Renowned tennis player Danka Kovinić, a prominent member of the Athletes Commission of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, participated in the 11th International Athletes’ Forum (IAF) held on October 1 and 2 in Lausanne. The forum, which saw the attendance of over 400 athlete representatives from global Athletes’ Commissions, marked its place in history as the largest in-person gathering of athlete representatives. The two-day event was crucial, emphasizing contemporary issues faced by athletes worldwide. Opening the forum was an insightful update on the Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the IOC's strategic roadmap. Notably, the revised IOC AC Strategy was unveiled, building on the foundational strategy established in 2017. Emma Terho, the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC) Chair, alongside Vice-Chairs Seung Min Ryu and Sarah Walker, presented the newly shaped strategy, which now resonates more closely with the modern-day challenges that athletes confront. The vision and objectives of the IOC AC Strategy are clear-cut: Representing athletes throughout the Olympic Movement. Empowering and reinforcing the worldwide network of athlete representatives. Launching dedicated support programs tailored for athletes. A highlight of the forum was a keynote address by Mr. George Kohlrieser, an esteemed Professor from IMD. Drawing from his riveting experiences as a hostage negotiator, he offered a deep dive into effective leadership, organizational behavior, and communication. This was succeeded by breakout sessions, where athlete representatives exchanged insights on enhancing the efficacy of their Athletes’ Commissions and refining communication protocols. Another memorable segment was the 'Effective ACs – Best Practice Panel,' where AC members from all five continents narrated their triumphant tales. They shared projects materialized with the help of the Olympic Solidarity NOC AC Activity Grant, which has been awarded over 250 times since its inception in January 2020. The IAF’s second day anticipated discussions pivoting to 'safe sport,' equipping attendees with knowledge on safeguarding athletes' welfare. Furthermore, deliberations on the forthcoming Olympic Games, the essence of being an Olympian, and a Q&A session with the IOC President, Thomas Bach, were on the agenda. Danka Kovinić’s participation not only accentuates her stature in the world of sports but also fortifies Montenegro's voice in global sports arenas. The forum concluded on a promising note, leaving participants with valuable insights and a clearer vision for the future of sports and athletes.
