IOC Reflects on Transformative Decade Ahead of 144th Session in Greece
The IOC reflects on a decade of reforms under Thomas Bach ahead of its 144th Session in Greece, focusing on athlete empowerment, digital innovation, sustainability, and financial resilience. A new collaborative bidding process has revitalized interest in hosting the Games, with significant support for athletes and governance reforms enhancing transparency. The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics exemplify these innovations, setting a course for the future of the Olympic Movement.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is poised to convene its 144th Session in Greece, where a new president will be elected, reflecting on significant transformations that occurred under the leadership of Thomas Bach. Following the adoption of Olympic Agenda 2020 in 2014 and its expansion during the pandemic, the IOC has implemented reforms focusing on athlete empowerment, digital innovation, sustainability, and financial resilience within the Olympic Movement.
A fundamental change in the organization of the Olympic Games has emerged, with a shift from competitive bidding to a collaborative approach that reduces costs by 80 percent. This has rekindled enthusiasm for hosting the Games, with plans confirmed through 2034, and growing interest for 2036 and beyond, as exemplified by the upcoming Paris 2024 Games, which prioritize sustainability and mass participation.
Athlete empowerment is at the heart of the IOC’s mission, exemplified by the Olympic Scholarships for Athletes – Paris 2024 program, which provided direct support to 1,560 athletes, resulting in 75 Olympic medals. The Olympic Solidarity fund has also significantly expanded, reaching a budget of 167 million U.S. dollars for 2025-2028, benefiting over 250,000 athletes, alongside reinforced anti-doping measures improving competition integrity.
The IOC distinguished Paris 2024 as its most digitally engaged Olympics to date, achieving 412 billion digital engagements – a 290 percent rise from Tokyo 2020. The launch of the Olympic Esports Games in 2027 further indicates the IOC’s efforts to connect with younger audiences, emphasizing digital innovation’s role in shaping future Games.
Financially, the IOC reports robust stability with 7.4 billion U.S. dollars in revenue secured for 2025-2028, along with 90 percent of this revenue reinvested into global sports development, increasing support for athletes and sports organizations. Governance reforms are also underway to improve transparency and deter corruption in sports. As the IOC progresses into its next phase of reforms leading up to the 144th Session from March 19 to 21, it is evident that the Olympic landscape is continuously evolving towards greater sustainability and accessibility.
In summary, the IOC’s decade of reform has significantly transformed the Olympic landscape, emphasizing athlete empowerment, digital innovation, and sustainability. With a collaborative approach to hosting the Games, the forthcoming 144th Session in Greece will highlight the election of a new president and pave the way for continued evolution in the Olympic Movement.
Original Source: english.news.cn
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