IOC Reviews Decade of Transformation and Prepares for 144th Session in Greece
The IOC is reflecting on its decade of reforms under Thomas Bach’s leadership, highlighting the transition to a collaborative bidding process for the Games, significant athlete empowerment, digital expansion, and financial stability. The upcoming 144th Session in Greece will see the election of a new president and further direction for Olympic reforms.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is poised to commence its 144th Session in Greece, utilizing this time to reflect on the significant transformations achieved under Thomas Bach’s leadership over the past decade. This period has seen the integration of Olympic Agenda 2020 and its subsequent enhancement into Olympic Agenda 2020+5, promoting athlete empowerment, digital innovation, and the establishment of a sustainable and financially sound Olympic Movement.
A noteworthy transformation pertains to the revamped process of awarding and organizing the Olympic Games. The traditional competitive bidding method, which often imposed heavy financial strains on cities that lost, has transitioned into a more cooperative dialogue-centered approach. This change has decreased bidding costs by 80 percent, invigorating interest in hosting the Games, with confirmed sites extending through 2034 and growing aspirations for 2036 and beyond.
As a demonstration of this new approach, the Paris 2024 Games will exemplify sustainable practices, urban integration, and encourage mass participation. Following a commitment to 100 percent renewable energy, Paris 2024 anticipates a 54.6 percent reduction in carbon footprints relative to past editions. Additionally, involving public initiatives like the marathon and enhanced Olympic educational programs seeks to extend the Olympic experience beyond traditional venues.
The IOC’s dedication to athlete empowerment is profound, transforming athletes from mere participants to integral stakeholders within the Olympic Movement. The Olympic Scholarships for Athletes – Paris 2024 program has directly supported 1,560 athletes from 195 national committees, culminating in 75 Olympic medals. Furthermore, a 67 percent budget increase for the Olympic Solidarity fund now stands at 167 million USD for 2025-2028, benefiting an impressive count of over 250,000 athletes.
Enhancing the integrity of competitions is also paramount. The establishment of the International Testing Agency (ITA) has bolstered anti-doping measures, achieving a record of 90 percent athlete testing ahead of the Paris 2024, compared to earlier editions.
In terms of digital engagement, Paris 2024 is expected to be the most digitally connected Olympics yet, reflecting the significant role of social media and new digital technologies in shaping events. The IOC reported a remarkable 412 billion digital engagements, a 290 percent surge from Tokyo 2020, with 325 million unique users interacting with the Olympic Web and App.
Notably, the IOC is venturing into the realm of esports, having announced the Olympic Esports Games with its inaugural event scheduled in Saudi Arabia in 2027. This initiative aims to connect with younger demographics and adapt to the shifting dynamics of competitive sports.
Despite economic uncertainties, the IOC has exhibited robust financial health, projecting revenues of 7.4 billion USD for the 2025-2028 cycle and a further 6.5 billion secured for 2029-2032. The organization reinvests 90 percent of its earnings into global sports development, with an increase in daily support for athletes and sports organizations to 4.7 million USD since 2014.
Efforts to enhance governance have included the voluntary adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), reflecting the IOC’s commitment to transparency and integrity within the sport. The trajectory of reforms over the last decade has significantly transformed the Olympic landscape, emphasizing sustainability, digital advancement, and greater accessibility. The upcoming 144th Session from March 19 to 21 will not only witness the election of a new president but will also chart the future direction of Olympic reforms.
The International Olympic Committee has undergone considerable reform over the last decade, promoting sustainability, athlete empowerment, and digital innovation. These changes, particularly in the awarding process of the Olympic Games and the financial resilience achieved amid global fluctuations, set a transformative path for the Olympic Movement. The 144th Session in Greece, marking the election of a new president, symbolizes the onset of the next phase in Olympic history, reinforcing the IOC’s dedication to adapt and prepare for future challenges.
Original Source: english.news.cn
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