Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) is the umbrella organization for all (Olympic or non-Olympic) international sports federations as well as the organisers of multi-sports tournaments and sport-related international associations. The name was changed to SportAccord from March 2009 until April 2017 when it returned to its former name. GAISF is an internationally based sports organization with 95 full members (international sports federations that regulate specific sports worldwide) as well as 20 associate members (organisations that conduct activities closely related to the international sports federations).
History
GAISF is deeply rooted in the sports movement. From 1921 onwards, sporting federations around the world (IFs) have expressed their desire for an organization representative of their common objectives and interests. Under the leadership under the leadership of Paul Rousseau, Secretary General of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) A permanent body of IFs was established in order to facilitate the dialogue with Olympic authorities.tation needed]
In 1967, a group of 26 international sports organizations came together in Lausanne where they agreed on the need to increase contact with each other, and adopted the name “General Assembly of International Sport Federations”. To establish an organisation that was more formalized the “General Association of International Sports Federations” (GAISF) was created in 1976. The headquarters were moved to Monaco within two years.
The new millennium brought important changes to the organisation. Responding to the growing demand on IFs to improve their professionalism and grow, GAISF, in collaboration with the Associations of Summer and Winter Olympic International Federations (ASOIF and AIOWF), launched their first SportAccord International Convention in 2003. The new structure “by sport for sport” allowed IFs and sports business to meet and share their expertise and build networks.
On March 9, 2009 GAISF was rebranded SportAccord and, in the same year, its office moved from Monaco to Lausanne in which is the Olympic capital. SportAccord adopted the slogan “Unite & Support” with the goal of supporting and support its members. Its goal is to offer superior services and knowledge in areas that are of most importance to its members.
In April of 2017 after former president Marius Vizer’s controversial remark on IOC head Thomas Bach during the opening of the SportAccord 2015 convention at Sochi and his resignation following The IOC rebranded to GAISF under the new GAISF president Patrick Baumann.
In May of 2019, Raffaele Chiulli was unanimously elected as GAISF President in Gold Coast, Australia
In 1921, under the direction by Paul Rousseau, Secretary General of the “Union Cycliste Internationale”, a permanent bureau of the international sports federations (IFs) was set up. As regular meetings of the IFs/IOC took places, communication with Olympic officials became more straightforward. But, those organizations which weren’t part the Olympic movement were excluded.
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In the 1960s, the sports movement was rapidly growing. Roger Coulon, President of the “Federation Internationale de Lutte Amateur”, was the first to express the need for a greater recognition of the function of IFs. For non-Olympic-based federations, a platform that would enable them to express their viewpoints was needed. Establishing an organization that was stable and able to sustain relations between IFs was the logical continuation of their meetings, which had taken place regularly however without rules or a permanent structure. The usual preparation for these meetings with IOC would therefore be better supported. It also permitted a constant connection between IFs and the general population. In 1966, the date was deemed appropriate, and the change to the newly-formed Assembly was officially launched.
From 21 to 23 April 1967, representatives to the 26 international sports federations were in Lausanne at the Hotel Continental: Aeronautics, Rowing, Basketball, Bobsleigh, Boules, Canoeing, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing and Gymnastics. Handball, Hockey Ice Hockey, Judo, Luge, Wrestling, Motorcycling, Swimming, Modern Pentathlon, Roller Skating, Skiing, Shooting Volleyball, Weightlifting, University Sport, and Maccabi.
The participants agreed on the necessity to establish permanent links between the IFs in order to defend their goals and objectives in order to preserve their autonomy, as well as the continuous sharing of information. The name “General General Assembly of International Sports Federations” was chosen.
In 1976, this name was replaced by “General Association for International Sports Federations” (GAISF). The office was moved from Lausanne to Monaco. GAISF represented the extension of the past meetings of the IFs, dealing not only with Olympic matters but also other aspects of common interest for the IFs.
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