Seoul, Korea, October 19, 2022: Acting ANOC President Robin Mitchell delivered his report to the 26th ANOC General Assembly at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Centre in Seoul on Wednesday morning.
Dr Mitchell, who has been Acting ANOC President since 2018, said it was a pleasure to welcome 187 National Olympic Committees in person after two years of the pandemic.
“We must acknowledge that it has been and continues to be a very challenging year,” he said.
“Conflicts in Ukraine, Yemen, Afghanistan and regions around the world and natural disasters continue to cause great suffering.
“ANOC stands together in solidarity with the Olympic communities in all these countries in their efforts to help their people resolve these crises.”
He also spoke of the power of sport to unite the world.
“During these difficult times, we recognise that sport is not the most important priority. But we must also remember that sport has an unparalleled power to bring people together, break down barriers and promote tolerance and understanding.
“We have seen so many times before how sport can contribute to social change and encourage us all to be the very best versions of ourselves.”
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics proved this, he said, and thanked the NOCs for contributing to their success.
“They were Games in which the world’s Olympians showcased the very best of sport and humanity. We saw so many incredible performances and moving displays of sportsmanship. The Games united us through sport and inspired many people over the world.
“None of this would have been possible without the dedication of you, the NOCs, to your athletes. But you all persevered, overcame the challenges and supported your athletes to compete at their very best despite the impact of COVID-19.”
Dr. Mitchell said that, in partnership with Olympic Solidarity and the Continental Associations, ANOC had allocated US$11,650,000 to NOCs to help with training ahead of Tokyo 2020.
“We greatly welcome and acknowledge the IOC President’s assurance of funding for NOCs for the next quadrennial, demonstrating the stability and solidarity of the Olympic Movement,” he said.
“It has been my honour to serve as Acting ANOC President over the last four years and to continue the mandate of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.
“And, if you put your trust in me to serve as ANOC President for the next four years, I will do all I can to serve the NOCs in collaboration with our ANOC Executive Council.”
NOTE: For full speech, see: www.anocolympic.org