Rolland meets with IOC President Bach

“We were able to discuss very openly and transparently about all the challenges that face the sport of rowing and to identify what is at stake,” says Rolland. “We know the future will not be easy, but we are ready to face these challenges together with the IOC and to find constructive solutions.”

The IOC adopted Olympic Agenda 2020 at the IOC Extraordinary Session in December 2014. Following the unanimous approval by IOC members of the 40 recommendations, the FISA Council met to assess the positive contribution that FISA could make to help with its success.  

“It was important for us to meet immediately to discuss the impact Agenda 2020 will have on our sport and to align our strategy to be fully integrated with the Olympic movement,” says Rolland.

This effort has not gone unnoticed by the IOC. Bach thanked Rolland for, “the excellent cooperation and for the extent to which FISA, under his (Rolland’s) leadership, had embraced Olympic Agenda 2020.”

“The IOC is forging ahead into new territory. FISA’s Strategic Plan already aligned with most of the elements of Agenda 2020 and the FISA Council was able to use the IOC’s 40 recommendations to fine-tune the plan,” says Rolland. “We must be willing to adapt and to tackle all future challenges through open dialogue and discussion.”

Agenda 2020 is a series of adjustments creating a flexible roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement under the guidance of Bach. The Agenda includes creating a more flexible and less expensive Olympic bid process, a move from a sport-based to an event-based programme, an Olympic TV channel and a strengthening of the principles of good governance and ethics in the Olympic movement. There are also measures to reduce discrimination in sport on sexual orientation and the promotion of drug-free athletes.

Click here for more information on FISA’s response to the 40 recommendations. http://www.worldrowing.com/news/fisa-council-addresses-agenda-2020-118094