Olympic Highlights 13/05/2024
IOC
PRESIDENT
Thirty-six athletes competing across 12 sports, were named as members of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team for Paris 2024 on 2 May.
The announcement was made by the IOC President, Thomas Bach, during a live-streamed ceremony from Olympic House in Lausanne. “We welcome all of you with open arms. You are an enrichment to our Olympic community, and to our societies. With your participation in the Olympic Games, you will demonstrate the human potential of resilience and excellence. This will send a message of hope to the more than 100 million displaced people around the world. At the same time, you will make billions of people around the world aware of the magnitude of the refugee crisis. Therefore, I encourage everyone around the world to join us in cheering for you – the IOC Refugee Olympic Team,” President Bach said, addressing all of the team members, who had joined the meeting virtually.
The composition of the team was approved by the IOC Executive Board and was based on a number of criteria including, first and foremost, their refugee status as established by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Chef de Mission for the Refugee Olympic Team Masomah Ali Zada, who competed for the Refugee Olympic Team at Tokyo 2020, and Yiech Pur Biel, a member of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team Rio 2016 and an IOC Member, as well as British Olympian sprinter and broadcaster Jeanette Kwakye, were present during the ceremony. In a video message, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said: “The Refugee Olympic Team should remind us of the resilience, courage and hopes of all those uprooted by war and persecution. These athletes represent what human beings can do, even in the face of extreme adversity." Read the full news release here.
Earlier, the IOC President was in Doha (Qatar) for the meeting of the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) Board, which discussed the Foundation’s successes from the past year, the preparations for the Refugee Olympic Team at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and plans to continue to support displaced people through sport into the next quadrennial period. The ORF Board meeting was hosted in Doha by the Qatar Olympic Committee, which has been instrumental in building and supporting the Foundation logistically and financially since its inception in 2017. The Board members were welcomed by Lolwah Rashid Al-Khater, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and ORF Board member. Two new members to the Board were appointed: IOC Member Michelle Yeoh and IOC Member and Olympic champion Britta Heidemann. Both will begin their terms on 1 September 2024.
After the meeting, the Board members with the Chair of the Board, President Bach, and the Co-Chair, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, visited a sport and education centre for refugees from conflict zones. The centre provides medical care and a range of rehabilitation services for the injured and their families. The Board members met many of the residents and took part in sporting activities with some of the children in the centre. Read the full news release here.
During the President’s stay in Doha, the IOC signed a new collaboration agreement with the Qatar Foundation. Working with a coalition of stakeholders, the two organisations will implement community projects in 10 countries across Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, to promote equality, diversity and inclusion through sport. The agreement was signed in the presence of the IOC President and Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of the Qatar Foundation. Read the full news release here.
President Bach received the President of the NOC of Cuba, Roberto Leon Richards Aguiar, whom he thanked for the warm welcome he received during his visit to Cuba last year. The situation of sport in the country and the challenges faced by the Cuban athletes in their preparations for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 were among the main topics discussed. The NOC President, who took part in the artistic gymnastics competition at the Olympic Games Munich 1972, Montreal 1976 and Moscow 1980, and the NOC Secretary General, Ruperto Herrera Tabio, a basketball player and bronze medallist at the Olympic Games Munich 1972, who also took part in the Olympic Games Mexico City 1968, Montreal 1976 and Moscow 1980, were both presented with a diploma and OLY pin by President Bach. They then signed the Olympians Wall.
The IOC President also welcomed the President of the Indian NOC, PT Usha, to Olympic House. The preparations of the Indian athletes for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and the situation of the Indian NOC were among the main topics discussed. It was also a great opportunity for the new NOC President and the new CEO to interact with the various IOC departments and to learn more about the programmes and opportunities available for the NOCs. The NOC President who took part in track and field at three consecutive Olympic Games (Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988) received her diploma and OLY pin from the IOC President and signed the Olympians Wall.
With President of the Senegalese NOC, Mamadou Ndiaye, the President discussed the preparations for the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, for which Ndiaye is also President of the Organising Committee.
President Bach also met IOC Member Giovanni Malagò, who is also President of the Italian NOC and the Organising Committee for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Both reviewed the progress of preparations for these Games.
President Bach met World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) President Riccardo Fraccari, whom he congratulated on the 10th anniversary of the WBSC. Among other things, they discussed the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, where baseball5 will make its debut. The President also welcomed the members of the WBSC Athletes’ Committee, who were meeting at Olympic House.
President Bach had a phone call with the President of the Brisbane 2032 Board, Andrew Liveris. The discussions focused on the preparations for the Olympic Games Brisbane 2032 and the excellent collaboration between the partners.
During a phone conversation, the IOC President and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President, Andrew Parsons, who is also an IOC Member spoke about the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 and various other Olympic topics.
The IOC President also had a telephone call with the Vice-President of the International Olympic Truce Centre (IOTC), George Papandreou. They discussed the preparations for the IOTC board meeting, the current geopolitical situation and the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The President welcomed Hong Jeongdo, Vice-Chairman of JTBC, Media Rights-Holder in Korea for the Olympic Games during the period from 2026 to 2032, on a courtesy visit to Olympic House.
The President met with Sven Spannekrebs, the former coach of Yusra Mardini, one of the members of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team at Tokyo 2020.
President Bach welcomed Catalan artist Rosa Serra, who presented a sculpture of Pierre de Coubertin to the IOC. Serra is also the artist behind the Olympic Suite, a series of sculptures on Olympic themes.
The President also spoke with Michael Payne, former IOC Marketing Director.
The IOC President also spoke on the phone with former Greek President Prokópis Pavlópoulos. They discussed several topics of mutual interest, and the geopolitical situation and its impact on sport.
The President spoke with Helmut Digel, former President of the German Athletics Federation and a former member of the World Athletics Council.
This week, President Bach also spoke with IOC Vice-President Ser Miang Ng. Various current Olympic issues were discussed.
MEMBERS
IOC Member Daina Gudzinevičiūtė, who is also President of the Lithuanian NOC, has been appointed ambassador of the European Girls’ U19 Football Championships. The event will take place from 14 to 27 July in Lithuania. More details here on the NOC website.
IOC Member Mustapha Berraf, who is also President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), has been made a Grand Commander of the National Order of Mali, for services to sport and Olympism, and for promoting the Olympic values in Africa. He was presented with the medal of the Order by the Malian Ambassador to Algeria, Mahamane Amadou Maiga, during a ceremony at the embassy on 2 May, in the presence of various sports personalities. More details here.
TOP PARTNERS
Airbnb is offering two fans the opportunity to enjoy a truly unique overnight stay in the renowned Musée d'Orsay, where they will be able to enjoy an unrivalled view of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Fans can request to book the one-night stay at airbnb.com/Museedorsay when booking opens on 21 May. Full news release here.
Alibaba has announced that Olympic fans in China can now access official Paris 2024 branded products on Tmall’s Olympic Store. In addition to the launch of the Paris 2024 collection, official licensed products for the Olympic Qualifier Series event in Shanghai will also be available on Tmall. The Olympic Qualifier Series will be held in the Chinese city from 16 to 19 May. Full news release here.
As the countdown to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 continues, the Worldwide Olympic Partners are preparing to play a fundamental role in making the Games a success. In our “Road to Paris” series, these Partners talk about some of the essential support they will be providing and reveal their excitement at helping to shape an unforgettable Olympic experience for fans and athletes alike. Read here the interview with Tim Dignard, Coca-Cola’s Director of Global Sports Partnerships and Operations.
Intel has unveiled a range of innovations, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), which it will introduce for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 to enhance engagement for fans, organisers, athletes and viewers around the world. These new, AI-driven technologies, powered by Intel hardware and software, will provide immersive and interactive on-site experiences, while also helping to improve universal accessibility and demonstrate how AI can enrich Olympic broadcast coverage. Full news release here.
Samsung has celebrated the countdown to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 by opening an innovative brand showcase in the French capital. Located on the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Olympics Rendezvous @ Samsung (OR@S) allows visitors to experience Samsung’s cutting-edge mobile technology, learn about its Olympic partnership and engage in a variety of interactive activities related to the Olympic Games. Full news release here.
OTHER OLYMPIC NEWS
A new AI-powered monitoring service will protect athletes and officials from online abuse at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 this summer. Following the launch of the Olympic AI Agenda, which outlines the envisioned impact that artificial intelligence can deliver for the Olympic Movement, the IOC is demonstrating how AI can improve safeguarding in sport. Paris 2024 will mark the first time that AI will be in use to provide safe online spaces for such a large number of athletes competing in so many sports at the same time. Full info here about this joint project developed by the IOC Athletes’ Commission and the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission.
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATIONS
SUMMER IFS
International Gymnastics Federation (FIG)
Indonesia's capital city Jakarta will host the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships after the FIG Executive Committee approved a bid from the Indonesia Gymnastics Federation. The competition will take place from 19 to 25 October 2025. This will be the first time that the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships have been held in South-East Asia. More info here.
NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES
Australian Olympic Committee (AOC)
At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held online on 4 May, AOC President Ian Chesterman AM announced three major initiatives with: a new athlete funding scheme in addition to the AOC's Medal Incentive Funding; an Indigenous Athlete Performance Grants programme; and a fund to support initiatives to grow the number of Olympic Indigenous athletes through to Brisbane 2032 and beyond. In his address, Chesterman also reflected on preparations for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the opportunity for Australian sport through Brisbane 2032, the success of the AOC’s community programmes over the past 12 months, and the Committee’s sound financial position with a surplus of AUD 4m. The AGM also approved a constitutional change that furthers the AOC’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Australians. The Constitution has now been strengthened to “recognise and value the heritage, culture and contribution of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australia and the Olympic Movement, and to promote and give practical support to the journey of reconciliation through sport.” More details here.
Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB)
Olympic champion and COB Director General Rogério Sampaio will be the Chef de Mission of the Brazilian delegation to the Olympic Games Paris 2024, a contingent of approximately 300 athletes. He will be assisted by a technical team, which is already involved in the organisation process to advise him on the final stretch of preparations and day-to-day operations in Paris. There will also be three Deputy Chefs de Mission: the High Performance Director, Ney Wilson; the Sports Planning and Performance Manager, Mariana Mello; and the Games and International Operations Manager, Joyce Ardies. Full info here.
Dominican Republic NOC
As part of the activities to mark the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, the NOC, through its Olympic Academy, and the French Embassy in the Dominican Republic have mounted an exhibition entitled “Sport and Brotherhood, the Olympic Truce”. Opened at the NOC headquarters on 30 April, the exhibition features photos illustrating the values and emotions felt by athletes at past Olympic Games. This initiative is part of the activities being run jointly by the NOC, the French Embassy, the Sports Ministry, the Lycée français and Alliance française. More details here. Also in the framework of these joint activities, the Lycée Français named its sports hall “Reinas del Caribe” (Queens of the Caribbean), to illustrate its commitment to developing school sport and promoting the values of sport. More details here.
Moroccan NOC (CNOM)
The CNOM recently organised an Olympic visit for children from the “ELBILIA” school in El Jadida. The CNOM welcomed a group of students preparing for their school-leaving projects. More details on www.cnom.org.ma.
Oman Olympic Committee (OOC)
Trainers in Olympic Values Education” programme has been organised by the OOC, represented by the Oman Olympic Academy and in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity. This programme aims to support the Olympic Movement across various segments of Omani society, including athletes, coaches, students and teachers, by enhancing awareness of Olympic philosophy and its importance in shaping Omani Olympic champions. The programme is part of the project to promote Olympic culture and values and involves the use of educational materials and guides on Olympic values education issued by Olympic Solidarity. The project is divided into two programmes: Training of Trainers in Olympic Values Education and Olympic Culture and Values Initiatives. More info here.
Spanish Olympic Committee (COE)
Spanish athletes who took part in the Albertville 1992 Olympic Winter Games and the 1992 Summer Games in Barcelona. The ceremony was held at the Goyeneche Auditorium at the NOC headquarters in Madrid, in the presence of the King and Queen of Spain. COE President Alejandro Blanco presented a participation diploma to King Felipe VI, who was the flagbearer for the Spanish team and competed in the sailing events in Barcelona. More details here. The NOC headquarters also hosted the ceremony to present the official song of the Paris 2024 Spanish Olympic team. Entitled “La Gravedad”, the song was written by the finalists of the latest edition of musical talent show “Operación Triunfo”. Full details here.
Uzbek NOC
Worldwide Olympic Partner P&G and the NOC of Uzbekistan signed a memorandum of cooperation between the two organisations on 1 May. The event was attended by the Senior Vice-President of Procter & Gamble for Türkiye, the Caucasus and Central Asia, Tankut Turnaoğlu, and NOC Secretary General Oybek Kasimov, as well as athletes, coaches and officials from both organisations. Turnaoğlu said he was pleased to support the promotion of the Olympic Movement in Uzbekistan through cooperation with the NOC. In turn, Kasimov recalled that P&G is one of the TOP Partners of the IOC, which played an important role in the signing of the bilateral cooperation agreement. More info here. A delegation from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) visited the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, as part of the preparations for the Tashkent 2025 Asian Youth and Para-Asian Games. Meetings were held with the Ministry of Sport, the NOC and the National Paralympic Committee, and visits to the facilities under construction in the Village took place. More info here.
Venezuelan NOC
The Chef de Mission of the Venezuelan delegation, Franklin Cardillo, led a Pre-Delegation Registration Meeting (DRM) for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 alongside NOC President María Soto. The working group also included Luis Seijas, head of the Olympic portfolio at the Ministry of Youth and Sport, Arnaldo Sánchez, the Technical Director of the NOC, and Robert Mujica, from the Ministry of Sport’s technical management team. The topics discussed ranged from the athletes, coaches and officials who will be making up the delegation to the logistical and administrative aspects of the Olympic Village and access to the competition and training zones.
ORGANISING COMMITTEES FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES
PARIS 2024
As the Olympic flame arrived in Marseille on 8 May, Paris 2024 launched the Games Map, which shows the various Games celebrations across France. Available on the official app and website, the Map shows all the events linked to the Games, in particular the Torch Relay route and the 65 celebration sites in France; the Cultural Olympiad events; the Champions’ Park and Clubs 2024; and events being organised by Paris 2024 stakeholders (local communities and partners) and networks (sports clubs and cultural and tourism bodies). Full details on www.paris2024.org. Paris 2024 has announced Victor le Masne as both the Musical Director for the four ceremonies and the composer of the official musical theme of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. The theme, entitled "Parade", was performed live on 8 May when the Olympic flame arrived in Marseille. It was recorded with the Orchestre National de France and the Chœur et Maîtrise de Radio France. Full news release here.
RECOGNISED ORGANISATIONS
Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC)
The 89th ANOC Executive Council meeting was held in Athens, Greece, on 27 April and featured discussions on ANOC’s key initiatives and events. The meeting was opened by ANOC President and IOC Executive Board member Robin Mitchell, who provided an update on recent activities. A progress report was delivered on the Strategic Plan 2021-2024. There were also reports from each of the ANOC commissions. The Executive Council unanimously approved ANOC becoming a signatory of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Sports for Nature Framework, which will see ANOC commit to positive nature action based on four principles. Full details including other reports here.
Association of the National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA)
ANOCA President and IOC Member Mustapha Berraf met the President of the International School Sport Federation (ISF), Laurent Petrynka, who was on an official visit to Algiers (Algeria) with a view to combining efforts to develop school sport in Africa. The two leaders discussed the organisation of African School Games. Meetings on the reform process undertaken by Algeria also took place with the Minister for Education, the Minister for Sport and Members of Parliament.
International World Games Association (IWGA)
The German city of Karlsruhe will host the 2029 edition of the World Games. The announcement was made in Esslingen (Germany) at the IWGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 1 May. The delegates ratified the IWGA Executive Committee’s recommendation. Karlsruhe becomes the first city to organise the multi-sport event twice, having hosted the third edition in 1989. Germany also organised the seventh edition in 2005 in Duisburg. Next year, the World Games will be held in Chengdu (China) from 7 to 17 August 2025. Full details here. Important items, including NOCs and National Sports Organisations cooperation, the IWGA Athletes Committee, the Women’s leadership programme, and the Sustainability Strategy were among those presented at the IWGA AGM. About a hundred delegates and 29 International Member Federations attended the Assembly. Full details here.
Panathlon International
The final event of the Erasmus Sport Against Match Fixing (SAMF) project, in which Panathlon International was a Partner, was held in Lisbon at the end of April at the Cidade do Futebol (headquarters of the Portuguese Football Federation, coordinator of the project). Panathlon International President Pierre Zappelli, Secretary General Simona Callo and Secretary of the Expansion Commission Fabio Figueiras were present. The SAMF is a European Union-funded Erasmus+ project that has as its main objective the prevention and education of young athletes about the risks that match-fixing activities can bring to their career. Panathlon International has participated in – among other things – the development of a toolkit, and the dissemination of the project through its ambassadors and clubs in Europe and the Americas. More details here.
International Sports Movies TV Federation (FICTS)
Some 42,300 students from 73 schools in Lombardy and Veneto have taken part in the 61st edition of the “Trofei di Milano Cortina 2026 - Education, Culture and Sport for Young People”. This year-long project is included in the “Education Gen26” programme of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation. This edition will culminate between 8 and 10 May in Milan with the “Three days of sports festival for young people". More details here.