Olympic Day, the 23rd of June, saw the highly-symbolic handover of the keys to Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, which marks the changing presidency of the International Olympic Committee.
Outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach ushered in a new era in Olympic leadership by transferring his role to Kirsty Coventry at midnight last night, meaning that from today the IOC has both its first female and first African president.
Such was the significance of this transition that the 700 assembled delegates rose to their feet in spontaneous applause when the symbolic key was handed over at yesterday’s ceremony.
President Bach’s tenure in leading the IOC lasted 12 years, while President Coventry’s first term will last for 8.
In his farewell address, President Bach signed off by saying:
“To everyone who brings our Olympic community to life – the athletes, the National Olympic Committees and International Federations, our TOP Partners and Media Rights-Holders, and our devoted IOC staff, guided by our Director General: each of you has shaped this, our shared Olympic journey, in your own way. Your belief in our mission, your unwavering support – I have felt it every step. In difficult moments, it was your support that helped us to navigate forward. Without all of you, the Olympic Movement would not be where it is today.”
While upon officially receiving her new mantle, President Coventry added in her broadcast speech to members and friends of the IOC:
“ Every single one of you plays a very significant role in our very important ecosystem. Working together over these next few years and consistently finding ways to strengthen and keep united our Movement will ensure and will allow for all of us that we could wake up daily and continue to inspire the next generation, to continue to change lives, and most importantly, to make dreams come true.”
World Skate would hereby like to thank President Thomas Bach for all his help and guidance during his distinguished tenure, and offer the warmest of welcomes to President Coventry.
