The SportAccord virtual International Federation (IF) Forum on 25 May 2021 focused on ‘Lessons We Are Learning from a Global Crisis and How Sport and Society Can Emerge Stronger’. An IFA delegation under the leadership of President Jörn Verleger and SG Christoph Oberlehner participated in the event. IFA got the chance to participate at the panel session ‘Moving Foreward, Pivoting And The Lessons We Are Learning’ and presented the updating of the IFA Strategic Plan as a case study.

The 15th edition of the IF Forum started with a Welcome Address by IOC President Thomas Bach and an Opening Address by Dr. Raffaele Chiulli, President of SportAccord and GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations), followed by an Address by Dr. Richard Budgett, Medical and Scientific Director, IOC.

Presentations, updates, case studies and panel sessions provided on several vital topics, including ‘Moving Forward, Pivoting and the Lessons We Are Learning’, ‘A Return to Competition and Lessons from the Bubble’, ‘Athlete Mental Health’, ‘Commercial Approaches for IFs in the New Normal’ and ‘The Virtual Experience and its Home within IFs’. Full program: https://www.sportaccord.sport/iff-2021/official-programme/

The IF Forum takes place annually and targets the specific needs of Olympic and International Sport Federations with a focus on sharing best practices and knowledge. The event is open to International Sports Federation members from ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations), AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations), ARISF (Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations), AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport) and GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations) and its Associate Members.

The IF Forum will be an outstanding opportunity for our community to come together to discuss best practice ideas as sport explores strategies to accelerate on the road to recovery.

The IF Forum 2021 brings together more than 300 leaders from over 125 IFs, plus other virtual delegates and speakers.

TUESDAY, 25 MAY 2021 (Central European Summer Time – CEST)

10:30-11:00
PANEL SESSION: Moving Forward, Pivoting and the Lessons We Are Learning
Moderated by: David Eades, Anchor and Journalist, BBC World
Panellists:
• Dr. Maurizio Barbeschi, Senior Adviser to the Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies
• Heike Groesswang, Secretary General, IBSF (International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation)
• Jörn Verleger, President, IFA (International Fistball Association)
• Athlete representative

11:00-11:10
CASE STUDY: Moving Forward, Pivoting and the Lessons We Are Learning
Jörn Verleger, President, IFA (International Fistball Association)