Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) is the umbrella organization for the majority of (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 until April 2017, when it changed back to its original name. GAISF is an internationally based sports organization with the full membership of 95 (international sports federations that govern specific sports around the world) as well as 20 associate members (organisations that conduct activities closely connected to international sports federations).
History
GAISF is deep rooted in the sports movement. In 1921, the International sports associations (IFs) declared that they needed a representation of their shared goals and concerns. Under the guidance by Paul Rousseau, Secretary General of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) A permanent office of IFs was created to facilitate communication with Olympic authorities.tation required
In 1967, 26 international sport associations were gathered in Lausanne and agreed on the necessity of enhancing the number of permanent connections, and decided to adopt the name “General Assembly of International Sport Federations”. To establish an official organisation, GAISF was created “General Association of International Sport Federations” (GAISF) formed in 1976. established in 1976. The headquarters moved to Monaco within two years.
The turn of the millennium brought significant changes to the organization. In response to the pressures on IFs to improve their professionalism and grow, GAISF, in collaboration with the Associations of Summer and Winter Olympic International Federations (ASOIF and AIOWF) began its first SportAccord International Convention in 2003. The new model “by sports for sport” allowed IFs and the sports businesses to come together to share their knowledge and network.
Then, in March of 2009 GAISF changed its name to SportAccord and later that year, its headquarters moved to Monaco to Lausanne which is Lausanne, the Olympic capital. SportAccord adopted the slogan “Unite & Support” with the goal of serving and help its members. Its goal is to offer expert services of the highest quality and provide expertise in the areas important for its participants.
In April of 2017 after the former Marius Vizer’s controversial remarks on IOC President Thomas Bach during the opening of the SportAccord 2015 convention at Sochi and his resignation following the organization changed its name to GAISF under the new president Patrick Baumann.
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In May of 2019, Raffaele Chiulli was unanimously elected as GAISF President on the Gold Coast, Australia
In 1921 under the guidance by Paul Rousseau, Secretary General of the “Union Cycliste Internationale” A permanent bureau of the International Sports Federations (IFs) was established. Since regular IOC/IFs meetings took place, communication with Olympic authorities was made easier. However, organizations which were not part of the Olympic movement were not included.
The 1960s saw the sport movement was rapidly growing. Roger Coulon, President of the “Federation Internationale de Lutte amateur”, was the first person to speak out about the need for greater acceptance of the importance of IFs. For non-Olympic federations, an arena which would allow them to express their views was essential. The establishment of an organization that was stable and able to sustain relationships between IFs was the natural progression of their meetings, which took regularly, but without any rules or established structure. The regular preparation of these meetings in conjunction with the IOC could therefore be better supported. This also allowed for a continuous connection between IFs and the general public. In 1966, the moment was deemed appropriate, and the transition to the newly formed Assembly was initiated.
Between 21 and 23 April 1967, representatives of the 26 sports associations were in Lausanne at the Hotel Continental: Aeronautics, Basketball, Rowing, Bobsleigh, Boules, Canoeing, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Ice Hockey, Judo, Luge, Wrestling, Motorcycling, Swimming, Modern Pentathlon, Roller Skating, Skiing shooting Volleyball, Weightlifting, University Sport, and Maccabi.
The delegates agreed to the need to establish permanent links between the IFs to protect their goals and objectives and the protection of their autonomy, and the constant communication of information. The title “General Assembly of the International Federation of Sports” was chosen.
In 1976, the name was changed to “General Association of International Sport Federations” (GAISF). In 1978, the GAISF office relocated to Lausanne in Switzerland to Monaco. GAISF was a continuation of previous meetings of the IFs that dealt not just with Olympic issues however, but also all issues of common interest to the IFs.
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