Advanced virtual training session for NOC experts held successfully

Some NOCs joined following their participation in the recent INTERPOL-IOC training sessions. The focus was on how an NOC can become an effective part of a national platform (national cooperation framework), together with public authorities and law enforcement officials. More than 15 representatives of national platforms or sports ministries also took part in the meeting, which offered the opportunity to present successful cooperation models. Close coordination between the two parallel investigations into potential cases of competition manipulation (sport disciplinary and law enforcement), as well as the sharing of account-based information, were identified as key success factors.

Han Yan, SPOC at the NOC of China, said after the training session: “The advanced virtual training session on the role of NOCs within a national cooperation framework was really useful and inspirational. As well as finding out additional information on how an NOC should be active against competition manipulation, we had the chance to further understand the importance of a national platform and receive concrete examples of how stakeholders can work together in an environment of trust. After what we learnt in the webinar, we will be working further with the relevant Chinese state authorities towards the development of a national cooperation framework in China.”

About Single Points of Contact

In recent months, and in preparation for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Unit PMC) has stepped up its collaboration with NOCs in order to raise awareness of the issue and protect clean athletes in the best way possible. The ambitious, long-term aim is to have each NOC appoint a “Single Point of Contact” (SPOC) and empower this person to act efficiently when it comes to supporting the development of relevant regulations and awareness-raising activities, as well as following up on potential cases of competition manipulation. This includes a good understanding of the national jurisdiction, as well as close coordination with law enforcement. The SPOC model has taken off successfully in Europe and is now being rolled out to NOCs on other continents. So far, more than 100 NOCs have appointed a SPOC in their organisation.

If you are an NOC and are keen to learn more about how to protect sports integrity in your country, contact omunitpmc@olympic.org.