NOCs address challenges and opportunities of evolving Olympic Programme in ANOC Theme Session
The first of the ANOC Theme Sessions saw NOCs discuss and debate the evolving Olympic Programme as they addressed the opportunities and challenges these changes present NOCs.
Broadcast live on ANOC.TV and available to watch on replay, hundreds of NOC representatives attended the Session on the third day of the XXVII ANOC General Assembly.
ANOC Vice President and European Olympic Committee (EOC) President Spyros Capralos delivered the opening keynote address. Capralos addressed the positive impact the reforms of the sport programme have had in terms of promoting gender equality, attracting young audiences, and connecting with a more diverse pool of athletes. However, Capralos emphasised that NOCs need to adjust how they approach the Olympiad, particularly in terms of early planning with National Federations. As the Olympic programme continues evolving, Capralos urged for NOCs to work to find solutions and make the most of the huge opportunities it brings.
Following the keynote, Belgium Olympic Committee CEO Cédric Van Branteghem moderated an engaging panel discussion.
Olympic Council of Ireland CEO Peter Sherrard addressed the specific challenges Team Ireland are facing as a small to medium sized NOC. Sherrard looked at how new sports being brought into the programme offer varying degrees of opportunities based on participation levels in the country, with some sports providing immediate medal opportunities, others with long-term medal potential and others with very little potential at all. It is therefore important to plan strategically and invest in pathways.
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol acknowledged the challenges of deciding whether you invest into the long term potential of new sports as it creates issues if the sport only then features at one Games. At the same time, Nicol recognised that new sports are attracting new fans and opportunities to tap into that fanbase and so it’s important to embrace the change. The sport programme will continue to evolve and Nicol emphasised the role of the NOCs to support the new sports and create the best environment.
The final of the panellists was Namibia Olympic Committee Secretary General Joan Smit who concurred that the evolving Olympic programme is an important opportunity to innovate. By bringing in new sports it enriches the Games experience and reaches a broader and younger audience. Looking from an African perspective, Smit also spoke of how the 54 African NOCs to take part in Paris 2024 did so in more traditional sports. The introduction of new sports with low barriers to entry also creates new opportunities to African NOCs to engage.
