On October 20th, 2024, the AIMS Council gathered at the Maison du Sport International in Lausanne for a pivotal meeting ahead of the AIMS General Assembly, scheduled for the following day at the Olympic House. The Council addressed a range of critical topics, ensuring the continued progress and effective governance of the organisation and its member sports.

Before the formal proceedings began, AIMS President Stephan Fox gave the floor to a special guest, Maxim Buchel, a young ice hockey player with an inspiring story. Maxim delivered a heartfelt presentation about his journey in the sport and his aspirations to attend an elite training camp in Canada, for which he has been selected. He sought the support of AIMS members in helping him achieve this dream through fundraising efforts, resonating with the Council’s commitment to fostering the next generation of athletes.  

AIMS President, Stephan Fox, opened the meeting with a warm welcome, setting a positive tone for the discussions ahead. The agenda, which was swiftly adopted, included reports from key figures and addressed essential organisational matters.

Key Discussion Points:

• AIMS Membership Report: Michal Buchel, Chair of the Membership Commission, provided an update on the organisation’s membership, highlighting the ongoing growth and engagement of member federations.
• Financial Overview: Sabine Shanahan, AIMS Council Member for Finance, presented an in-depth overview of the organisation’s financial status, reinforcing AIMS’ commitment to transparency and financial responsibility.
• Collaboration with ITA: The Council discussed its partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA), emphasising the importance of clean sport and fair play across all AIMS-affiliated disciplines.
• Multisport Games Update: A detailed review of upcoming Multisport Games was presented, focusing on AIMS’ participation and the promotion of its sports on an international platform.
• Good Governance Initiatives: The Council reaffirmed its dedication to upholding good governance, with a report highlighting initiatives aimed at ensuring high ethical standards across all member federations.

The meeting concluded with an open discussion, where Council members raised various topics aimed at further enhancing the organisation’s operations.

Special Celebration:

In addition to the formal proceedings, a special dinner was held in the evening to celebrate the 70th birthday of Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) and AIMS 1st Vice President. The event honoured Theodoropoulos for his remarkable contributions to the world of sport and his leadership within AIMS.

With the successful conclusion of the Council meeting, the stage is set for the AIMS General Assembly, where important decisions will shape the future of the organisation and its member federations.

Stay tuned for more updates from the AIMS General Assembly at the Olympic House in Lausanne.