World Olympians Forum celebrates Olympians at the heart of the Games

14 | 4 | 2019

As Olympians from all over the globe gather in Lausanne, Switzerland on the eve of the World Olympians Forum, World Olympians Association President Joël Bouzou OLY has called on National Olympians Associations (NOAs) to come together to drive support and empower Olympians at the heart of the Olympic Movement.  

Speaking at the WOA President’s Welcome Dinner at the Olympic Museum, Mr Bouzou welcomed NOAs and Olympians to the Olympic capital – home of the International Olympic Committee - and urged them to make the most of their time at the Forum, where they will be encouraged to share ideas and best practice, and deepen relationships within the Olympic family.

“It gives me great pride to open the World Olympians Forum and to welcome the 150 Olympians from 110 National Olympians Associations here to Lausanne to strengthen and grow our global community,” he said.

“The theme of this year‘s Forum is Olympians for Life. Through this we will explore how we can collectively deepen the understanding and connection of Olympians to the Olympic Movement and the value that will bring. And we will share ideas on how we can better support and empower Olympians to secure their legacy as the enduring ambassadors of the Olympic Movement.

“To do this we need to ensure that NOAs have the tools and support they need. Across the two days of the Forum our focus will centre on NOAs and how we can better support you and your Olympians. Through a series of workshops you will be given the tools you need to enhance local services and activities, engage with Olympians more effectively and boost the development of your NOA.

“Our joint session with the International Athletes’ Forum tomorrow will also provide a fantastic opportunity to strengthen partnerships and share knowledge between Athletes’ Commissions, National Olympic Committees and NOAs - laying the foundations for a more unified and effective network for future collaboration.

“It is this collective spirit of cooperation that will help us to unite and empower Olympians around the world and drive forward our mission to make the world a better place.”

The World Olympians Forum runs from 15-17 April in Lausanne, Switzerland. Keep up to date with the latest news from the Forum by following WOA on Twitter and Facebook.