The General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) recently wrapped up in Cascais, bringing together delegates from around the world to chart the future of global sport.
Thursday’s agenda included presentations from ANOC’s various commissions, Continental Associations, and updates on ANOC’s Strategic Plan and Digital Acceleration Plan. Among the highlighted topics were the upcoming Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, with detailed progress updates provided to the delegates.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) led sessions that focused on the Olympic Solidarity projects planned for the 2025-2028 quadrennial and initiatives from the IOC Athletes’ Commission. The assembly concluded with recommendations from the 27th ANOC General Assembly, and the ANOC Executive Council announced Hong Kong as the host for the next assembly in 2026.
Artur Lopes, President of the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP), emphasized the unique power of sport to bridge divides and promote peace, stating, “Sport and Olympism play a crucial role in bringing people together, promoting peace, and resolving ethnic conflicts. In a world facing enormous challenges and constant threats, sport’s ability to unite communities and foster respect is more important than ever.”
The assembly concluded on Friday with thematic sessions covering topics such as the evolution of the Olympic Programme from the National Olympic Committees’ perspectives, strategies for safeguarding sport, and the future role of artificial intelligence within the Olympic movement. Cascais bade farewell to the Olympic community with a focus on these critical discussions, setting the stage for new developments in the years ahead.
The day’s discussions began with Spyros Capralos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and the European Olympic Committees, delivering the keynote at a panel on the evolution of the Olympic Programme. Capralos tackled pressing topics, including the addition of new events and the unique challenges and opportunities these pose for National Olympic Committees (NOCs).
Capralos underscored the need for continental games to serve as qualifiers, reducing the financial and logistical strain on athletes from less economically developed countries. He also addressed the complexities of the IOC’s new Strategic Agenda, which allows host cities to propose additional events. This change places significant demands on NOCs to adapt, allocate resources, and prepare athletes in emerging sports that may not be part of the core Olympic lineup—adding a layer of difficulty for nations with varying levels of sporting infrastructure.
Peter Sherrard, CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, explored the particular struggles smaller countries face in the expanded Olympic Games, with funding challenges spanning both traditional and emerging sports.
Nicki Nicol, Secretary General of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, emphasized New Zealand’s geographic isolation within the global sports community and highlighted that the Olympic movement is rooted in human connections. She advocated for systems that build trust and streamline the integration across Olympic disciplines.
Joan Smith, Secretary General of the Namibian Olympic Committee, addressed Africa’s approach to the evolving Olympic landscape, noting that the continent primarily competes in established sports, often with limited access to newer, emerging events.
The insightful panel, moderated by Cédric Van Branteghem, provided a nuanced look into the strategic adjustments NOCs must make as the Olympic Programme continues to evolve.
