Lausanne, Oct 14, 2014: IOC President Thomas Bach today welcomed the head of the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports (DPPS), Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, for a meeting at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne.
During the meeting the two leaders addressed various subjects, including the strategic plan for the future of the Olympic Movement, Olympic Agenda 2020. President Bach informed the Federal Councillor about the progress made in the themes which will be addressed by the IOC Session in Monaco in December.
Relations between the IOC and Switzerland, and the 2015 celebration of the 100th anniversary of the IOC’s presence in the country were also discussed.
The recent developments in the area of the fight against illegal betting in sport, for which the IOC has created a USD 10 million fund, and the recent adoption of a Council of Europe convention enforcing the support of governments were also addressed during the meeting.
On this occasion, the IOC President stated: “This meeting was the opportunity to raise some points of mutual interest, including the role played by sports bodies within society, in particular with respect to education and health; international relations and our increased cooperation with the United Nations; and the joint efforts in the fight against illegal betting. In this respect, I would like to thank Mr Maurer for the success of the meeting of sports ministers held recently in Macolin, during which a convention was signed. This fight is important for the IOC and can be fought only with support from governments.”
The Federal Councillor then took the floor: “Switzerland is not only about its international political bodies, but attaches particular importance to sports organisations, notably the IOC, whose headquarters we are very proud to host in Lausanne. Sport plays an essential role in our society, and we owe it to sport to provide it with the place it deserves. With this aim, continuing efficient and fruitful cooperation with the IOC is of the utmost importance.”
Federal Councillor Maurer was accompanied by the Director of the Federal Office of Sport (OFSPO), Matthias Remund. On the IOC side, Director General Christophe De Kepper also took part in the meeting.
After the meeting, Ueli Maurer signed the IOC guest book and the two leaders also answered questions from press delegates. —- IOC
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.