Bach will be joined by famous Olympians, senior executives and leading figures from Russian sport at the event which has been established by the World Olympians Association (WOA) in partnership with the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).

The aim of the forum is to celebrate Olympism and the achievements of Olympians around the world, with all 143 National Olympians Associations brought together.

There will be the opportunity to discuss best practices and the topics of greatest concern to Olympians through speeches, seminars and networking sessions.

"Olympians are at the heart of the Olympic Movement," said Bach.

"Thirty-eight members of the International Olympic Committee have competed in the Olympic Games, 28 of those are medallists.

"Olympic Agenda 2020 made engaging with Olympians one of the top priorities and this very first World Olympians Forum is just one of the results.

"It is a chance for all Olympians, young and old, Summer and Winter athletes, and from all around the world, to contribute more effectively to our future.

"I look forward to seeing this forum making a great contribution to the whole Olympic Movement."

The event is due to be held in the Russian capital between October 20 and 22.

Joël Bouzou, the WOA President who won Olympic bronze for France in the modern pentathlon at Los Angeles 1984, said: "We are delighted that President Bach will be joining us for the inaugural World Olympians Forum.

"The historic event will be a fantastic opportunity to bring together all National Olympians Associations and key figures from the Olympic Family to promote the core values of Olympism and to discuss the most important matters faced by Olympians.

"We’re looking forward to working in partnership with the IOC, the Russian NOC (National Olympic Committee) and the Russian Ministry of Sport.

"I’m confident that the first-ever forum will be a wonderful celebration of Olympism that will help address key issues faced by Olympians across the world."

Alexander Zhukov, President of the ROC, added: "The World Olympians Forum is a wonderful opportunity to bring together high profile influencers from the Olympic Family and the Russian sports movement to debate issues of importance to Olympians and the important role of sport in society.

"We are delighted to be hosting the inaugural WOF and to be welcoming the IOC and the Olympic Movement back to Russia following the huge success of Sochi 2014.

"We are looking forward to working with the WOA to provide a platform for in depth discussion on the most important issues facing Olympians around the world."



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