IOC President Thomas Bach Addresses the ANOC General Assembly in Cascais, Portugal
IOC President Thomas Bach addressed the ANOC General Assembly in Cascais, Portugal, praising the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games as a symbol of unity amidst global strife. He highlighted Olympic Solidarity’s efforts to ensure fairness in sports, underscored the significance of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and expressed deep appreciation for the National Olympic Committees.
On Wednesday, IOC President Thomas Bach delivered an address at the XXVII General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) in Cascais, Portugal, where he acknowledged the critical role of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, especially in the context of current global challenges. He commended the collaboration with the Paris Organising Committee and emphasized the significance of Olympic Solidarity in promoting fairness across the sporting landscape. During his speech, Bach encouraged the use of new technologies, notably artificial intelligence, to embrace future opportunities in sports. President Bach articulated that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games represent a beacon of hope and unity amidst worldwide conflicts and geopolitical strife: “This was the message the world was looking for in a very dangerous geopolitical situation with all the tension, conflicts, aggression, and wars we have to face in our world.” He celebrated the event’s ability to bring together athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) along with the Refugee Olympic Team, showcasing the power of sport to foster unity. Additionally, Bach informed the assembly of Olympic Solidarity’s successes, which saw 91 NOCs win medals—with several achieving their first gold medal at the Games. He stressed the importance of addressing disparities in sports to ensure all athletes can compete on an equitable basis. “We can invite them to come to the Games but this is not the ultimate goal; the ultimate goal is to make them competitive,” he stated. In light of a shifting global order, Bach asserted that the Olympic Movement must remain neutral, working to unify rather than divide. Furthermore, he addressed the advancements in technology, particularly AI, underscoring the necessity to leverage such tools responsibly in sports. He cautioned that failing to do so could lead to the commercialization of the sport at the expense of its core values. Before concluding, President Bach expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the NOCs, reaffirming his roots within the Olympic community and highlighting the lasting relationships forged through shared initiatives and experiences. He stated, “You will always have a special place in my heart.”
The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) convenes its General Assembly periodically to discuss key issues pertaining to the Olympic Movement and to foster collaboration among National Olympic Committees. This year, the XXVII General Assembly took place in Cascais, Portugal, where significant topics such as the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris 2024, the role of new technologies in sports, and the necessity of solidarity among nations were highlighted by IOC President Thomas Bach. As the world faces mounting tensions and conflicts, these discussions underscore the Olympics’ unifying aspirations and the commitment to making sports accessible and equitable for all athletes.
In summary, IOC President Thomas Bach’s address at the ANOC General Assembly emphasized the crucial roles of unity, fairness, and the embrace of technological advancements within the Olympic Movement. He urged stakeholders to work collaboratively, ensuring that the ideals of the Olympic Games serve as a beacon of hope and inclusion, particularly during these challenging times. The commitment to Olympic Solidarity and the need for equitable competition were underscored, while the importance of adapting to new technologies was highlighted as essential for the future of sport.
Original Source: olympics.com
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