ANOC President emphasises importance of collaboration on opening day of XXVII ANOC General Assembly
ANOC President Robin Mitchell today opened the XXVII ANOC General Assembly with a call for collaboration as he highlighted the General Assembly’s unique role in bringing the world’s NOCs together.
President Mitchell was joined at the opening ceremony in Cascais by José Pedro Aguiar-Branco President of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal and IOC President Thomas Bach.
Speaking at the General Assembly, President Mitchell said:
“It is impossible not to be struck by the scale of the ANOC General Assembly and to not be excited by the opportunities it presents. Where else do you gather representatives from more than 200 countries? That is the strength of the NOC family. It is our diversity. Diversity that reaches every corner of the globe. Diversity that is united by our shared values and our shared commitment to sport and the Olympic Movement.
“As NOCs we all face challenges and opportunities. Some of these may be common across NOCs. Others may be unique to our countries. But irrespective, there is always room for growth through collaboration; through learning from each other. This is what the General Assembly is all about; facilitating dialogue and exchange.
“By adapting, working together, and drawing from the vast experience and expertise of the NOC family, we will not just overcome these challenges. But emerge stronger. And a stronger ANOC will only strengthen the Olympic Movement.”
IOC President Bach delivered a keynote speech as he addressed the General Assembly for the final time as IOC President. More details can be found here.
The General Assembly paid tribute to those from the NOC who have passed since the last meeting and paid special tribute to former ANOC Executive Council member Kevan Gosper and former Portuguese Olympic Committee President José Manuel Constantino.
ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg delivered a report on ANOC’s activities and there were also reports from the Organising Committees of Paris 2024 and LA28 as well as WADA and the ITA. The General Assembly also approved the 2022-2023 audited financial statements and ratified the appointment of the ANOC auditors for the quadrennial 2023-2026.
