Largest-ever IOC International Athletes' Forum begins in Lausanne
All 206 National Olympic Committees will be represented, giving a voice to even more athletes.
The largest-ever IOC International Athletes' Forum is taking place in Lausanne, Switzerland (13-15 April).
The International Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission invited 350 athlete representatives from all 206 National Olympic Committees to the bi-annual event.
The forum's objectives are to empower Athletes' Commissions and enable them to better represent athletes, excite the athletes about the influential role they can play, and unite the Athletes' Commissions to become an even stronger voice of athletes within the sports movement.
Another key goal of the IOC Athletes' Commission is to further support athletes when they need it, as well as enabling them to give a stronger contribution to decision-making bodies.
“Through Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC has taken significant measures to strengthen support to athletes through our solidarity model," said IOC President Thomas Bach.
"The International Athletes’ Forum is an invaluable opportunity to ensure that the athletes' voice is effective and valued at every level of sports administration.”
Topics that will be discussed over the three-day forum include Lausanne 2020, Beining 2022, Paris 2024, gender equality and mental health.
In addition to the NOCs and athletes' commissions, medical experts, representatives from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will also be panelists for discussions.
Stay with Olympic Channel for full coverage of the forum, including a livestream from the event in Lausanne on the website, apps, and social feeds.