kimberley Morris (General Manager, FIFA TMS) and Thierry Pujol (CEO, Française des Jeux) among others.
    Speaking after the Forum, the SIGA Council said: “The first ever SIGA Sport Integrity Forum has been a great success and a significant step forward. We enjoyed three panels of very high quality with excellent interventions from the audience. But this Forum would not have been such a success without the contribution and efforts of everyone involved. SIGA as an organisation is completely reliant on the expertise and contribution of its members. We are built on the principles of collaboration and partnership as we recognise that real change is only possible if we work together.
    “The panel discussions today highlighted the scale of the work that is ahead of us but they also reinforced the need for an organisation like SIGA to act as a bridge and bring together like-minded organisations from across the sports industry. SIGA is here to stay and we are committed to bringing about real change. Today we have shown that we can talk the talk but now we must walk the talk.”
    The Forum was concluded by Chairman of the International Cricket Council Anti-Corruption Unit, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, and Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) President Brian Lewis who expressed their support for SIGA and called on sports organisations to adopt SIGA’s Universal Standards.
    Read Host City’s exclusive interview with Svein Arne Hansen here

  • Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government returns as Gold Partner for SportAccord Convention 2017

    Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government returns as Gold Partner for SportAccord Convention 2017

    [Source: SportAccord Convention] SportAccord Convention today announced the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government will be a Gold Partner again for this year’s 15th edition taking place from 2 – 7 April 2017 in the waterside city of Aarhus Convention Center in Denmark.
    Commenting on its Gold Partnership, Mr Pun Weng Kun, President of Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government said, “We are honored to return again as one of the Gold Partners, as we look forward to enhancing Macau’s profile as an active sport city, making contributions to the positive growth and development in the global sport industry and being a significant part of the success of the SportAccord Convention.”
    The Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government seeks to promote sport at all levels with athletes and citizens alike. It focuses on creating the necessary conditions for the development of sport and plays an active role between sports associations as well as encouraging citizens to lead a healthy lifestyle, promoting the positive message, “Let’s exercise for our health” as a good habit.
    Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “We are pleased to welcome Macau for their tenth anniversary year as a Gold Partner. Their strategy and objectives for enabling people to participate in sport from grassroots to elite levels, as well as hosting international sport events, makes Macau a key contender as an international sports destination.” Hatt went on to say, “With interest high for this year’s Convention, as well as Aarhus being on the radar of many organisations around the world as European Capital of Culture for 2017, we’ve seen a sharp rise in registrations to take advantage of this halo.”
    Held in a different city every year, the annual SportAccord Convention is a unique opportunity for key decision-makers from sport and industry to meet, network and strategically shape global, regional and national agendas. An exclusive 6-day event with 1500 delegates expected to attend in just under 6 weeks, organisations who want to take advantage of the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event and get involved in the business of sport, are registering as exhibitors or delegates daily at www.sportaccordconvention.com.
    The SportAccord Convention is also host to annual general meetings of governing bodies, will welcome a delegation from the International Olympic Committee, and its 3-day conference programme focused on ‘Innovation In Action’ promises to share cutting edge business ideas and fire the imagination of delegates.

  • #SAC2017 reveals additional sessions and speakers for “Innovation in Action” plenary conference including Tom Glick from Manchester City FC

    #SAC2017 reveals additional sessions and speakers for “Innovation in Action” plenary conference including Tom Glick from Manchester City FC

    LAUSANNE, Switzerland – SportAccord Convention today provided an update on the Plenary Conference programme ‘Innovation in Action’ including speakers, additional sessions, and partners. SportAccord Convention will be held from 2 – 7 April 2017 at the Scandinavian Center in Aarhus, Denmark, this year’s European Capital of Culture.
     
    With sport being the fastest growing sector in the entertainment industry, it also holds a unique place in the hearts and minds of supporters. Thanks to our Top Media Partner Dow Jones, Tom Glick, CCO of City Football Group will share his insights into how the club has opened the door to innovation, to build loyalty and grow support as well as commercial success, in a scene setter focused on ‘Innovation in the Business of Sport’.
     
    Commenting on the Group’s strategy, Tom Glick said, “At Manchester City and all our City Football Group clubs, we have a passion for innovation and for connecting with our fans everywhere in the world; whether in stadium or wherever they follow our clubs. Our fans are increasingly global, increasingly digital and increasingly mobile and we are delighted to be working with world-class partners who are helping us to find new ways to engage them.”
     
    Continuing the theme ‘Innovation in the Business of Sport’, a panel will consider the risks of moving too fast for fans, balanced against the dangers of getting caught up in the wake of other, faster moving clubs, sports, and competitions. The session will address how sponsor engagement, digital, data and in-stadium technology, enables sport disciplines to deliver even more to meet fan expectations and draw so much more in return.
     
    The Panel lineup includes:

    Ishveen Anand, Founder & CEO, OpenSponsorship
    David de Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events Division, Aggreko
    Tom Glick, CCO, City Football Group
    Fiona Green, Director & Co-Founder, Winners

     
    The Panel for the session focused on ‘Innovation – A permanent change revolution, or an opportunity to reset your sport?’ is now confirmed and will look at how sports are using innovative approaches within their specific disciplines to advance both the sport itself as well as expand who is able to participate.
     
    Panel members includes:

    Mark Barfield, Technical Manager, UCI
    Johannes Holzmüller Head of Football Technology Innovation Department, FIFA 
    Angela Ruggeiro, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Sports Innovation Lab and Chair of IOC Athletes’ Commission
    Chris Wells, Communication Manager, World Archery

     
    David Eades, Journalist and Anchor for BBC World will moderate the sessions. Further details of the Plenary Conference as well as the LawAccord programme can be found at www.sportaccordconvention.com.
     
    SportAccord Convention is the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event at the service of sport. It is focused on driving positive change internationally and dedicated to engaging and connecting; international sports federations, rights holders, organising committees, cities, press and media, businesses and other organisations involved in the development of sport. The Convention is host to annual general meetings of governing bodies as well as bid cities, and once again, will welcome a delegation from the International Olympic Committee.

  • Are online retailers a data resource or a threat to sports and entertainment sectors?

    Are online retailers a data resource or a threat to sports and entertainment sectors?

    Knowing your customer is essential for any business, whether that’s a sports or entertainment organisation staying attuned to the feelings of fans or a media organisation understanding the mindset of its viewers, readers and listeners.
    In the digital age, customer data has grown exponentially. But who owns the most data? The retailer is the first port of call for most customers, so online retailers are sitting on a massive digital resource that has the potential to expand the reach of any content-producing organisation – particularly when sports and entertainment is increasingly distributed globally via a single channel: the internet.
    The agreement between the International Olympic Committee and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is a perfect example of a partnership between an organisation dedicated to world-class content and another dedicated to reaching customers, in the world’s biggest and fastest growing market.
    The deal, announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos and negotiated by Shankai Sports and Michael Payne, who set up the IOC’s TOP sponsorship programme in the 1980s, is highly innovative. In joining as the latest TOP Sponsor, Alibaba is said to be providing around US$1bn of financial support to the IOC over the next six Olympic Games. Alibaba becomes the IOC’s official provider of Cloud and e-commerce services as well as partnering with the IOC’s online Olympic Channel.
    The sponsorship deal is said to have been conducted independently of Alisports, which already partners with a number of other sports organisations to deliver sports directly to fans via Alibaba’s own online channels.
    Retailers are traditionally not producers of content, but they are starting to occupying this space. Amazon is already distributing online television direct to its customers – and if the e-commerce giants do start to launch their own sports events, the pressure on traditional sports organisations to assert the authenticity and integrity of their own properties will get even more intense.

  • Cities shine in Silver Partner line-up for #SAC2017 in Aarhus

    Cities shine in Silver Partner line-up for #SAC2017 in Aarhus

    LAUSANNE, Switzerland – SportAccord Convention has announced its Silver Partners for the 15th edition of the Convention taking place from 2 – 7 April 2017 in the Scandinavian Center Aarhus, Denmark. This year’s Silver Partners include:
     

    Canadian Sports Tourism Alliance – created through a partnership with the Canadian Tourism Commission, CSTA has over 400 members including 142 municipalities and 200+ national and regional sport organisations, as well as product and service suppliers. One of its key objectives is to market Canada internationally as a preferred sport tourism destination.
    Edmonton Events – established as a strategic partnership between the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Tourism, is focused on attracting major events to the region. Edmonton Events provides a single point of contact, offering services and expertise from event inception, bidding and marketing, to operations and legacy.
    EventScotland – part of VisitScotland, and building on Scotland’s reputation as a major events destination, its refreshed vision is aimed at making Scotland ‘The Perfect Stage’ for events.
    Malaysia Major Events – a division of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, MME was established to promote, facilitate and stage international events as the venue of choice for the region.

     
    Welcoming on-board this year’s Silver Partners, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “We’re delighted to welcome our Silver Partners to this year’s special edition. As regional event and hospitality experts and hosts, they are well aware of the benefits and exposure SportAccord Convention provides them as a host city.” Hatt went on to say, “With Aarhus being the European Capital of Culture for 2017, this setting enables all our partners and exhibitors to really shine and take advantage of the opportunities and interest surrounding our event and the Host City.”
     
    Aarhus, the city that never sleeps, has a monumental year ahead with a cultural programme to keep everybody entertained. Filled with museums, and iconic buildings like ARoS offering panoramic ‘rainbow’ views, or the stunning new waterside library ‘Dokk1’, an ambitious project which successfully manages to marry two Danish cultural traditions – being accessible to all generations and social classes, as well as being functional within a beautiful design. The bustling streets are packed with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, where Aarhus (and the surrounding area) also hold the prestigious title of European Region of Gastronomy 2017.
     
    Over one thousand organisations attend the SportAccord Convention to network and discuss the business of sport. With just under one week to go before the delegate pass rises to CHF 2,500, and the exhibition proving as popular as ever with 85% of booths now sold, organisations still considering whether to become involved should take action and register as a delegate or secure a booth at www.sportaccordconvention.com. For those who would like to go the extra mile and benefit from this unique opportunity, a couple of Bronze partnership opportunities remain.
     
    SportAccord Convention is host to annual general meetings of governing bodies as well as bid cities, and once again, will welcome a delegation from the International Olympic Committee.
     
    The SportAccord Convention official schedule will also include a plenary conference, City Forum, LawAccord and MediaAccord and this year’s overarching theme is ‘Innovation in Action’. These sessions are intended for International Federations and organisations who want to get up to speed with the latest thinking, as well as hear the news and views of sporting leaders from around the globe.
     
    To become a delegate or exhibitor at SportAccord Convention register at: www.sportaccordconvention.com
     
    Source: SportAccord Convention

  • SportAccord Convention unveils plenary conference programme ‘innovation in action’

    SportAccord Convention unveils plenary conference programme ‘innovation in action’

    LAUSANNE, Switzerland – SportAccord Convention has announced first details of the Plenary Conference programme ‘Innovation in Action’ taking place in this year’s European Capital of Culture, Aarhus, Denmark from 2–7 April 2017.
     
    SportAccord Convention is the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event at the service of sport. Held in a different city each year, the Convention takes place over six days and is focused on driving positive change internationally and dedicated to engaging and connecting; international sports federations, rights holders, organising committees, cities, press and media, and organisations involved in the business of sport.
     
    “We have a great event lined up for delegates at this special 15th anniversary edition of the SportAccord Convention and we’ll see a number of speakers make their debut at the Plenary Conference,” said Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord Convention. “Innovation is at the hub of any successful organisation and this year’s conference programme will enable delegates to explore and experience the innovative ways business leaders are making decisive decisions to keep their organisations ahead of the game and in the hearts and minds of fans.”
     
    Day 1 will kick-off with a keynote to address why organisations must innovate to remain relevant. This will follow with a conference session examining whether innovation is a permanent change revolution or an opportunity for organisations to reset their sport. Other sessions will focus on the business of sport and includes how one English Premier League football club opened the door to innovation, to build loyalty and grow support, as well as commercial success. A panel will consider the risks of moving too fast for fans, balanced against the dangers of getting caught in the wake of other, faster moving clubs, sports and competitions. Delegates will also hear how some International Sports Federations have used innovation to great effect in their sport discipline.
     
    Day 2 will begin with a presentation from Tokyo 2020 on their plans for hosting the next Games and why it will be the most futuristic sporting event to date. Panel sessions will examine whether technology is a friend or foe when it comes to dictating the direction of sport and how organisations can embrace beneficial technological change and meet generational expectations without losing the very essence of sport. A technology health-check for the sports movement will also provide updates on key developments in the areas of digital and social media, wearable devices, 3-D and VR content, drones, and more, with experts who can share the latest technology, best practice and answer questions.
     
    The Convention provides organisations involved in the development and business of sport with a unique opportunity to meet and network on a global scale with over ninety percent (90%) of the delegation being key decision-makers and in a position to take action. The majority of delegates, partners and exhibitors return each year, ensuring the Convention is part of their business strategy. With over seventy percent (70%) of exhibitor space sold, and just under two weeks to go until the delegate pass is due to rise to CHF 2,500 on 6 February, organisations can become involved at SportAccord Convention as a delegate, exhibitor or sponsor and register at www.sportaccordconvention.com
    Source: SportAccord Convention

  • Expo 2020 Dubai to award contracts worth $3bn in 2017

    Expo 2020 Dubai to award contracts worth $3bn in 2017

    Expo 2020 Dubai will award 47 construction contracts worth $3 billion in 2017 as preparations for the Middle East’s first world expo continues to gather pace.
     
    A further 98 non-construction contracts totalling more than $98 million will also be distributed before the end of the year. These will range from legal advisory services to event management and merchandising.
     
    The construction contracts for 2017, which are open to local, regional and international businesses, include the third and final infrastructure package for the event’s support areas.
     
    Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, said: “We are committed to working with leading businesses from across the world in order to deliver an exceptional event of this scale, on time and on budget.
     
    “This is particularly true when it comes to the development of the physical site, which will live on long beyond 2021 to become an anchor for the UAE’s developing knowledge economy in Dubai South.
     
    “But just as importantly, the non-construction contracts to be procured this year will allow us to spread the investment made in the Expo as far as possible and enable local, regional and international businesses of all sizes to be part of what will be the most inclusive and international event in Expo history.”
     
    In 2016, Expo 2020 Dubai awarded more than 1,200 contracts, investing more than $544.5 million in the economy. This included the appointment of an Orascom-Besix joint venture at the end of the year to develop the deep infrastructure at the Expo site in Dubai South. Once complete, the site will cover 4.38 square kilometres and host up to 300,000 people a day between October 2020 and April 2021.
     
    Ahmed Al Khatib, vice president of real estate and delivery, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “While 2016 was an important year for design, 2017 is when the momentum of construction will really build, ahead of international participants beginning work on their pavilions in 2018.
     
    “These important contracts will help us meet our target of completing the majority of construction with a year to go before Expo 2020 Dubai opens its doors in October 2020, providing the opportunity for all-important readiness testing.”

  • LA 2024 launches volunteer programme

    LA 2024 launches volunteer programme

    The 2024 Summer Olympic Games may be seven years away, but candidate city Los Angeles has already started to recruit volunteers to boost its bid.
    Competing against Paris and Budapest when the 2024 decision is announced at the 130th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Lima on September 13, the LA 2024 committee has urged ‘Angelenos’ to sign up for its recently-launched volunteer service programme.
    Bid chairman Casey Wasserman said: “The LA 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games will be a celebration of all Angelenos and the diverse communities of Southern California. Eighteen million talented, creative and caring Angelenos are our greatest asset for hosting the Games.
    “If Los Angeles is elected host city, tens of thousands of Angelenos would volunteer to support the events and welcome the world to our city. But we’re not waiting until 2024. LA 2024 wants to use the power of the Games to galvanise volunteerism today, making LA an even better place to live for all Angelenos, well before the Games.”
    The programme will spotlight opportunities in 2017 for residents to make a difference in their communities through volunteer work and community service, providing tangible benefits to the region during the bid phase.
    Participants will then engage with the programme online via desktop and mobile as part of LA 2024’s commitment to communicate with young people on their platforms and on their terms. In recognition for their service, participants will receive priority consideration for volunteer opportunities during the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, should LA be elected host city by the IOC.
    This process will ensure that visitors in 2024 would find a dedicated and experienced team of volunteers with detailed knowledge of the LA 2024 Games Plans.
    Janet Evans, LA 2024 vice chair and director of athlete relations, said: “Thank you to the hundreds of Angelenos who have already signed up to join LA 2024 as we give back to our communities and make a difference in our communities today. We hope many more join us in this effort.
    “Shows of support like these bring to life what polls tell us – that an overwhelming 88% of Angelenos want to bring the Games back to LA in 2024. The Olympic enthusiasm that LA 2024 will harness to give back to our communities today is the same enthusiasm that athletes, fans and members of the Olympic Family can expect when they are warmly welcomed here in 2024.”
     

  • ASOIF discusses enhanced role for IFs in Games preparations

    ASOIF discusses enhanced role for IFs in Games preparations

    The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations’ (ASOIF) Olympic and Multi-Sports Games Consultative Group (AOMSG) held its first meeting of 2017 and top of the agenda was the International Federations’ (IFs) increasing role in the preparations of Olympic Games as well as Youth Olympic Games.
    In the light of Olympic Agenda 2020, the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) strategic roadmap for the Olympic Movement, IFs are required to be more involved in the planning and delivery of the Olympic competitions, including the transfer of some technical responsibilities from the Olympic Games Organising Committees (OCOGs) to the IFs.
    This comes after a number of IFs expressed concern over venue standards during the run-up to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. In April 2016, the gymnastics federation, FIG, held its Rio test event and concerns were raised over power outages, the scoring system and missing equipment at a temporary training venue.
    The ultimate goal is to better utilise IFs’ growing events expertise and thereby ensure seamless organisation and a reduction of costs of the Olympic Games, for instance when it comes to venue design and development or the integration of IF workforce personnel into the OCOG.  
    IOC experts joined in the AOMSG meeting to update the group on the preparations for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) to be held next year in Buenos Aires and about future plans for the development of the event.
    During a detailed review of the YOG concept last year, driven by Olympic Agenda 2020, IFs gave important feedback on their experience with the first two summer YOG editions.
    The IOC will deliver a report to all ASOIF members during a dedicated working meeting in Lausanne in April.