GAISF and SportAccord President Raffaele Chiulli wrapped up 2019 IF Forum in Lausanne with a message on the importance of giving athletes sufficient tools to ensure their empowerment.

The three-day Forum, which brought together more than 100 International Federations, focused on the theme of “Athlete Centred Sport.” President Chiulli emphasised the need to work with athletes and their entourage, at all levels.

“We must see each other as members of the same team, of the same family,” President Chiulli said. “And our teamwork is a critical factor in ensuring sport succeeds.

“Of course, it is not just the athletes on the pitch, it is their entourage, the officials, the volunteers, the administrators – everyone plays their role. And what could be more sporting than to respect the effort of everyone on the team?”

IOC President Thomas Bach delivered the welcome remarks and Raffaele Chiulli the opening and closing address. Jeanette Kwayke, Danka Bartekova and Virginie Faivre were among several Olympians who spoke, providing an insight into how athletes can be involved in sports policy.

The final morning of the Forum was dedicated to a workshop on “Athlete Centred Governance”, with International Federations sharing best practice of how athletes can benefit the decision making process.

Following the conclusion of the IF Forum, GAISF and the IOC held a joint sustainability workshop. Almost 70 IFs attended the session, which focused on topics such as climate change, plastic pollution and sustainable events. Nineteen sustainability case studies were launched at the event, increasing the total number within the series to almost 80. The case studies feature sustainability initiatives of Olympic and recognised IFs, covering topics such as climate change, infrastructure, sourcing, mobility, gender, education and social development.