The ninth annual SportAccord IF Forum got underway on 11th November at Lausanne’s Savoy Hotel with a welcome speech from IOC President Thomas Bach. The forum is where leaders in the international sporting world gather for three days of lectures, workshops and networking.

November has become the traditional month where the International Federation family comes together to address the issues that are top priority in an environment that encourages everyone to engage, connect and discuss experiences gained in the last year.

Under the theme of governance in international sports, participants will receive expert presentations and discuss best practices in the implementation of good governance in sports, including a Friday agenda that focuses on sustainability.

FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis, who is also on the Steering Committee of the IF Forum said, “With the implementation of the Olympic Agenda 2020 well underway, the theme of Good Governance has never been more relevant than it is right now for the International Federations. The IF Forum seminars will provide useful tools and best practices that will support the IFs work in their own organisations in order to evolve.”

SportAccord agrees with principle of merging with SportAccord Convention

At the Extraordinary General Assembly of SportAccord held at the Hotel Royal Savoy in Lausanne, Switzerland on Wednesday 11th November, the more than 100 members decided by large majority to authorise the SportAccord Council to negotiate with the Board of the SportAccord Convention to merge the organisations into one body. In spring 2016 the General Assembly of SportAccord will convene and review the proposed Statutes that will be established and submitted to the members.

Until the end of the year the members have been invited to submit any specific requests and ideas for the merged SportAccord entity that will be considered during the negotiations between the SportAccord Council and Board of the SportAccord Convention.

Interim Chairman of the SportAccord Council Gian Franco Kasper said: "Today represents an important message from the International Federations that we value SportAccord as our shared platform to interact and discuss topical issues, as well as share problems and look for solutions. I appreciate the positive feedback and constructive approach from the members during today's SportAccord Extraordinary General Assembly and am convinced we have made a positive step."

Source: fis-ski.com