Sabine Shanahan, Secretary General, Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS)
The recent AIMS General Assembly in Lausanne was more than an election; it was a reaffirmation of unity, progress, and shared purpose. As one community of sports, we demonstrated once again what defines AIMS at its core — a commitment to inclusion, integrity, and the belief that sport remains a meaningful force for good.
It is an honour to have been elected as the new Secretary General of AIMS, and I am grateful for the trust our members have placed in me. Having served on the AIMS Council for the past decade, I have seen both the challenges and the many opportunities that shape our collective path.
A Strong Foundation and a Clear Direction
Under the leadership of President Stephan Fox and the dedicated AIMS Council, our organisation has grown into a recognised pillar of credibility and good governance within the global sporting community. As one of the four IOC-recognised umbrella bodies in the Olympic family, AIMS has earned that position through professionalism, unity, and service.
The heartfelt address delivered by IOC President Kirsty Coventry during our Assembly highlighted the strength of the relationship built on collaboration and trust. Her message reaffirmed AIMS’ essential role as a bridge between recognised and emerging sports, empowering athletes and ensuring that every federation — regardless of size — has a voice within the Olympic Movement.
Our Priorities for the Road Ahead
As we look to the future, AIMS will continue to evolve while remaining anchored in its core values. Our mission remains clear: to support our members and their athletes through transparency, equality, and cooperation. Key priorities moving forward include:
Empowering Members: Strengthening communication, ensuring transparent decision-making, and creating opportunities for federations to grow, learn, and collaborate.
Youth and Inclusion: Investing in initiatives that nurture young leaders, promote gender equality, and improve accessibility for athletes of every ability.
Safeguarding and Integrity: Ensuring safe, ethical, and fair environments across all sports, reinforcing respect and protection for every participant.
Partnership and Solidarity: Continuing to work closely with the IOC, SportAccord, and partner umbrella bodies to advance shared goals and strengthen the global sporting architecture.
AIMS – A Community with Purpose
AIMS is more than an organisation; it is a community defined by trust, respect, and solidarity. Each member contributes to our collective strength. Together, we represent millions of athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers who believe that sport is not only about competition, but also about education, empowerment, and the pursuit of a better world.
As I step into this new role, I do so with respect for the legacy built by those before me and with a commitment to serve our members with professionalism, integrity, and purpose. The coming years will bring challenges, but they will also offer opportunities to make meaningful progress — for sport, for youth, and for society. Let us continue this journey together, united in vision and driven by our shared values. The future of AIMS is bright because it is built on what matters most: people, principles, and partnership.
