Experts to put athlete welfare at heart of IF forum 2019 conversation
Sport’s most innovative and influential figures will put the issue of athlete welfare firmly centre stage after a stellar line-up of speakers was finalised ahead of the International Federation (IF) Forum 2019 in Lausanne.
Representatives of international sports federations, stakeholders, governing bodies, public- and private-sector organisations will offer vital insights as part of a packed agenda from 28-30 October 2019 at the Hotel Royal Savoy, with the conference focusing on ‘Athlete Centred Sport’.
The annual event is organised by SportAccord for international sport federations and its stakeholders. The IF Forum is also supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and several IOC officials have been confirmed on the conference schedule, alongside leading figures from across the global sports spectrum.
IOC President Thomas Bach will offer welcome remarks alongside Philippe Leuba, State Councillor, Department of Economy & Sport at the Canton of Vaud, before SportAccord and GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli provides the opening address.
A series of speakers, including many with experience of being under the glare of the sporting spotlight, will then provide a series of unmissable perspectives via sessions, keynotes and fireside chats, with topics including safeguarding athletes, financial wellbeing, athlete welfare and mental health, protecting clean athletes and strengthening the athletes’ voice.
Olympian, Broadcaster and Host, Jeanette Kwakye, will provide an Athlete Keynote Address, before Virginie Faivre, President, Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games and Lausanne 2020 Athletes’ Council, is the focus of a Youth Athlete Keynote Address.
Scene setters ahead of panel sessions will also be provided by Christophe De Kepper, Director General, IOC; Sébastien Gillot, Director, European Regional Office and International Federation Relations, WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency); Prof. Fabio Pigozzi, President, FIMS (International Federation of Sports Medicine) and Member of the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission – Medical and Scientific Group; Kaveh Mehrabi, Head of Athlete Relations and Engagement, IOC; and Susan Greinig, Medical Programmes Senior Manager, Safeguarding Officer, IOC.
On the final day, after a welcome and opening remarks from Stephan Fox, President, AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport) and General Secretary, IFMA (International Federation of Muaythai Associations), two workshops will take place. The first, on ‘Athlete Centred Governance’, will be led by Jenny Wiedeke, Communications Director, FIS (International Ski Federation); while the second on ‘Tools and Strategies for Athlete Engagement’ will feature Engaging Coach and International Speaker Gabriela Mueller Mendoza. A breakdown of the full conference programme at the IF Forum 2019 can be found here.
Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord, says: “The calibre of speakers underlines the growing importance of this event, and by putting the wellbeing of athletes at the heart of the discussion, the IF Forum 2019 will provide an essential platform for exchanging knowledge and ideas on a hugely important topic.
We are also grateful for the support of the IF Forum 2019’s Partners: Eurosport, MARSH, NAGRA, NEOM, Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Deportivo and Sport Event Denmark, as well as Host City Partners Lausanne and the Canton of Vaud.”
IF Forum Partners will have the opportunity to engage and share knowledge with delegates via exclusive Partner presentations taking place throughout the Forum.
The IF Forum 2019 will bring together more than 300 leaders from over 100 International Sports Federations, with delegates discussing best practice in an intimate environment.
For further information about the IF Forum, click here or download the brochure here.
For media enquiries, please contact: media@sportaccord.sport
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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.
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