President Marco Scolaris was joined in Torino by the IFSC Executive Board, while a roster of prestigious guests and speakers connected virtually.
National Federations worldwide connected with the IFSC today for the third edition of the Climbing Summit.
Aiming to inform and update its participants, the III IFSC Climbing Summit was held virtually and moderated by longtime IFSC collaborator Peter Stafford. IFSC President Marco Scolaris was joined by the Executive Board in Torino, Italy, to cover several key topics.
After the Summit opened and attendees were greeted by President Scolaris, the focus turned to the Olympic Games, with Secretary General Debra Gawrych road mapping the journey both to the Games and in relation to the IFSC Strategic Plan.
Governance came into focus through IFSC Oceania President Naomi Cleary, who brought the conversation to the Climbing family after Francesco Ricci Bitti – President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations – addressed the National Federations.
With LA28 set to feature Para Climbing, IFSC Treasurer Pierre You spoke of the newly-added sport with former International Paralympic Committee Commercial & Marketing Director Alexis Schäfer also connected to present on the future ahead of the sport.
A cornerstone of IFSC activities, Athletes’ Health was once again brought to the attention of the Summit and member Federations, this time through Olympian and Athletes’ Commission member Alannah Yip and Medical & Anti-Doping Commission chair Naama Constantini.
IFSC Vice-President Wolfgang Wabel spoke of the Sustainability plans for the future before attention turned back to the Olympic Games.
Tokyo 2020 reflections were shared by IFSC Vice President Kobinata Toru and former Tokyo 2020 Sports Director Murofushi Koji, while Paris 2024 Sport Manager for Sport Climbing Vincent Caussé brought things up to the present. Also introduced by Mr Caussé was a video message from the President of the Organising Committee of Paris 2024, Tony Estanguet.
The future vision was then shared by Niccolò Campriani and Jack Smith, respectively LA28 Sports Director and Sport Group Manager, before final remarks from President Scolaris drew the Summit to a close.
“Getting close to the end of an unforgettable year, 2024,” said President Scolaris, “I wish we all could realise that we have climbed to the largest stage, and we are now visible to the entire world.
“This was and is a necessary step to translate into reality our Strategic Plan, our mission, inspired by our vision.”
Following a week-long schedule of meetings and sessions, the III IFSC Climbing Summit brought to a close an integral information collection and sharing process for the Climbing family. The meetings continue next week when representatives from the Local Organising Committees of next year’s World Cups and World Championships will also be in Torino and meet with the IFSC staff.
