[Source: SportAccord and Host City] SportAccord is pleased to welcome back its longstanding media partners including AFP, FrancsJeux, GlobalData, Host City, SportBusiness and SportsPro. Armed with this dedicated team of experienced media content providers, the quintet will provide outstanding news and content coverage from the World Sport & Business Summit in Birmingham this April.

SportAccord is committed to delivering exceptional content using a variety of formats including breaking news, exclusive interviews, featured articles, video broadcasts, and news bulletins, to ensure global audiences are primed with the latest stories in sport.

Martin Gibbs, Managing Director of SportAccord said: 

“Our global audience of leading sports decision makers and influencers really benefit from the unrivalled content and news analysis the World Sport & Business Summit brings.

“International news coverage in several languages enables audiences worldwide, to stay connected and gain insights from key innovators and organisations attending the Summit, with content delivered through our highly networked media partner channels.

“We’re delighted to welcome the return of our media partners who are also involved with the business of sport on many other levels too, involving stakeholders, international federations, leagues, city destinations, and industry.”

AFP – leading news gathering network across 151 countries, covering 6 languages

AFP is a leading global news agency providing fast, comprehensive, and verified coverage of the events shaping our world and the issues affecting our daily lives. Drawing from an unparalleled news gathering network across 151 countries, AFP is also a world leader in digital verification. 

Pierre Galy, Head of Sports at AFP said:

"AFP and SportAccord have been partners for many years. AFP is one of IOC's officially recognised news agencies and a member of the IOC Press Commission. Our commitment to producing quality editorial content throughout the world, about all disciplines, in six languages, in both sporting and non-sporting fields, makes us a benchmark in the world of sports coverage. It is therefore only natural that we should support the IOC, SportAccord and the international federations in their joint discussions through the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit. 

“We are also taking part in a MediaAccord discussion on the attractiveness of innovations such as robotics and artificial intelligence for measuring and increasing the audience for the Paris Olympic Games.”

FrancsJeux – first French-speaking news website dedicated to sport

FrancsJeux is the first-ever French speaking international news website dedicated to the world sports community providing sports leaders with exclusive daily updates taking place in the global industry.

Alain Mercier, Editor-in-chief of FrancsJeux had this to say:

“First presence for FrancsJeux was at SportAccord 2015 in Sochi; first participation as a media partner was Lausanne in 2016 – a commitment that has been renewed ever since. The facts speak for themselves.

“For FrancsJeux, a leading media outlet in the Olympic movement, SportAccord is not just a must-attend event and date in the diary committed months in advance. It’s much more than that. It’s a unique opportunity to meet the major players in international sport, in the best possible conditions, for discussions and interviews. Birmingham, here we come!”

GlobalData – supports industry giants in making key decisions

GlobalData is a leading provider of data, insights, and analytics for the world’s largest industries so organisations can gain access to exclusive news, and make faster, well-informed decisions on media rights, sponsorship, events, and bidding across the industry.

Sportcal.com is part of a network of 40+ proprietary B2B websites owned by GlobalData with expertise spanning more than 80 markets worldwide. The Sportcal.com channel will publish news stories from SportAccord 2024 to global audiences.

Matt Finch, Head of Sport, GlobalData commented

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with SportAccord for 2024. SportAccord is the premier global gathering for international federations and their stakeholders, all of whom play a vital role in the development and prosperity of sports. Their exclusive World Sport & Business Summit draws over 120 International Federations, who are very much the centre of attention for Sportcal’s news coverage. We eagerly anticipate reconnecting with all our partners in Birmingham in April.”

SportBusiness – global sports intelligence

SportBusiness works with sports organisations around the world to provide them with the intelligence they need to unlock value and grow their businesses. Teams, franchises, leagues and tournaments, sponsors, broadcast companies, agencies, venues, financial institutions, and universities have come to rely on SportBusiness’s information, data and analysis in their decision making. 

“We are excited to be a media partner and to be covering this year’s event when the global sports community comes to Birmingham for the first time”, said Paul Rossi, CEO of SportBusiness.

“Our global news service delivers exclusive and breaking news through SportBusiness.com and social media platforms, while our media rights and sponsorship deal trackers give organisations up-to-date valuations and market insights.”

Host City – connecting the owners, hosts and organisers of major events

Host City shares expertise within the community of international sports, business and cultural events. Host City was launched as a bilingual magazine in 2003 for the 2008 Beijing Organising Committee of the Olympic Games; the publisher's CEO Matthew Astill was awarded the Great Wall Friendship Award by the Vice Mayor of Beijing. The Host City brand now serves all stakeholders in staging international major events, through online publishing and conferences.

Ben Avison, Editorial and Conference Director at Host City said: “We're delighted to renew our longstanding partnership with SportAccord. It is always a great gathering for sports events, and I look forward to sharing exclusive coverage with our audience of destinations, rightsholders and organisers.”

SportsPro – leading aggregator of knowledge, insights and expertise

SportsPro is a leading media and events company for the business world of sports. Generating nearly six million views annually on Sportspro.com through the latest news, in-depth features, special reports, and exclusive interviews, SportsPro bring their content to life through industry-leading global events and intimate communities. They continue to serve audiences year-round with the addition of the subscription product SportsPro+, a personalised and interactive business tool being used by hundreds of experts across the ecosystem.

Francesca Greane, Head of Marketing at SportsPro said:

“We’re delighted to return as a media partner for SportAccord 2024. As the aggregator of knowledge, insights, and expertise for sports business, SportsPro finds a lot of value in collaborating with those that look to gather sports business professionals together to advance the industry, and SportAccord is the perfect example of this. We look forward to enriching both the SportAccord and the SportsPro audiences through this combined partnership.”

Register for SportAccord

Organisations involved in the business of sport are encouraged to join leading organisations at the unmissable World Sport & Business Summit taking place from 7 – 11 April in Birmingham at the International Convention Centre, to take advantage of all the opportunities on offer.

[Source: IOC] The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Gangwon 2024 Organising Committee (YOGOC) and the Gangwon-do Province, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (MSIT), announce the launch of a metaverse focused on the Winter YOG Gangwon 2024 as an extension of the Gangwon-do Province’s Metaverse.

This unique virtual world offers a variety of interactive experiences to users all over the globe, helping to make Gangwon 2024 as inclusive and accessible as possible, particularly for young fans.

From virtual tours of the venues to games and challenges where fans can compete against other users in online mini games of ski jumping, bobsleigh and curling, the Gangwon 2024 Metaverse enables fans to engage with the YOG in new and exciting ways.

Users based in the Republic of Korea will also be able to enjoy streaming of sporting events.

The metaverse also provides an opportunity to meet and interact with other fans around the world as well as inspiring visitors to try new winter sports and learn about the Olympic values.

To ensure the metaverse is as accessible as possible, it features automatic translation of six languages (Korean, English, Spanish, French, Japanese and Chinese), while users are also able to create custom avatars for their digital experience.

This includes the ability to choose from 30 different characters featuring a variety of customisation options, such as hairstyles, body shapes and clothing options.

These avatars are also able to express a range of emotions – including joy, love, sadness, surprise and anger – while users are also able to make their character perform a variety of dances: hip-hop dance and a YOG-related dance.

Once they have created their custom avatar, users are able to freely move around the 3D virtual world, where they can visit digital recreations of nine YOG venues including fantastical elements, the Youth Olympic villages, and four tourist attractions in the host region.

Gangwon 2024 will also have a “Metaverse Experience” at the Gangneung Green City Experience Centre, where visitors will be able to virtually experience some of the winter sports with simulators, graphic panels and virtual reality kit.

The Winter YOG Gangwon 2024 will take place from 19 January to 1 February 2024, with approximately 1,900 athletes from 81 National Olympic Committees expected to take part.

Fans who want to see the next generation of potential winter sports stars can now apply for their tickets for Gangwon 2024 on tickets.gangwon2024.org.

More than 200 owners, organisers and hosts of the world’s greatest events gathered in Glasgow, Scotland at Host City 2023 under the theme “Driving and Reacting to Change”.

Artificial intelligence, climate change and Generation Z were among the concerns addressed by representatives of Paris 2024, Milano-Cortina 2026, LA28, Cirque de Soleil, FIFA and many more.

The 10th edition of Host City, the greatest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, took place at the Technology & Innovation Centre on 20-21 November with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts, Glasgow Life and EventScotland. Attendees came from Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

In her opening remarks, Susan Deighan, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life, said: “High profile events undoubtedly contribute to a city’s economy and identity and over the past two decades Glasgow has cemented its reputation as the perfect location for international events.

“Glasgow is a pioneer and an architect of its own future which has led the way in reacting to change.”

“Looking ahead, how will host cities respond to ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion are not just fashionable buzz words?

“We must commit to collectively making a genuine effort to drive the change that celebrates access for all.”

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland, covered a range of topics in his opening remarks including governance, sustainability and the impact of technology.

“AI and other technologies are a having a transformative impact on events but the balance between automation and human interaction will be key considerations to understand and navigate going forward,” said Bush.

He also impressed on the audience both in his opening remarks and in the panel discussion on the strategic development of destinations through sport and events, the challenge around funding and the importance of demonstrating the impact of events through robust measurement.

“We are all very privileged to work in this sector but as I have said previously, I would encourage all of you to continue to extoll the values and benefits of the sector to ensure that our funding partners whoever they may be, governments, commercial or the paying spectator continue to support and be excited by events!” he said.

David De Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events, Aggreko, said the events industry had been on a “rollercoaster” over the past four years.

“We went from 2019 where the world was exploding with events to the darkest period ever where we had to react to just survive. And here we are at the end of 2023 – a year that has been massive.  It has been bigger than 2019 and it has been non-stop.  More and more sporting events, bigger music festivals and larger conferences.

“I am confident that our industry will drive and react.”

There were a total of 60 speakers across 20 panels and presentations addressing the most pressing concerns in the industry today. 

Vikram Philip Rajkumar, Account Director at Satisfi Labs, outlined the impact of AI across sports, entertainment and tourism.

“AI is not coming – it is here,” said Rajkumar.

“Whether you integrate it or not, your fans and consumers are going to bring it to your doorstep and demand those services.”

Petra Sörling, IOC Member and International Table Tennis Federation President and Damien Combredet-Blassel, Director of Impact & Heritage of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee participated on a panel focusing on the strategic development of destinations through sport and events.

Combredet-Blassel underlined the efforts of Paris 2024 to get people active in France with an initiative that promotes 30 minutes of exercise a day, which drew praise from Sörling.

"We need to activate people, so what Paris is doing is brilliant,” said Sörling.

“If people are active, they are more keen to watch sport and stay active which is good for the city.”

Hilary Ash, Vice President of Games Delivery & Infrastructure at LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games, was also among the speakers.

She gave an overview of the use of existing venues and the Games Plan including the sports programme and venue mapping.

“We are at a really exciting pivot," said Ash, following the confirmation that cricket, squash, lacrosse, flag football and baseball/softball will be the additional sports at LA28.

“We are in the operational delivery phase and going into a greater level of detail now we have a formal masterplan.”

Giulio Alessandrini, Director of Venues & Infrastructure, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, outlined the overlay infrastructure plans and the challenges facing the event, including global warming that threatens the future of winter sport.

“Climate change is a hot topic and the Winter Olympics rely on the climate,” said Alessandrini.

"We don’t know how much snow will be there in 2026 but we are trying to plan as much as possible.

"We are improving snow-making technologies."

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society highlighted the disparity in investment between major short-term sporting events, which move around the world, and resident arts festivals.

“I feel that we host the cultural Olympics in Edinburgh,” said McCarthy.

Ben Avison, Conference Director at Host City, said: “We’re delighted to be back to pre-pandemic attendance levels for Host City. 

“We are clearly in a different world in terms of the pressure on public sector expenditure, which impacts heavily on our events industry, so we are extremely pleased to have such good numbers at Host City in Glasgow, Scotland.

“It has been great to hear how the industry is driving change in areas including policy objectives, fan engagement and digital twins for event planning, but in other areas such as artificial intelligence and climate change we are still reacting to change.”

Reporting by Geoff Berkeley.

Host City 2023 took place with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts EventScotland and Glasgow Life. For further information contact ben.avison@hostcity.com

Senior leaders of the organising committees of the next three Olympic Games have confirmed to speak at Host City 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland on 20-21 November.

Taking place with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts Glasgow Life and EventScotland, this year’s event brings major event owners, organisers and hosts from all over the world together at the Technology and Innovation Centre around the conference theme of Driving and Reacting to Change.

And this year, senior figures from the LA28, Milano Cortina 2026 and Paris 2024 Organising Committees of the Olympic and Paralympic Games are among the confirmed speakers.

Hilary Ash, Vice President, Games Delivery & Infrastructure, LA28 will give a Fireside Chat on what's next for the LA 28 Olympics. She will share a unique overview of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games vision and mission; sport parks concept and use of existing venues and Games Plan including sports programme and venue mapping.

Ash is instrumental to LA28’s technical operations and Games delivery planning, specifically for the sport and venue masterplan and budget considerations. She led the development of the bid books. She was a 2019 Recipient of the Sports Business Journal New Voices Under 30 Award. Previous roles included and producing ESPN X Games and the Rose Bowl Game.

Giulio Alessandrini, Head of Venues & Infrastructure, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is speaking at Host City on the panel Changing Venue Requirements. He has a wide knowledge of the sport industry infrastructures, including venue design, procurement and commercial strategies, site management and events delivery.

Previously, Giulio was Senior Technical Services and Overlay Manager at FIFA, where he headed the planning, scoping and implementation of all overlay infrastructures across a number of FIFA tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 and several others. Before that he worked within several Organising Committees including Baku 2015 European Games, Gold Coast 2018 and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and delivered overlay at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Carole Colin Kjaer, Digital, CRM and Data Director at Paris Organising Committee for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing and digital in the sports and consumer goods sectors. She has spent more than 12 years at the Carlsberg Group before joining Paris 2024, where she was in charge of sports sponsorship including Euro 2016.

Other speakers at Host City 2023 include Petra Sörling, IOC Member and President, International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF); Vlad Marinescu, Director General, International Judo Federation and President, International Esports Federation; Jimena Saldaña, CEO / Secretary General, PanamSports Organization; Abi Ijasanmi, COO, CAF; John Langford, COO, AEG Europe; Jana Ebert, Conference Manager, European Society of Human Genetics; Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society; Susan Deighan, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life; Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland and many more leading figures from the owners, organisers and hosts of the world’s greatest sports, business and cultural events.

Host City taking place at the Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow, Scotland on 20-21 November with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts Glasgow Life and EventScotland.

For speaking and hosted buyer opportunities, contact ben.avison@hostcity.com. For sponsorship, exhibition and commercial enquiries contact adam.soroka@bric.com

[Source: IOC)] IOC Honorary Members Beatrice Allen, Sir Craig Reedie and Ung Chang, as well as Andrzej Kraśnicki, the former President of the National Olympic Committee of Poland, were today awarded Olympic Orders in a ceremony held during the 141^st IOC Session in Mumbai, India. All awardees were introduced by HSH Princess Nora of Liechtenstein, Delegate Member for Protocol.

Beatrice Allen, from Gambia, was an IOC Member from 2006 to 2020. An expert in international development and gender issues, Mrs Allen enjoyed a long and storied career in her native Gambia as well as internationally within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Mrs Allen also occupied numerous positions within sporting institutions in Gambia as well as being a member of several IOC Commissions.

Presenting her with the Olympic Order, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “You have dedicated your life to making the world a better place through sport and to improving the lives of our fellow human beings.” Emphasising Mrs Allen’s role as a tireless advocate for gender equality, President Bach continued: “Promoting women in and through sport has been a central theme throughout your career. Whether as the Head of the Gambia Softball Association, as Chair of the ANOCA Women and Sports Commission, whether as Vice President of the World Baseball Softball Confederation or as President of the Gambian NOC – you have made it your mission to advance the role of women on and off the field of play. For over a decade, the IOC has been able to count on your great experience, especially the many IOC Commissions where you actively contributed with all your expertise, knowledge and insight. With your vision, your energy and exceptional personality, you have made your mark in the Olympic Movement and for this we will always be grateful.”

Sir Craig Reedie joined the IOC membership in 1994. A keen sportsman, Sir Craig began his sporting career as a national and international badminton player. After retiring from competitive sport, he went on to make a name for himself as a leading sports administrator. His early foray into sports administration was within his own sport as Chair the Scottish Badminton Union. He subsequently rose to become President of the International Badminton Federation, where he led the successful campaign to include badminton on the Olympic programme. He chaired the British Olympic Association for over a decade, during which he played a key role in London's successful bid for the Olympic Games 2012. He was a key figure in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Praising Sir Craig’s contribution to the IOC and the Olympic Movement, President Bach explained: “He joined the IOC in 1994, bringing his expertise to bear in numerous IOC Commissions, and later on as well as a member of the IOC Executive Board and IOC Vice-President.” Addressing him directly, President Bach said: “Dear Craig, as the third President of the World Anti-Doping Agency, you had to go through some of the most difficult periods of this organisation. But with all your diplomatic skills, your good sense of humour and your openness, you finally managed to navigate the rough waters and finally steadied the ship.”

Both Mrs Allen and Sir Craig should have received their Olympic Orders in 2021 and 2022 respectively, however with the global pandemic and the associated restrictions, the IOC chose to wait to award them for a time when it was possible to celebrate them in person among friends and colleagues.

A third Olympic order was awarded IOC Honorary Member Ung Chang of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), who joined the ceremony by video link. In his absence, the Order was collected by his son, John Chang.

Addressing the assembled audience, President Bach explained: “For decades, Ung Chang has been a driving force to promote the role of sport in the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea. [He] was always the bridge connecting the Olympic Movement with the Olympic community in the DPRK. Throughout his illustrious career in sport, whether at the National Olympic Committee, at the Olympic Council of Asia, as IOC Member and as an active member of many IOC Commissions, Ung Chang was above all a trusted advisor, who always built bridges of friendship and understanding through sport and its values. He continues to do so today even as IOC Honorary Member, ensuring that the DPRK athletes will always be a part our Olympic community.”

Addressing Mr Chang directly, President Bach said: “My dear friend, even before my election as IOC President, I could always turn to you for your advice and your wisdom. This trustful connection even deepened, and this proved to be invaluable in addressing the often complex challenges that we faced together.” He continued: “Ahead of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, you again played an essential role when it came to the negotiations about the participation of the NOC of the DPRK in PyeongChang. Again, you were the bridge connecting the DPRK to the wider Olympic Movement in the discussions leading to the Lausanne Declaration – the agreement that made the participation of the athletes of the DPRK in PyeongChang possible. […] you made a great contribution which ultimately led to the unforgettable Opening Ceremony, when the athletes from the Republic of Korea and the DPRK marched together as one team behind one flag, the Korean Unification Flag, sending a powerful message of peace to the world. For this, we will always be grateful to you.”

The final Olympic Order of the Session was awarded to Mr Andrzej Kraśnicki, the former President of the National Olympic Committee of Poland. 

Describing Mr Kraśnicki’s contribution to sport, President Bach said: “The strong standing of Polish sport in the world today is the result of a long journey of modernisation. The person who took this modernisation to new heights is Andrzej Kraśnicki – a highly respected leader. Highly respected by the athletes, the Olympic community in Poland but also highly respected by the world of politics, business and culture in his country. He put all these great relationships at the service of sport in his country. It was under his leadership – and thanks to the respect that he also enjoyed at the European level – that the European Games were awarded to Poland. As IOC President, I am very grateful that he strengthened the Olympic Movement in Poland – always defending and promoting the autonomy of sport – and for being such a reliable partner of the IOC.”

Addressing Mr Kraśnicki directly, President Bach said: “I always knew that you were a person with a big heart, which you always showed to me and to so many of your friends. But it was during the difficult times that your big heart and especially your compassionate human side shone most brightly. Your humanity was plain for all to see when the Polish NOC under your leadership received countless athletes and members of the Ukrainian Olympic community who were fleeing their county after the Russian invasion. In this time of their greatest need, you offered shelter and assistance, you opened the facilities of Polish sport to them. You stood by their side in their darkest hour and it is acts of solidarity like these why we all admire you. Not only as a great sports leader but as a true humanitarian. You really have made the world a better place through sport, my dear friend.”

Among the other personalities honoured during the Session were Mr Mamadou Ndiaye of Senegal, who was elected to the membership in 2015. Although he is stepping down at the end of 2023, Mr Ndiaye will remain a member of the IOC Commission for the Coordination of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad Paris 2024 and will be closely involved in the 4^th Summer Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026.

The Olympic Order is the highest award of the IOC, given for distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement.

Ed: Sir Craig Reedie GBE is the long-standing chairman of Host City, having spoken at every edition since its launch in 2014.

[Source: ITTF] On 17 October 2023, at the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session held in Mumbai, India, Petra Sörling, President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), was elected as a Member of the IOC.   

Notably, Petra Sörling is the first President of the ITTF to ascend to the esteemed position of an IOC Member, marking a historic chapter for table tennis. With dedication and unwavering commitment, both President Sörling and the ITTF are poised to actively contribute to the Olympic Movement and the global community.  
In response to her election, Sörling expressed, “I am deeply humbled and grateful to have been elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee. This is not just an honour but also a significant responsibility that I am ready to embrace.   

“This is even more momentous as this is the first time for the International Table Tennis Federation to see its President become an IOC Member, making this a historic chapter for our sport as well. As I step into this new role, I am driven by my passion for sport. I grasp the magnitude of this role; I am committed to undertake the responsibilities it brings, and to dedicate myself every day to make a meaningful contribution to the Olympic Movement and our global community.   

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to President Thomas Bach, to fellow members of the IOC, the IOC Executive Board, the IOC Members Election Commission, and the table tennis community for their unwavering support. Together, we will work to strengthen the Olympic Movement, promote sustainability, champion diversity, and continue to inspire the next generations with the Olympic values. Let us make the world a better place and foster positive changes with sport.”   
President Sörling's distinguished career is rich with remarkable achievements and leadership roles.  

In the realm of table tennis, she achieved a historic milestone in 2021 by becoming ITTF President, making her the first woman to attain this prestigious position. Prior to this, she served as Vice-President of ITTF from 2009 to 2013, before taking on the role of Vice-President Finance from 2013 to 2021. Outside of ITTF, Petra served as the Deputy President and Board Member of the Swedish Table Tennis Association (2003 – 2013), before serving as President of the Swedish TTA (2013-2022). 

Furthermore, she held the position of Vice-President of the European Table Tennis Union (2007-2009). These roles underscore her profound commitment to advancing the sport of table tennis. 

Her contributions to the Olympic Movement include participation in the International Olympic Academy (IOA) Young Leader Programme (2002) and her current role as a Member of the IOC Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (2022-). Beyond table tennis, Sörling contributes her expertise to the Swedish National Olympic Committee (NOC) as a Board Member since 2021. She also serves as an Executive Committee Member of the International Masters Games Association (IMGA) since 2022. In 2023, she added to her portfolio by joining the Board of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Foundation and becoming a Member of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) Council. 

Her election comes after the IOC Executive Board proposed eight new IOC Members on 8 September 2023, following the recommendation of the IOC Members Election Commission.

[Source: 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships] The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have been declared a huge success after a preliminary estimate of 1 million spectators turned out to watch the festival of cycling, while millions more tuned in around the world to see the 11 days of cycling action taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland.

The final event of the programme, the Women Elite Road Race, brought the curtain down on the inaugural event that has seen 13 UCI World Championships combined into one mega event for the first time ever.

Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky claimed the top spot following a thrilling finish to the race that saw tens of thousands line the route between Balloch and Glasgow. It was the first time the women’s elite road race has closed a UCI World Championship, with 207 riders (including Women Under 23) taking on the 154.1km course. This is up on the 129 riders that took to the start line at the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australia.

A total of 653 medals were awarded and 220 UCI Rainbow jerseys races have been raced as fans of all ages flocked to venues across the country to witness cycling history being made, with sold out crowds at events across the programme. Additionally, spectators lined roads, ramps, and routes at locations including Glasgow Green, Stirling, Edinburgh, Perth and Kinross, Dundee, Angus, Fife, Falkirk, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, and Dumfries and Galloway, to cheer on riders at free events up and down the country.

Across all competitions, almost 8,000 elite and amateur athletes took part with Great Britain topping both the cycling and para-cycling medal table with 56 and 44 medals, respectively. A full list of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships medal winners and results is available here.

Such numbers demonstrate how the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have undoubtedly inspired new fans of the sport and created new experiences for thousands of spectators at home and abroad. In addition, EY (Ernst & Young) have been commissioned to conduct a qualitative social and economic impact assessment for the event to detail the value that it has brought to Scotland.

The delivery of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships would not have been possible without the support of the 4,000 volunteers who have supported in key roles across every venue, from making sure spectators have the best experience possible, to assisting with media operations and supporting elite cyclists.

UCI President David Lappartient said: “The inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships have taken our sport to new heights. The 13 UCI World Championships that took place in Glasgow and across Scotland united all members of the wide cycling family, bringing together different disciplines, an unprecedented number of nations and a record number of television viewers worldwide. The fantastic welcome from Scotland and the excellent organisation created a clear benchmark for future editions of this magnificent cycling show, that will take place every four years, before the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Paul Bush OBE, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Chair, said: “The 2023 Cycling World Championships have brought together around 8000 athletes from over 130 countries, in what has been an unprecedented celebration of cycling. 

“It is testament to Scotland's reputation as a world leading events destination that we were handed this opportunity by the UCI, and I just want to thank everyone who has played a role, from our funding partners to our host regions, the athletes, the spectators and of course the volunteers. Everyone has contributed to a memorable event that has further boosted the nation's reputation as a major event destination.

“Our host venues have thrived, making history in staging world class sporting events and welcoming thousands of visitors over the course of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. Signing off with huge crowds of spectators lining the streets of Glasgow to watch the women's elite road race has been very special, providing a fitting finale to an event which has inspired new fans of the sport and showcased Scotland in the best light to the millions watching around the world.” 

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “I would like to thank all the athletes, volunteers, and staff, including those from the emergency services and other partner organisations, who played such important roles in delivering this unique and hugely successful event which showed Glasgow and Scotland at their very best.

“I am immensely proud of how the UCI Cycling World Championships showcased our welcoming and inclusive country and have been delighted to see the huge crowds turning out to watch the action. The Championships have undoubtedly been yet another vote of confidence in Scotland as a destination of choice for staging major global events.

“We will work now to ensure this event leaves a lasting legacy that benefits our economy and environment, and that inspires people from all walks of life to be more active and healthier through the power of the bike.”

A great events city

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken said: “From the first race to the last; riders, fans and officials have been telling us that 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will go down in history as not only the biggest, but one of the greatest ever held.

“The UCI approached Glasgow to pioneer this new ‘super’ UCI World Championships because they understood what a great events city this is; what an amazing passion for sport it has – and they knew we were the safest pair of safe hands when it came to making it all work.

“The faith they showed in Glasgow to host a truly global event was remarkable and I’m delighted the city has been able to repay that faith so emphatically – surpassing their expectations and even our own.

“The sport has been fiercely competitive, with racers needing to be at the very peak of their powers to be in contention for medals – and it has drawn huge audiences, on the road, in venues and across the world on television.

“There is nowhere quite like Glasgow when it comes to creating an atmosphere and people who are ready to throw themselves into an event, heart, and soul.

“One of the big themes of this event has been ‘The Power of the Bike’ – and I think these UCI Worlds have also resonated because they have given people an opportunity to rethink their ambitions for what our city can be.

“For Glasgow, the last eleven days have demonstrated that The Power of the Bike is making an already great city more vibrant and healthier; accessible, active and connected.” 

Esther Britten, Head of Major Events at UK Sport said:  “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has been a wonderful showcase for why the UK hosts brilliant major sporting events. Over the past 11 days of competition, we’ve seen some incredible performances, including from a British team who have turned out numerous extraordinary sporting moments, all against a backdrop of passionate and knowledgeable fans who have created a fantastic atmosphere at all the venues. 

“Bringing events like the UCI Cycling World Championships to British shores is only made possible through the support of The National Lottery, so we owe a big thank you to everyone who buys a lottery ticket.”

British Cycling CEO, Jon Dutton, said: “Like so many people I leave the UCI Cycling World Championships feeling incredibly proud of our British riders, whose bold, brave, and brilliant performances have taken this event into the hearts and homes of fans across the country.

“New stars have been born, our household names have delivered in spades, and we now have an amazing opportunity to harness all of that inspiration to ensure that more people ride, race and enjoy our sport in the future.”

[Source: ESA] Antony Douglass (Specsavers), James Goode (IMG), Heli Kemppainen (Neste) and Martin Prendergast (Martin Prendergast Communications) were elected by their fellow ESA Members, while existing Board Director Stuart Wareman (Accor) was re-elected. 

The election of Heli Kemppainen as a second representative from Finland on the ESA Board increases the female contingent to six, including ESA General Manager Karen Fan. Martin Prendergast and James Goode strengthen arts & culture representation on the Board and Antony Douglass provides legal expertise following the retirement of Bob Mitchell (Harbottle & Lewis). 

Besides the elections, ESA also presented information to members from all existing workstreams and the new Sustainability Working Group, as well as information about the not-for-profit association’s performance. 

ESA Chairman Andy Westlake said: “I’m extremely proud of how our community continues to adapt to challenging international conditions to keep the sponsorship industry buoyant, and yesterday’s AGM gave us the chance to reflect on this success. 

“I’m delighted to welcome Anthony, James, Heli and Martin to the Board of Directors and it’s wonderful to see Stuart continue his tenure. We look forward to working with all five of them and it’s super that we have such a representative Board as we seek to deliver on our mission to inspire, unite and grow a welcoming and diverse sponsorship industry. 

“As we continue to bring new members into our international community we will remain focused on giving members the best possible value and a rewarding experience in all aspects of their engagement with ESA. 

“The only regrettable aspect of the ESA 2023 AGM was saying a formal goodbye to those Board Directors who have stepped down, and I thank William Fenton and Bob Mitchell for their terrific contribution.” 

Visit the Leadership page of the ESA website to see the new Board in full. 

[Source: EventScotland] VisitScotland Events Directorate has today announced the appointment of Rebecca Edser as Head of EventScotland.  

Edser, who will start in September, joins Scotland’s national event organisation from her current role as Senior Major Events Consultant at UK Sport, the national high-performance sport agency which supports Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes and the staging of major sporting events.

With over 13 years’ experience at UK Sport, Edser brings with her a wealth of event experience both at national and international level, including bidding and supporting the staging of major events, as well as managing strategic partnerships across a range of organisations.  

Highlights across her career include the governments Event Research Programme in 2021.  As Head of Delivery, Edser was responsible for teams working with Wembley Stadium, the Brit Awards, Royal Ascot and the Silverstone F1 Grand Prix, the programme not only provided scientific evidence on the transmission of Covid-19 but enabled testing of the covid certification to support the restart and recovery of the sector. 

More recently, Edser has fulfilled a secondment to the Greater London Authority, leading London’s major sports events team, including the management of existing commitments, and the identification and securing of new events and properties.  This has included key strategic work on the submission for UK and Ireland UEFA EURO 2028 bid, and UEFA Champions League Final 2024. 

Prior to her role at UK Sport, Rebecca held roles at London 2012, Scottish Rugby Union and EventScotland as an Event Manager working on a wide-ranging portfolio of sport and cultural events including Piping Live and Glasgow International.

In her new role as Head of EventScotland, Rebecca will be responsible for leading Scotland’s national major event organisation to attract and secure major sporting and cultural events, continue to raise Scotland’s reputation as the perfect stage and support the recovery and growth of a flourishing and competitive events industry.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events said:

“I would like to congratulate Rebecca Edser on her appointment as the new Head of EventScotland. Rebecca brings a passion for both sporting and cultural events, along with a wealth of experience across a range of areas including working with national governing bodies and international federations on the feasibility, bidding and staging of events to ensure they are delivered to a world leading level.

Having worked with Rebecca in the lead up to 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships, I know she will be a valuable addition not only to EventScotland, but to the wider events sector, and our key strategic relationships. Having started her career at EventScotland, we are excited to welcome Rebecca back to the fold in this senior role and I look forward to working with her as we continue to lead, shape and secure events for Scotland, as well as move forward with the refresh of Scotland’s National Events Strategy.”

Rebecca Edser said:

"I am thrilled to have been appointed as the Head of EventScotland. Scotland has an international reputation as an ambitious and innovative host of sporting and cultural events and while the last few years have been challenging for the sector, I believe that there is much to look forward to demonstrated by this summer’s exciting programme of events that includes, the Tall Ships in Lerwick and the inaugural staging of the UCI Cycling World Championships that will take place across Scotland. 

It is an exciting time to re-join the organisation as we look to review and refresh Scotland’s National Events Strategy ‘Scotland the Perfect Stage’, and I very much look forward to establishing partnerships and relationships across Scotland, not only to deliver the new strategy but to ensure that this is a sector that continues to thrive."

Rebecca succeeds current post holder Robbie Clyde who will take up a new role as Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Golf.

What are young people focused on and why does the sports industry need to attract them?

David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships Officer, Centre for Sports and Human Rights: “What we do in sport is sell the dream of the lifestyle of the athlete. What we fail to do, and what is most needed, is sell life purpose.

“As for how we launch this into the future and are able to attract the hearts and minds of young people: my kids have taught me so much about identity, and their sense of what they want to belong to physically, mentally, spiritually and virtually. Their fluidity in terms of their knowledge, scale and skills and experiences at 17-18 years is much wider – and they are much more likely to offer sincerity and authenticity.”

Mayi Cruz Blanco, MD, Sports Practice & Partnerships, Adecco Group: “One issue that is ringing out is public trust. This is influencing the way sponsorship is done. The human rights movement, women in sports and geopolitics are shaping sports like never before.

“By 2025, 50% of the world population will need upskilling, in terms of data and digital literacy. We need to bring sports organisations to that future.”

Bill Powell, MD, Black Lab Sports: “There is a ‘give first’ mentality of Gen Z. A lot of sport is totally underestimating the change in how people from 8-25 are going to consume sport. They might look at their favourite team for only 15 minutes. You need to give first and get their attention.”

What can athletes bring to the professional sphere?

Mayi Cruz Blanco, MD, Sports Practice & Partnerships, Adecco Group: “The sports industry needs to think more about how they bring athletes back. Athletes are positive disruptors. They can bring a business mindset and creative thinking.”

Jeroen Straathof, Tournament Director, European Para Championships 2023: “We use the voice of athletes in the perspective of our event; we let athletes to tell their story. We advise all organisations to get the voice of athletes in their company. We need more athletes on boards.”

Rowena Samarasinhe, Founder, GENsport: “Now athletes have a much stronger voice through social media. It’s taken until now to put athletes first, or at least up there.”

What are the considerations for athletes planning a career in sports?

Jeroen Staathof, Tournament Director, European Para Championships 2023 and former athletes commission chair: “Athletes need to be aware that they are people who can do things really well – but out there are also guitar players who play really well, so you’re not special!”

Xu Lijia OLY, Olympic gold medallist: “When I was training in the 90s I didn’t know English. I was like a frog in a well! Learning English helped me a lot, to access the most advanced information and knowledge. And it helped my second career in sports media. By mastering both Chinese and English I could quickly switch between the two. A multinational experience really helped me to survive well in the western world – and perhaps people here can learn more about China.

“There are lots of courses, online and offline, from IOC other organisations, to help us to experience this difficult transition. As athletes we have many transferable skills – time management with a clear role.”

“But I did feel quite low when I realised I couldn’t compete any more, and I wouldn’t feel as high again.”

David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships Officer, Centre for Sports and Human Rights: “You need a trauma informed approach. It’s traumatic to reidentify our life purpose.”

Why is it important to have a diverse workforce?

Bill Powell, MD, Black Lab Sports: “Some of the most culturally diverse teams are the ones grabbing onto exponentially growing technology.”

Mayi Cruz Blanco, MD, Sports Practice & Partnerships, Adecco Group: “Diversity is not just about numbers. It’s about making a huge difference in the world. Candidates are declining organisations that are not inclusive enough. You need to bring different groups into the sports industry.”

Rowena Samarasinhe, Founder, GENsport: “We are a global industry, but if you look at federations it’s very much a western ideology. We need to represent the entire world. Its 60 years since Martin Luther King gave his ‘I have a dream’ speech, but we’re in the same situation now, still talking about diversity.

“We have also had a spate of female leaders getting vilified. We’ve got to ride that wave, but get through it. A big part is supporting that next generation and helping them to be our future leaders.”