On 27 October, the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS) convened its General Assembly at the Maison du Sport International, uniting member federations and distinguished representatives from across the global sporting community for a day of dialogue, reflection, and shared purpose.
A major highlight of the assembly was the re-election of President Stephan Fox for another four-year term. Members expressed their warm congratulations and appreciation for his ongoing leadership and dedication to uniting the AIMS family. Under his guidance AIMS has continued to grow as a key pillar within the Olympic family, representing more than twenty international federations and ensuring that every sport has a voice rooted in fairness and transparency.
In his remarks, President Fox thanked the International Olympic Committee and its new President Kirsty Coventry for their continued trust and collaboration. He reflected on the progress made within AIMS and emphasised the importance of unity and shared purpose among its members, stating that his re-election symbolises the collective strength and commitment of the entire organisation.
The assembly also welcomed prestigious speakers representing key international organisations among them Laetitia Zumbrunnen from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Benjamin Cohen from the International Testing Agency (ITA). Their interventions underscored the collective responsibility of safeguarding sport’s integrity and promoting transparency across all levels of competition. The AIMS Office in China also contributed a comprehensive presentation highlighting the federation’s ongoing achievements, initiatives, and development priorities around the world.
A special highlight of the event was the participation of IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who delivered an inspiring message of support and encouragement to AIMS members. She called on federations to continue working collaboratively to protect and empower youth in sport ensuring that all disciplines continue to grow and thrive.
“We, as partners, understand the value that sport has. Over the next few years, we are all working together towards the same goal – ensuring that sport plays a critical role not just for our communities, but for the globe.”
President Kirsty Coventry.
Her words reflected a shared vision for cooperation and inclusivity underscoring the essential role that sport plays in shaping stronger, more united societies.
President Coventry also commended the ongoing work of United Through Sports, emphasising that its initiatives to promote inclusivity and opportunity for young people are essential to shaping a more equal and sustainable sporting future. President Coventry acknowledged that under Stephan Fox’s leadership, AIMS has significantly expanded its reach and impact working closely with its members to safeguard young athletes and advance youth development worldwide. Her remarks demonstrated a shared belief that empowering and protecting youth is central to building a stronger global sporting community.
AIMS President Stephan Fox, who also serves as President of United Through Sports (UTS) reinforced this vision, urging members to remain steadfast in their dedication to the next generation. He commended the federations for their tireless efforts to uphold the values of fair play, respect, and solidarity principles that lie at the very heart of the AIMS movement.
Representing United Through Sports, UTS CEO Julia Govinden delivered a comprehensive presentation and progress report outlining recent milestones and key initiatives. Among the focal points was the upcoming Malaysia World Youth Festival, set to take place in November, and the ongoing collaboration with Mission 89 on the development of a Declaration against Child Trafficking in Sport. In her capacity as a Board Member of Mission 89, Julia also addressed the assembly on behalf of the organisation introducing its vital work and inviting AIMS federations to review and support the current draft of the Declaration. She outlined a shared vision to secure 300 signatories by 2027, with a landmark signing opportunity for AIMS members scheduled during the SportAccord Convention 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Mission 89 was represented by Jessica Blatchford and Ada Göral, who engaged directly with delegates, sharing insights into the organisation’s mission and its alignment with the Olympic Charter and core Olympic values.
Throughout the assembly, United Through Sports reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to collaboration and youth empowerment, encouraging AIMS federations to provide athletes with meaningful opportunities for growth, leadership, and inclusion. Each federation was invited to nominate a young leader from their sport to join the UTS Young Leaders Programme further strengthening youth engagement and representation across the international sporting community.
The AIMS General Assembly 2025 embodied a spirit of unity, progress, and shared vision reaffirming that together the world of sport continues to stand as a powerful platform for integrity, empowerment, and hope.
Visit AIMS Website: https://aims.sport/
Learn More About Mission89: https://mission89.org/
