I.O.C.
president
IOC President Thomas Bach addressed the ONOC General Assembly in Fiji on Tuesday, March 26, and was welcomed by Oceanian National Olympic Committee (ONOC) President Robin Mitchell, who is also a member of the IOC Executive Board. .
The President spoke about digitalization to representatives of the region's 17 NOCs, saying that digitalization will be a “key challenge and opportunity facing the world of sport in order to change the world” in the future.
He highlighted two specific streams of work: esports and e-gaming. And artificial intelligence. “When it comes to esports and e-gaming, we cannot ignore the 3 billion people who are used to these games but are less familiar with sports and physical activity. “We want to strive in this regard, always adhering to the values of respect, tolerance. We have to approach this community and convince them,” he said. He informed the General Assembly that he had asked the IOC eSports Commission to consider the creation of an Olympic eSports game.
Turning to artificial intelligence, Chairman Bach said: “AI has the potential to transform sport in all aspects, from athlete training, to screening and refereeing, to the fight against doping, to spectator experience and unity in sport. The potential exists and the Olympic Movement must take advantage of its benefits and understand its risks.”
He informed parliament that the IOC will present its vision for the potential of AI in sport next month, and encouraged delegates to hold a dedicated meeting on the topic ahead of next year's ONOC General Assembly. . This is the vision of AI in sports.
Finally, he looked ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics, telling parliament it would be a “great Games”. “It's going to be a great Games,” he told delegates. “Paris has been doing what you've been doing since the beginning: Paris has embraced the message, the methods and the tools of the Olympic agenda. It's about planning from the beginning in a sustainable way.” In an inclusive way, in an urban way. Additionally, for the first time in Olympic history, the IOC has ensured that there will be an equal number of spots for male and female athletes. ”
