Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) is the umbrella body for all (Olympic as well as non-Olympic) international sports federations as well as organizers of multi-sports events and international associations that are related to sport. The name was changed to SportAccord from March 2009 to April 2017 when it reverted to its previous name. GAISF is an international sports association with the full membership of 95 (international sports federations that govern specific sports across the globe) in addition to 20 associate members (organisations that conduct activities closely associated with the international sports federations).
History
GAISF is very much a part of the sports movement. Since 1921, sporting federations around the world (IFs) expressed their desire for an organization representation of their shared goals and goals. Under the direction under the leadership of Paul Rousseau, Secretary General of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), a permanent office of IFs was established to facilitate dialogue with the Olympic authorities.tation needed]
In 1967, 26 sports Federations were gathered in Lausanne, agreed on the need to increase permanent liaisons, and adopted the title “General Assembly of International Sports Federations”. In order to establish a more formalised organisation, the “General Association of International Sports Federations” (GAISF) became established in 1976. The headquarters were moved to Monaco within two years.
The year 2000 brought some significant changes to the organization. In response to the pressures on IFs to develop and become professional, GAISF, in collaboration with the Associations of Summer and Winter Olympic International Federations (ASOIF and AIOWF) began its first SportAccord International Convention in 2003. This new format “by sporting for sport” enabled IFs as well as sports business to get together to share their knowledge and network.
On March 9, 2009 GAISF became SportAccord and, in the same year, the offices were relocated to Monaco to Lausanne in Switzerland’s Olympic capital. SportAccord adopted the slogan “Unite & Support” with the aim to serve and help its members. The goal of the organization is to provide high-quality services and expertise in areas important in the lives of their members.
In April of 2017 in the wake of the former president Marius Vizer’s controversial assault against IOC President Thomas Bach during the opening of the SportAccord 2015 convention in Sochi and his resignation following the organization changed its name to GAISF under the new president Patrick Baumann.
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In May, Raffaele Chiulli was unanimously elected as GAISF President of the GAISF in Gold Coast, Australia
As early as 1921 under the leadership from Paul Rousseau, Secretary General of the “Union Cycliste Internationale” A permanent bureau of world’s sports associations (IFs) was created. With regular IFs/IOC meetings taking place, dialogue with the Olympic authorities became easier. However, organisations which weren’t part the Olympic movement were not included.
Since the 60s, the sports movement was rapidly growing. Roger Coulon, President of the “Federation Internationale de Lutte Amateur” was the first to recognize the need for a wider recognition of the role of IFs. For non-Olympic federations, an arena that could allow them to be more open to their points of view was essential. The establishment of an unshakeable organization to ensure permanent relations between IFs was the logical continuation of their meetings, which took place frequently but without rules or a fixed organisation. The regular preparation of these meetings together with the IOC could thus be better supported. It also enabled a regular connection between IFs as well as the general population. In 1966, the date was right, and the transformation to the new Assembly was launched.
From 21 to 23 April 1967, delegates representing the following international sports associations held a meeting in Lausanne at the Hotel Continental: Aeronautics, Rowing, Basketball, Bobsleigh, Boules, Canoeing, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing Gymnastics Handball, Hockey Ice Hockey, Judo, Luge, Wrestling, Motorcycling, Swimming, Modern Pentathlon, Roller Skating, Skiing and Shooting Volleyball Weightlifting, University Sport, and Maccabi.
The participants agreed on the necessity of establishing permanent liaisons between the IFs for the defence of their common goals and goals and the protection of their autonomy, as well as the continuous sharing of information. The name “General Assembly of the International Federation of Sports” was adopted.
In 1976, the name was replaced by “General Association of International Sport Federations” (GAISF). In 1978, the headquarters relocated out of Lausanne and moved to Monaco. GAISF was the name given to the extension of the previous meetings of the IFs and was not limited to dealing with Olympic matters but also other aspects of common interest for the IFs.
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