The importance of preserving the integrity of the Olympic Movement and promoting Olympic ideals, moral and human values through co-operation and communication between the IOC, governments and the scientific community was a key topic at the VIII International Scientific Congress in St Petersburg from October 12-14.
The Congress, ‘Sport, People & Health’, brought together more than 600 representatives of academia, non-governmental organisations and international sports to discuss a range of vital issues including ethical values in world sports today.
Over three days experts shared their experience, knowledge and achievements in sport and health. Participants included scientists, presidents of international sports federations, representatives of international sports organisations, outstanding athletes, veterans of sports, and public figures from more than 40 countries.
In his welcome address Vasily Shestakov, Chairman of the International Organisation for the Promotion of Science and Sport and President of the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) stressed that the congress would act as a platform to find a resolution to issues facing the Olympic Movement, which would determine the direction of the work of the congress for the next two years.
Special guest Stephan Fox, President of AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport) and Vice-President of GAISF, delivered a speech on behalf of GAISF President Patrick Baumann stressing the importance of unity within the Olympic Movement, the integrity and protection of the Olympic values, GAISF’s continued fight against doping, and the value of good governance and transparency. Mr Fox was accompanied by Philippe Gueisbuhler, Head of Administration at GAISF.
The International Scientific Congress has met every two years since 2003, gathering leading scientists and experts to review and debate the development of modern sport and sports medicine, as well as the social and legal implications of physical culture. The main objective of the congress is to share the experience and results of academic and scientific research, promote best practice and encourage physical sports activity as a unique school of humans’ self-improvement, personal health improvement, physical preparedness and beauty.
This year’s congress was held under the official patronage of Thorbjorn Jagland (Secretary General of the Council of Europe), UNESCO, the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Sport, the Russian Olympic Committee and the Committee for Physical Culture and Sport of St. Petersburg.
Organising the congress was the International Social Organization for the Promotion of Science and Sports, the Lesgaft National State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Health, and the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS).
Participants made a unanimous decision to continue holding such forums, to discuss anti-doping at national and international levels and develop educational anti-doping programmes for the public.
Source: GAISF.ORG