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Olympic Leaders Gather in Cascais: What’s Next for the Movement?

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The picturesque coastal town of Cascais, Portugal, recently hosted a significant event in the Olympic Movement as the XXVII ANOC General Assembly concluded with important discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence, athlete safeguarding, and the evolving nature of the Olympic programme.

Over the span of five days, the assembly attracted more than 1,000 participants from 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs). The event culminated in the illustrious ANOC Awards ceremony, where European nations celebrated outstanding performances, especially in anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Among the evening’s highlights was the French Olympic Committee, which was honored with the Outstanding NOC award after a remarkable showing at their most successful Olympics in over a century, securing a total of 64 medals, including 16 golds, in front of enthusiastic home crowds.

The Fiji NOC, represented by President Makarita Lenoa and Secretary General Vanessa Kilner, added to the assembly’s atmosphere, bearing witness to Fiji’s own Olympic achievements that previously earned them the Breakthrough NOC award and the Best Men’s Team award for their historic Rugby 7s win at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Italy’s women’s volleyball team distinguished themselves by achieving perfection in their performance, winning the Best Female Team award for their flawless run to gold, while Denmark’s men’s handball team was recognized as the Best Male Team after securing gold in Paris, rebounding from a silver at Tokyo 2020.

The British women’s cycling sprint squad made headlines by breaking the world record three times during their races, gaining them the Best Female Team in an Individual Sport accolade. Austria’s sailing duo, Lara Vadlau and Lukas Mähr, topped off the European success by winning the Best Mixed Team in an Individual Sport for their mixed dinghy triumph.

Beyond the celebrations, the assembly engaged in critical discussions on the present and future challenges of modern sport. Key sessions focused on how artificial intelligence is influencing NOC operations and the potential future implications within the Olympic framework. ANOC President Robin Mitchell and Secretary-General Gunilla Lindberg emphasized the significance of knowledge exchange and sustainability throughout the assembly’s activities.

The gathering also encompassed vital administrative decisions, including the approval of the Audited Financial Statements for 2022-2023 and the initiation of the Strategic Plan development for 2025-2028. Commercial partnerships continued to thrive, with collaborations from various organizations, reflecting the Olympic Movement’s ongoing commercial viability.

Looking to the future, Hong Kong, China, was confirmed as the host for the 2026 General Assembly, showcasing the commitment to global representation within the Olympic community.

As delegates departed from Cascais, they left with awards, accolades, and renewed perspectives on issues such as artificial intelligence, athlete protection, and environmental sustainability. The insights gained and the strategies developed during this assembly are poised to shape the future of the Olympic Movement, underscoring that it is in these significant meetings where the direction of the movement is determined, alongside its beloved Games.

In summary, the assembly not only celebrated past achievements but also laid the groundwork for future developments in sport, illustrating the enduring spirit of collaboration and innovation within the Olympic Movement. As we move forward, there is a hopeful anticipation for the positive changes that may come as a result of discussions and partnerships established during this momentous gathering.


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