ARISF 2024 General Assembly
On October 21, 2024, the ARISF General Assembly was held at the prestigious Olympic Museum Auditorium, where we had the honour of hosting distinguished guests including IOC Vice President Mrs. Nicole Hoevertsz, IOC Sport Director Mr. Kit McConnell, SportAccord President Dr. Uğur Erdener, WADA President Mr. Witold Bańka, WOF President Mr. Ivo Ferriani, and AIMS President Mr. Stephan Fox. Their presence underscored the importance of our shared commitment to advancing sports governance and innovation within the global sports community.
New Governance Model and Membership Tiers
A key achievement at this year’s General Assembly was the adoption of new by-laws, which were presented by the law firm Kellerhals Carrard. The by-laws now also permit the addition of “associated members” and “observers” within ARISF. This membership expansion offers a more inclusive platform for federations to engage with ARISF and contribute to discussions and initiatives.
The by-laws further reinforce our commitment to good governance and transparency by setting eligibility guidelines for Executive Board candidacies, member suspension protocols, and conflict of interest disclosures.
Launch of the Map of Services and Multi-Sport Games
The Assembly also unveiled the ARISF Map of Services, an essential roadmap that delivers practical resources for members across three core areas: the Olympic Movement, Governance and Integrity, and Multi-Sport Games. Developed entirely from the statutes and the strategic plan unanimously approved at the 2023 General Assembly, this map incorporates input from our members, aligns with ARISF’s strategic objectives, and offers a range of services to support federations in achieving excellence and integrity within their sports.
One of the most exciting new offerings within the Map of Services is the introduction of multi-sport games. This initiative provides an inclusive showcase for both Olympic and non-Olympic federations to increase their engagement and global visibility. Importantly, associated members will have the opportunity to participate in these multi-sport games, extending ARISF’s reach and fostering collaboration across a broader spectrum of sports.
Financials and Future Engagements
The Assembly also approved the financial reports, which include investments aimed at supporting the newly introduced services for members.
The services outlined are designed to support our strategic goals and deliver value through targeted initiatives. Next year, with the full implementation of the Map of Services, members will gain access to new assets designed to enhance their operations and outreach.
Further, ARISF has scheduled a follow-up meeting with the IOC following the discussions held at the SportAccord Convention 2024 in Birmingham.
Anti-Doping Initiatives
In line with our commitment to clean sports, the International Testing Agency (ITA) Director General, Mr. Benjamin Cohen, presented an anti-doping proposal, which received great support from the Assembly. This initiative further solidifies our stance on promoting integrity and fair play across all sports.
The 2024 ARISF General Assembly marked a pivotal moment in our journey, setting forth an agenda that not only strengthens governance but also charts an inclusive path for future sports engagement. We look forward to building on these achievements as we work closely with our members and partners to advance our values and objectives.
