Putin attends inaugural World Olympians Association Forum in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the World Olympians Association Forum in Moscow ©The Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the first-ever World Olympians Association (WOA) Forum to witness the signing of a new Declaration of Support for the Olympic Charter by five of the best athletes in history here today.

Putin sat in the front row, alongside International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, as the Declaration, including the pledge to oppose any political Governmental interference in the autonomy of sports organisations, was signed by an athlete from each of the five continents.

These included Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj, the Olympic gold medallist in the 1500 and 5,000 metres at Athens 2004, and Russia's former synchronised swimmer Anastasia Davydova, a five-time Olympic champion.

“It is symbolic that this event is taking place on the 20th anniversary of the World Olympians Association, which unites 143 national associations and more than 100,000 Olympians from around the world," Putin told the audience.

“The Association is actively involved in promoting sport and the constructive and positive values that go with it.

"You do this through your personal examples and the real achievements of outstanding athletes, many of whom dedicate their lives to public, state or political activity and become true ambassadors for peace.”

Other pledges in the Declaration include to continue to spread the spirit and practice of Olympism in athletes' communities, to work for peace and better life for all through sport and to help fellow Olympians with their life transitions and post-career health and fitness issues.

“This Forum is a chance for Olympians, young and old, from winter and summer sports, and from all around the world, to contribute to the future of the Olympic Movement," said Bach.

"Your work has continued long after you stopped competing.

"Thanks to your on-going efforts we can make the world a better place through sport.

“You are a living example of what we all know from our personal experiences to be true: Once an Olympian always an Olympian.”

Russian and International Olympic Committee Presidents Vladimir Putin and Thomas Bach joined a number of top Olympians and officials after the signing of a new Declaration of Support for the Olympic Charter ©IOC

There were nearly 200 Olympians present at the Forum, organised with the help of the Russian Olympic Committee, including Prince Albert II of Monaco, who took part in five consecutive Winter Games between Calgary 1988 and Salt Lake City 2002 in the bobsleigh.

“As ambassadors of the Olympic spirit, we as Olympians have a key role to play in promoting sport and ensuring that its positive effects resonate throughout our communities so that future generations can reap the same benefits," he said.

“The World Olympians Forum has provided a fantastic platform for us to learn from each other, to explore ways to develop our NOAs (National Olympians Associations) further and, above all, to find concrete solutions that will enhance the lives of our Olympian members and the communities in which they live.”

Among the topics and themes discussed across a series of panel sessions, key note speeches and workshops were issues such as how Olympians can use their position as role models to inspire young people and to achieve the aims of Olympic Agenda 2020, why the Olympic Games matter and their relevance in modern society, how to give youth a sporting chance and the importance of closing the gender gap in sport.

“We are delighted that the inaugural World Olympians Forum has been such a success – it is fantastic to get the event off the ground and we look forward to it becoming a regular fixture on the Olympic calendar," said WOA President Joël Bouzou.

"It is rewarding to see such a large number of NOAs together in one place to celebrate Olympism and recognise the efforts of Olympians around the world to inspire and engage future generations."