The GAISF Council met today at the new WBSC headquarters in Pully, Switzerland to discuss an array of topics including GAISF’s work to support its Members in key areas such as good governance, social inclusion and strengthening sport during the pandemic. Preparations for the forthcoming GAISF General Assembly and IF Forum, scheduled for early November, also provided an important focal point for the discussions.

In particular, a new World Health Organisation project supported by GAISF and the International Olympic Committee was approved. Through this project, a risk assessment tool will be shared with IFs to further facilitate the safe hosting of competitions. Feedback on the successful mitigation of COVID-19 risks will be included in a database that will help further develop WHO’s guidance on hosting events during the pandemic.

In addition, the Association of Paralympic Sports Organisations and World Transplant Games Federation will both be proposed at the upcoming GAISF General Assembly to become Associate Members. Both organisations strive to make sport accessible for all by harnessing its power to promote social inclusion. The International Federation of Teqball’s application was unanimously approved by the council for full membership and will be put forward at the next General Assembly.

The Council discussed detailed plans for the GAISF General Assembly 2020 which is still expected to be held in November in Lausanne and online, alongside the IF Forum. In light of this decision, it was also confirmed that this year’s edition of the GAISF Sustainability Award will be presented at the General Assembly.

Following the Council meeting, GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli, said:

“Today’s GAISF meeting was very productive and the lovely setting of the WBSC headquarters clearly helped. We were able to discuss a number of key priorities that will benefit GAISF’s members and the millions they serve, and move those priorities forward. I am so proud of the way that sport continues to adapt and inspire us during these challenging times, and we will do everything possible to support our members in their continued efforts to bring sport back in a safe environment. We look forward to continuing the ongoing exchange of best practice and key lessons among our members in the near future.”