Costa Navarino, Greece, Mar 19 (EFE).- The 144th Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) opened Wednesday in Costa Navarino, Greece, with members primarily focused on presidential election to be held a day later.
IOC President Thomas Bach lightheartedly addressed the assembly, encouraging members to stay engaged with the agenda rather than fixating on the upcoming vote.
“Just because you don’t ask questions doesn’t mean the presidential election will be moved up. It is scheduled for tomorrow,” Bach quipped after members showed little reaction to the presentation of initial reports.
Most of the reports had already been submitted in writing and were swiftly approved without debate.
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon bid farewell to the assembly as his tenure as chair of the IOC Ethics Commission came to an end.
“Through the spirit of sport, we can foster peace and friendship among the peoples of the world,” Ban said in his farewell remarks.
Ser Ming Ng, president of the IOC Finance Committee, described the organization’s financial performance as «a clear economic success» during this leadership transition.
In 2024, the IOC generated $4.621 billion in revenue while spending $3.487 billion, resulting in a $1.133 billion profit. “These figures exceed our initial forecasts,” Ng noted.
With the election approaching, the seven presidential candidates had one of their last chances to campaign at the assembly.
However, at Bach’s suggestion, backed by the assembly, the traditional morning coffee break was scrapped to expedite proceedings.
The candidates vying for the presidency are: Feisal al Hussein (Jordan), David Lappartient (France), Johan Eliasch (Great Britain), Juan Antonio Samaranch (Spain), Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe), Sebastian Coe (Great Britain), Morinori Watanabe (Japan). EFE
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