A fantastic day of education, cooperation and discussion took place at the first edition of the ISSF Athletes Committee International Forum, bringing athletes' voices to the forefront.
Organised by the Athletes Committee and hosted by its Chair, Cassio Rippel, several guest speakers provided necessary information to over 60 attendees, who represented their National Federations. ISSF President Luciano Rossi was in attendance and congratulated everyone for making the event a possibility; adding, "Together we must work together for our sport. His remarks were echoed by Secretary General Alessandro Nicotra di San Giacomo who stressed the importance of cooperation from everyone in the shooting sport community.
Rippel and Athletes Committee member, Martina Veloso, provided an overview of what the group does and the improvements it had made over the past four years, including providing a voice over concerns for competition formats which led to developments for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. They also mentioned their influence during the Games and proposals to democratise athletes' voices within the governance structure in time for 2026. They also outlined world rankings, website redevelopment and Athlete of the Year awards as examples of positive change led by athletes.
British shooting great Seonaid McIntosh, who is also on the Athletes' Committee, also provided guidance on how to set up an Athletes' Committee at a national level and how to integrate the group into the governance of the National Federation.
With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, there was opportunity for queries regarding the organisation of the Games, with LA28 Vice President of Sports, Niccolo Campriani, leading presentations. He delved into the venues for shooting, including the hub that will include the Long Beach Convention Center, home to pistol and rifle.
Organised by the Athletes Committee and hosted by its Chair, Cassio Rippel, several guest speakers provided necessary information to over 60 attendees, who represented their National Federations. ISSF President Luciano Rossi was in attendance and congratulated everyone for making the event a possibility; adding, "Together we must work together for our sport. His remarks were echoed by Secretary General Alessandro Nicotra di San Giacomo who stressed the importance of cooperation from everyone in the shooting sport community.
Rippel and Athletes Committee member, Martina Veloso, provided an overview of what the group does and the improvements it had made over the past four years, including providing a voice over concerns for competition formats which led to developments for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. They also mentioned their influence during the Games and proposals to democratise athletes' voices within the governance structure in time for 2026. They also outlined world rankings, website redevelopment and Athlete of the Year awards as examples of positive change led by athletes.
British shooting great Seonaid McIntosh, who is also on the Athletes' Committee, also provided guidance on how to set up an Athletes' Committee at a national level and how to integrate the group into the governance of the National Federation.
With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, there was opportunity for queries regarding the organisation of the Games, with LA28 Vice President of Sports, Niccolo Campriani, leading presentations. He delved into the venues for shooting, including the hub that will include the Long Beach Convention Center, home to pistol and rifle.
LA28 venues were discussed with Niccolo CamprianiWorld Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Athlete Council Vice-Chair Gaby Ahrens spoke about the WADA Athlete Council updates to 2027 WADA Code and highlighted the Speak Up Program, the global confidential reporting hotline that pushes for clean sport. She was followed by ISSF Academy Director Vesa Nissinen who focused on a timeline for future coaching courses, with B and A level to be followed by Para Shooting and Running Target plans. Nissinen called for consultation with athletes on potential courses for them, including those focusing on leadership.
Chantal Buchser, IOC Head of Athlete Support and Partnerships, encouraged participants to sign up for Athlete365, mentioning the programmes and benefits for them. These include resources that support mentoring and career and entrepreneurship.
ISSF Head of Communications Nick Davies provided an overview of his team and announced the Athlete Media Training Programme with an eye on growing the sport's reach through its athletes. This course, delivered by the ISSF Communications team, will have modules on media relations, interviewing, social media and personal branding. A live practice would be the final module, taking place at the ISSF World Championships in Cairo and Athens.
Dr James Lally, Chair of the ISSF Medical Committee and Janie Soubilere ISSF Head for Safeguarding and Doping, spoke about safeguarding regulations, the integrity code, and athletes' rights and responsibilities. Soubilere mentioned safeguard is now regulated rather than just a guideline. She also presented the Integrity Code, which is set to replace the Code of Ethics, covering more areas than the previous legislation.
Chantal Buchser, IOC Head of Athlete Support and Partnerships, encouraged participants to sign up for Athlete365, mentioning the programmes and benefits for them. These include resources that support mentoring and career and entrepreneurship.
ISSF Head of Communications Nick Davies provided an overview of his team and announced the Athlete Media Training Programme with an eye on growing the sport's reach through its athletes. This course, delivered by the ISSF Communications team, will have modules on media relations, interviewing, social media and personal branding. A live practice would be the final module, taking place at the ISSF World Championships in Cairo and Athens.
Dr James Lally, Chair of the ISSF Medical Committee and Janie Soubilere ISSF Head for Safeguarding and Doping, spoke about safeguarding regulations, the integrity code, and athletes' rights and responsibilities. Soubilere mentioned safeguard is now regulated rather than just a guideline. She also presented the Integrity Code, which is set to replace the Code of Ethics, covering more areas than the previous legislation.