ASOIF celebrates its 40th anniversary
The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) has turned 40 today. On 30 May 1983, ASOIF’s 21 founding members - all of which governed a sport on the official programme of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games - paved the way to better coordinate and represent the interests of the Summer Olympic International Federations (IFs) by establishing a dedicated umbrella body.
On the occasion of this special milestone, ASOIF today released a new publication entitled 40 Years of ASOIF 1983-2023 which highlights the association’s history, its achievements, current and future challenges, as well as the evolution of all ASOIF member federations. The accounts of events, facts and figures are illustrated by a wealth of historical and recent images from the world of Summer Olympic Sports and their international governing bodies.
How it all started: in 1982 Juan Antonio Samaranch, then President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), had accepted the proposal to set up two associations for the Summer and Winter Olympic IFs respectively. This move would provide a more structured and robust approach to strengthen the IFs’ role in the Olympic Movement, enabling them to establish a coherent voice in relations with the IOC and Games’ organisers. ASOIF’s first President, Primo Nebiolo (Athletics), remained in office until his death in 1999. Borislav Stankovic (Basketball) became ASOIF’s elected Secretary General.
Over the past four decades, ASOIF has taken great strides towards uniting the Summer Olympic IFs, harnessing their unique expertise, promoting their interests, increasing their representation in all Olympic affairs and working together with the key stakeholders of the Olympic Movement. As the Olympic Programme has evolved, so has ASOIF, which now has 28 Full Member IFs and four Associate Member IFs.
Incumbent ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said on the occasion of this special milestone:
Celebrating ASOIF’s 40th anniversary demonstrates that we have built a strong association with purpose and direction. In our increasingly complex sport world, it is more important than ever to unite, support and promote the Summer Olympic IFs – which is the raison d’être of ASOIF. We must be alert, proactive and anticipate the future. If we work together, whilst respecting each federation’s autonomy, we can be more efficient and act smarter. I am convinced that strong IFs can add real value to the Olympic Movement and help to provide a healthy future for sport. Serving this cause remains the motivation of everything we do.
Tonight, all member federations will come together in Lausanne, Switzerland to celebrate ASOIF’s 40th anniversary, ahead of the 47th ASOIF General Assembly to be held tomorrow, which will be livestreamed on YouTube.