Page 95 – Ministry of Sport

PGA Championship Increases Purse to Record $19 Million

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Courtney

The PGA of America has revealed a purse of $19 million (AUD$ 29 million) for this year’s PGA Championship, held at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, as the organisation continues to show growth in prize money for athletes.

This figure surpasses last year’s record of $18.5 million (AUD$28.8 million), which culminated in a payout of $3.33 million (AUD$5.19 million) for the champion, Xander Schauffele.

This year’s winner will receive $3.42 million (AUD$5.33 million), marking another record for the championship.

Notably, the top three finishers are assured to take home over $1 million (AUD$1.5 million) each.

Despite this significant increase, the PGA Championship continues to rank third in total prize money among the four major championships.

The U.S. Open currently leads with a purse of $21.5 million (AUD$33.5 million), while the Open Championship has set its purse at $17 million (AUD$26 million).

Earlier this year, the Masters elevated its purse to $21 million, and both the U.S. Open and Open Championship are anticipated to further increase their funds this June and July.

Managed by the PGA of America, the new prize allocation still falls short of the $20 million offered at the PGA Tour’s eight signature events, as well as the individual tournament purses seen at LIV Golf events.

The Players Championship currently holds the title for the highest purse in professional golf, with $25 million on the line, where Rory McIlroy’s victory this year netted him $4.5 million (AUD$7 million), a sum Scottie Scheffler also received in 2024.

As the final round at the PGA Championship approaches, Scheffler leads the leaderboard, holding a three-stroke advantage over Sweden’s Alex Norén. LIV golfers Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are positioned within the top ten, indicating a competitive finish ahead.

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Alternative fuel strategy Powering Formula 1 Through Europe

Posted on May 19, 2025May 19, 2025 by Courtney

As Formula 1 transitions into the European segment of the 2025 season, its commitment to an alternative fuel strategy to help their goal of reaching the Net Zero emissions by 2030 goal.

This season marks a significant advancement in the sport’s environmental efforts, building on trials from previous years.

Renewable energy system will power the pit and paddock areas, while both the Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships will continue to run on 100% advanced sustainable fuel, setting the stage for Formula 1 cars to use these fuels by 2026.

Commenting on the transition, head of ESG at Formula 1, Ellen Jones, said: “It is incredibly exciting to see our alternative fuel strategy deliver significant carbon reductions across the European season and beyond.”

“We remain on track to be Net Zero by 2030, and it is new technologies and innovations such as this that will see us hit our goal.

“Working with our partners, as well as all of our teams and the FIA, the sport is proving that you can grow sustainably, with no compromise to our on-track product or fan experience,” Jones said.

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix featured a new low-carbon energy system in the paddock, with the initiative expected to cut carbon emissions from energy use by about 90%.

This system is being put in place with Formula 1’s partner, Aggreko, after successful tests at the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix and similar events in Hungary and Italy in 2024.

These trials showed big drops in carbon emissions in key areas like the paddock and pit lane.

The new energy solution for the paddock centralises power from renewable sources including hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), solar energy, and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

This means Formula 1, its ten teams, and the FIA no longer need individual generators, leading to significant carbon reductions and less pollution from transportation.

On the other note, DHL’s biofuel trucks will also play a big role in Europe, further boosting Formula 1’s sustainability efforts by using more alternative fuels, these trucks achieved an average emission reduction of 83% compared to regular fuels during European races.

The fuel being developed is designed to be a “drop-in” option, meaning it can be used in existing road vehicles without any changes, offering a sustainable choice with global implications.

Lastly, Formula 1’s proactive alternative fuel strategy has been key to its ongoing efforts to cut carbon emissions.

Last year, the sport invested a lot in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which led to an estimated 80% reduction in carbon emissions per flight compared to traditional aviation fuels.

Working with global partners like DHL and Qatar Airways, Formula 1 has collectively cut over 8,000 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) across flyaway events in the 2024 season, representing an approximate 19% decrease in total emissions from conventional aviation fuel.

Train The Trainer Workshop Aims to Empower Women and Girls In Saudi Arabia

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Courtney

The Olympic Museum, in collaboration with the Saudi Olympic Academy and the Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU), has held a two-day “Train the Trainer” workshop in AlUla, engaging 35 local teachers and coaches.

The inclusive programme aimed to empower participants by embedding Olympic values, excellence, respect and friendship into educational and community practices.

Commenting on the partnership, Frédérique Jamolli, IOC head of international cultural affairs, said: “Such training represents a unique opportunity for intercultural dialogue and a rich human and social experience.”

Asmaa Odeh Al-Juhani, a young female participant, added: “What I like about the Olympic values is that they focus on the human side before the sport.”

“It’s a reminder that sport is not just about winning and losing, but about values, cooperation and tolerance.” Al-Juhani said.

“I enjoyed and benefited a lot from these courses, and I hope to see these values being shared in schools and clubs.” she added.

“They make us stronger and better people and help us build a society that respects each other.”

Following the workshop, an Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) inspired initiative was launched at a local girls’ school, featuring activities for students with disabilities.

A community event also introduced archery to boys, girls and their families, further promoting Olympic values.

In Riyadh, the Saudi Olympic Academy, together with the International Olympic Academy, launched the inaugural module of the Olympic Studies Diploma titled “Olympic Education and Values Education.”

The diploma covers sports organisation management, Olympic education, sports policies and the Olympic Movement, with OVEP as a foundational module.

The module concluded with eight project proposals, many advancing to planning stages, while a seminar on Olympic Education and Teaching Values was also held at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), the world’s largest women’s university with over 33,000 students.

The recent establishment of PNU’s College of Sport Sciences and Physical Activity supports the development of female sports professionals and leaders within Saudi Arabia.

Resmed Tackling Sleep With Lions Tour Partnership

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Courtney

Resmed, a health technology firm focused on sleep, breathing, and home care solutions, has been named the official sleep partner of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour.

The partnership aims to raise awareness about the vital importance of quality sleep, which stands alongside exercise and diet as a key component of health.

Commenting on the partnership, Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh, said: “Resmed is an industry leader, and we are thrilled to have them on board as an official partner for this year’s British & Irish Lions Tour.”

“Quality sleep is essential for our players to excel, and it is equally vital for fans as they come together to celebrate and connect throughout the Tour across Australia,” Waugh said.

Resmed’s chief marketing officer, Katrin Pucknat, added: “Poor sleep impacts every aspect of our lives, but the encouraging news is that there are actionable steps we can take to enhance our sleep health.”

“As the Official Sleep Partner of the Tour, we are eager to spotlight the critical connection between sleep and athletic performance, while also inspiring fans to reflect on how sleep influences their everyday lives, all while enjoying the experience,” Pucknat said.

In its capacity as the Official Sleep Partner, Resmed is set to launch the engaging ‘Tackle Your Sleep’ campaign, a digital initiative featuring renowned rugby legends.

This light-hearted campaign addresses pressing sleep health issues impacting both players and fans in Australia, the UK and Ireland.

The rugby icons will share valuable tips and strategies to enhance sleep quality, emphasising its critical role in overall health.

Engage RM Upgrade Fan Engagement with Acquisition of Power’d Digital

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Courtney

EngageRM, a prominent player in business and marketing automation, CRM, and data analytics, has recently completed the acquisition of Power’d Digital, a robust first-party channel platform.

This strategic acquisition promises to transform the way organisations engage with their fan bases by providing seamless integration with branded websites and applications, thereby enhancing both reach and revenue potential.

Commenting on the acquisition, CEO of EngageRM, Adam Boyle, said: “The acquisition of Power’d aligns with our commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional value to our clients.”

“By integrating Power’d’s first-party channels, we are poised to set new benchmarks in fan engagement and operational excellence within the sports and entertainment sectors,” Boyle said.

CEO of Power’d, Scott Dinsdale, added: “We are thrilled to join forces with EngageRM and build on the incredible legacy we have already created.”

“The ever-growing EngageRM network presents a tremendous opportunity to scale our solution and redefine fan engagement experiences on a global scale. We’re truly excited about what we can achieve together,” Dinsdale said.

Founded in 2003, EngageRM has established itself as a global frontrunner in sports technology, delivering solutions to major leagues including the NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, NHL, Premier League, AFL, NRL, A-League, and NBL.

Their platform effectively enables businesses to foster valuable relationships with fans, partners, and communities via data-driven insights, improved ticketing processes, targeted marketing, and real-time reporting systems.

This will also equip sports and entertainment organisations with more versatile and efficient operational tools.

Power’d’s cutting-edge technology allows for the tokenisation and direct delivery of diverse fan offerings, such as:

Ticketing: Effortless ticket sales.
Experiences: Unique and memorable fan interactions.
VIP Packages: Exclusive access to premium offerings.
Commercial Offers: Tailored promotions and discounts.
Merchandise: Seamless merchandise purchasing.
Memberships: Efficient membership management.
Hospitality: Enhanced hospitality experiences.
Loyalty Programs: Engaging loyalty initiatives.

The integration process is set to begin soon, with teams from EngageRM and Power’d Digital working together to incorporate Power’d’s portal capabilities into EngageRM’s existing platform.

NBL Sides To Host European Giants In Four Team Tournament

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Courtney

Two of Europe’s most storied basketball clubs, Panathinaikos and KK Partizan, are set to visit Australia later this year as part of the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, with matches to be played in Melbourne and Sydney.

The European sides will face off first at the John Cain Arena before competing in the four team tournament with the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers in Sydney.

Commenting on the event, NBL Director, Nikola Milivojevic, said: “This is an extraordinary moment for the NBL and basketball fans in Australia.”

“To have two of Europe’s biggest teams competing in a tournament of this calibre, along with two of the biggest clubs in Australian basketball, the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers, is not only a reflection of the NBL’s growing global reputation, but underlines the increasing level of passion and interest Australians have for the game.

“This once in a lifetime event enhances the strong relationship the NBL has formed with the two EuroLeague clubs Panathinaikos and KK Partizan. To be hosting the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament is a huge honour, and we can’t wait for fans to experience it,” he said.

NBL owner and executive director, Larry Kestelman, added: “We’re extremely excited to see the Kings and 36ers represent the NBL against two EuroLeague powerhouses.”

“We’d like to sincerely thank Panathinaikos and KK Partizan for their friendship and support, and for trusting the NBL as partners for the 7th edition of their prestigious tournament,” he said.

On bringing BC Partizan to Australia, President, Ostoja Mijailović, said: “Along with Panathinaikos, our goal is to expand our community and strengthen fan bases within Australia. The connection between BC Partizan and Australian fans is already strong, having Australians like Dante Exum, Alex Maric, Nate Jawai and Jock Landale at BC Partizan squad through the years.”

“We look forward to meeting all Australian basketball fans and showing them what we’re all about, and we also look forward to reconnecting with our expatriates and those with Serbian heritage who we hope will come out in strong support,” he said.

The announcement was marked by a drone show over the Sydney Harbour skyline, underscoring the significance of the upcoming event for both international and local basketball communities.

Ticket pre-registration is set to open on May 19, with general ticket sales starting on May 22.

Alexis Ohanian Buys Stake in Chelsea Women

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Courtney

Alexis Ohanian, husband of Serena Williams, is set to join the board of Chelsea Women following his acquisition of an 8-10% stake in the club, valued at approximately £20 million (AUD$34 million).

Commenting on Ohanian’s acquisition, CEO of Chelsea Women, Aki Mandhar, said: “This is a landmark day in the history of Chelsea Women and for women’s football in Europe and beyond,”

“This investment is validation of the club’s past success but, more importantly, it highlights the persistent growth and potential of women’s football in the market.

“As Founding Control Owner of Angel City FC, I’ve recognised the potential to build a global brand within women’s football, and I’m confident that Chelsea FC Women is poised to become the next major women’s sports brand,” Mandhar said.

Ohanian, 42, has a history of investing in women’s football, previously serving as the largest shareholder of Angel City FC.

His tenure there culminated in a sale for £192.3 million (AUD$336 million) in 2024, marking a record price for a women’s sports team until this recent acquisition.

The announcement of Ohanian’s investment included personal touches, as he shared images of Chelsea kits sporting the names of his daughters, Olympia and Adira.

With an estimated net worth of $150 million (AID$ 262 million), Ohanian’s investment elevates the valuation of Chelsea Women to over £200 million (AUD$349 million), a figure reflected in the club’s recent financial restructuring to align with profit and sustainability regulations set by Chelsea FC Holdings.

Post-investment, the club’s valuation has reportedly risen to £245 million (AUD$ 428 million), which comes alongside the evolution of Chelsea’s boardroom, where Mandhar has recently stepped in as the first dedicated CEO for the women’s team.

North Melbourne and Mazda continue iconic partnership

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Courtney

North Melbourne Football Club and Mazda have reinforced their long-standing partnership with a new three-year extension, which is one of Australia’s most enduring sports sponsorships, dating back to 1999.

Mazda will remain a co-major partner for both the AFL and AFLW teams until the end of 2028.

As part of the partnerhsip, Mazda will take back the naming rights for the club’s key event, the Mazda North Melbourne Grand Final Breakfast, which turns 59 this 2025.

Commenting on the partnership, North Melbourne CEO, Jen Watt, said: “We are thrilled to continue our close relationship with Mazda, a loyal and trusted brand that has been an incredibly valued supporter of our club.”

“Our partnership with Mazda is entrenched in the identity of our club, having flourished for nearly three decades.

“That’s never more evident than when you see a car park full of Mazda vehicles on our home matchdays at Marvel Stadium,” Watt said.

Mazda Australia’s director of Sales and Marketing, Jarrod Gieschen, added: “Tenacity and grit are defining characteristics of both Mazda and North identities, and these shared values have forged a relationship that stands as one of the strongest partnerships in Australian sport,” Gieschen stated.

The extension not only underscores the mutual commitment between North Melbourne and Mazda but also reflects broader trends in sponsorship dynamics within the sports industry, where long-lasting relationships often yield rewarding outcomes for both partners involved.

TickPick Expands Fan Experience with Houston Texans Partnership

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Courtney

TickPick has signed a multi-year partnership with the Houston Texans, becoming the NFL team’s official fan experience partner in a move set to enhance matchday engagement at NRG Stadium.

Announced on 14 May, the agreement will see TickPick introduce new ticket packages and premium offerings, including control of four luxury suites two each on the north and south ends of the Ring of Honor suite level rebranded as the TickPick Skyline Suite North and South.

Commenting on the partnership, Brett Goldberg, TickPick co-CEO said, “TickPick is proud to be working with the Houston Texans and excited to continue elevating the way fans experience live events across sports.”

“There’s been a shift in how fans choose to engage with live events, and the Texans are at the forefront of reimagining the fan experience.” Goldberg said.

Suite guests will receive VIP access through the East Club Lobby, catered food and drinks including beer, wine and non-alcoholic options from two hours before kickoff until the end of the game, and access to both East and West Clubs, along with private restrooms.

Fan packages will allow access to on-field pregame experiences and the chance to hold the flag during the national anthem, with postgame field access also being available for photo opportunities at the 50-yard line, as well as activities like passing drills and field goal attempts.

The deal reflects a wider industry shift towards improving the in-stadium experience, with clubs and partners leveraging innovation to meet evolving fan expectations.

Melbourne Storm Announces Muscle Nation As Performance Partner

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Courtney

Melbourne Storm has officially entered into a multi-year agreement with Muscle Nation, designating the company as the Club’s Official Performance Partner.

This collaboration aligns the elite NRL team with one of Australia’s rapidly growing activewear and supplement brands, known for its strong community focus and family-oriented values.

Commenting on the partnership, co-owners of Muscle Nation, Chris Anastasi and Nathaniel Anthony, said: “Working directly with elite NRL athletes provides invaluable insights that will propel product innovation while ensuring Storm players have the best tools for peak performance.”

Melbourne Storm chief commercial officer, Daniel Cullinan said: “Aligning with forward-thinking brands like Muscle Nation complements our vision of continuous innovation.”

“We are eager to explore initiatives that not only enhance athletic performance but also offer exclusive benefits to our members and fans,” he said.

The pair underscored the importance of this collaboration as a critical step in their national growth strategy, eager to engage with Storm’s dedicated fanbase.

Muscle boasts a portfolio of over 1,000 products, readily accessible through major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, and Chemist Warehouse across the country.

This partnership will see the Muscle Nation logo displayed on the upper back of Storm’s trainer and medical jerseys, ensuring brand visibility while reinforcing their commitment to performance excellence.

Muscle Nation will leverage various promotional opportunities at Storm home matches at AAMI Park, including activations, signage, and digital content shared through Storm’s official channels.

This strategic positioning aims to deepen connections with fans and enhance brand recognition within the sporting community.

As part of this partnership, Storm members and fans can look forward to leveraging exclusive offers from Muscle Nation, marking an exciting new chapter for both the club and the brand in their pursuit of excellence in the sports and fitness landscape.

ARLC Announces Appointment Of Perth Bears CEO

Posted on May 15, 2025May 15, 2025 by Courtney

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has announce the appointment of Anthony De Ceglie as the new CEO of the Perth Bears, a significant move in enhancing rugby league’s presence in Western Australia.

De Ceglie arrives with extensive credentials, having previously served as the director of news and current affairs at Seven West Media.

Commenting on the appointment, ARLC Chairman, Peter V’landys AM, said: “To succeed in Perth, you need a well-connected local who knows how to get things done and has a can-do attitude. Anthony is a brilliant operator with a proven track record and a genuine Western Australian, and I am excited about what he can do for us as we grow rugby league in the WA market.”

With a solid foundation in executive leadership and business innovation, he is well-equipped to steer the Bears as they prepare for their entry into the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2027.

Prior to his role at Seven West Media, he was the editor-in-chief of The West Australian, where he sharpened his skills and developed a robust understanding of the media landscape in the region.

De Ceglie is also no stranger to the NRL’s dynamics, particularly as a vocal critic of the previous West Australian bid.

Beyond managing The West Australian, De Ceglie launched the national digital initiative, The Nightly, and developed the sports streaming platform, Streamer.

His most recent position involved overseeing television news operations, where he managed an average of 16 hours of news programming daily, totaling over 6,000 hours of news last year.

Titans Announces New Home At Emerald Lakes

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Courtney

The Gold Coast Titans have taken a significant step towards their future, securing a new home site on Lakeside Drive at Carrara following a successful tender process confirmed by the City of Gold Coast.

This development marks a crucial milestone for the NRL club, which is eager to establish a lasting presence within the local community.

Titans CEO, Steve Mitchell, highlighted the importance of the Emerald Lakes Parklands site, which aligns with the club’s strategic vision outlined in their 2030 roadmap.

“The Titans represent the largest and fastest-growing sport in our region, and we have outgrown our current home at Parkwood,” Mitchell said.

“The Emerald Lakes Parklands site will not only serve our NRL and NRLW teams but will also accommodate our netball programs and industry-leading community initiatives aimed at improving the lives of local residents,” he said.

The City of Gold Coast envisions transforming the area into a hub for sports in the South Pacific, and the Titans believe this new facility will be pivotal in establishing the region as a high-performance destination, particularly in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic Games.

Mitchell pointed out the club’s unique position in offering a range of field and court sports, catering to male, female, junior, and inclusion programs.

The new facility is expected to reflect this diversity and further strengthen the club’s commitment to the community.

Play Well Brings NSOs Together To Enhance Sport Engagement

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Courtney

Last week,”Play Well,” Australia’s comprehensive strategy for enhancing sport participation, brought together national sporting organisations (NSOs) and national sporting organisations for people with disabilities (NSODs), where participants engaged in focused discussions on how to seamlessly integrate this strategy into their operational frameworks.

The conference featured six sessions, all inspired by the themes of Play Well, and were headed by a keynote address from former Australian cricketer Reanna Browne.

Commenting on the conference, executive general manager of Sport and Community Capability at the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), Richard McInnes, said: “Our participation leaders are essential to bringing Play Well to life and taking the strategy from paper to the playing fields.”

“After spending a couple of days learning and collaborating, you can feel the energy and enthusiasm the network has for action in this space.

“They understand that having more people involved in sport and physical activity benefits the entire community,” McInnes said.

CEO of Disability Sports Australia, a participant in the PLN Executive Coaching Program, Ayden Shaw, highlighted the increased awareness of the significance of sport participation generated by the conference and network.

“Thanks to the ASC and the work of so many in this space, participation is being recognised as being just as important and essential to the sport system as high performance,” Shaw said.

Her insights prompted leaders to contemplate actionable steps they could take to foster a brighter future for their organisations and the broader sporting community.

Attendees were also treated to valuable updates from the inaugural participants of the peer-to-peer PLN Executive Coaching Program, shedding light on ongoing Play Well projects designed to ensure inclusivity in sport and provide a place for everyone.

This emphasis on participation reflects a critical shift in the approach towards sport in Australia, where the collective aim remains to create an environment that is not only inclusive but also promotes a healthier, more active population.

PFL CONTINUES GLOBAL EXPANSION WITH LAUNCH OF PFL PACIFIC

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Courtney

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is broadening its international footprint with the establishment of PFL Pacific, its fourth global division, which will encompass Australia and New Zealand.

This initiative is bolstered by a strategic media partnership with Nine, which will facilitate extensive coverage across Stan Sport, 9Now, and the 9Network.

PFL Pacific aims to provide elite regional fighters with the opportunity to compete for substantial prize money using the league’s preferred “win and advance” tournament format.

Commenting on the expansion, Peter Murray, PFL CEO, said: “It has been a priority of ours to bring the Professional Fighters League to Australia and the Pacific region, delivering our world-class brand of MMA and the sport’s biggest stars to local fans.

“Through our landmark partnership with Stan, coupled with extended access via 9Now and the 9Network, we are crafting the most accessible MMA viewing experience Australia has ever encountered.

“With the launch of PFL Pacific, our objective is to foster enduring growth and to crown more Aussie champions than any other league within the next three years,” Murray said.

Stan’s Acting Managing Director, Dan Taylor, added: “Stan has enjoyed a fantastic partnership with the PFL since 2022, and we’re excited to take it to new heights with the launch of PFL Pacific.”

“This initiative underscores the PFL’s bold ambition and commitment to expanding MMA in our region.

“As Australia’s only locally owned streaming service, we are proud to contribute to this growth from the grassroots level.

“PFL Pacific provides the next generation of elite Australian fighters a clear avenue to exhibit their skills on a global stage, following in the footsteps of talents like Rob Wilkinson and Chelsea Hackett,” Taylor said.

This move highlights PFL’s dedication to advancing mixed martial arts (MMA) within the Oceania region and ensuring that fans have year-round access to high-calibre MMA events.

Under this significant partnership, Stan will serve as the exclusive platform for the entirety of PFL’s offerings in Australia.

Fans can expect all events to be streamed live and on-demand via Stan Sport, with select premium matches available through Stan Pay-Per-View.

Additionally, key PFL content will be accessible for free on 9Now and broadcast for free-to-air on the 9Network, featuring live matches, archival footage, highlights, and exclusive content.

The inaugural PFL Pacific Tournament is set to unfold across four live events in 2026, spotlighting top regional fighters in a single-elimination format.

IOC and International Federations strengthen joint efforts against competition manipulation

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Courtney

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been joined by International Federations (IFs) participating in the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026, the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026, and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 to attend a recent meeting aimed at reinforcing sports integrity initiatives.

This gathering follows the success of a prior workshop held in 2023, emphasising the IOC’s commitment to transparency and ethical conduct in sport.

Organised by the Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Unit PMC), the meeting revolved around the current advancements within the Unit’s three core strategic pillars: regulation and legislation, awareness-raising and capacity-building, and intelligence and investigations.

Commenting on the importance of awareness in tackling threats to integrity, secretary general of the Lithuanian Rowing Federation, athlete ambassador and three-time olympian, Saulius Ritter said: “Being aware of a threat is the first step to avoiding it. The next necessity is to have the knowledge and tools to fight it.”

“Peer-to-peer communication is very impactful… it’s great to see our global network of athlete ambassadors growing in the run-up to Milano Cortina 2026, the Youth Olympic Games next year in Dakar, and LA28,” Ritter said.

Head of the OM Unit PMC, Friedrich Martens, added: “Their turnout and engagement during this workshop demonstrates that we have the IFs on board… The more we combine our efforts, the more we will be successful in safeguarding sports integrity.”

With the imminent arrival of Milano Cortina 2026, secretary general of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF), Heike Grösswang, expressed the workshop’s value in refreshing knowledge and coordinating efforts with the IOC and other Winter IFs.

Discussions focused primarily on strategies for including National Federations (NFs) in sports integrity initiatives and enhancing the effectiveness of values-based education to counter unethical behaviour.

The engagement with key stakeholders has demonstrated significant successes in the fight against competition manipulation, with past initiatives yielding positive results.

At this recent meeting, participants contributed valuable insights aimed at fostering collaboration with NFs and had conversations around co-developing tools and campaigns in partnership with the IOC, designed to heighten awareness about the risks of competition manipulation among athletes, coaches, and referees as the events in Milano Cortina and Dakar approach.

The OM Unit PMC has also upgraded its ambassadors programme for the IOC’s Believe in Sport campaign, establishing two official groups of ambassadors: one comprised of those selected and managed by their respective NOCs or IFs, and another group appointed by the OM Unit PMC to bolster IOC-led activities.

Break-out sessions provided further opportunities for in-depth exploration of various topics, such as utilising IF communication channels for raising awareness, educating about existing regulations in engaging ways, and understanding the roles of athlete ambassadors.

Participants experienced the educational resources provided by the OM Unit PMC during major sporting events by visiting a replica of the educational booth aimed at preventing competition manipulation.

These meetings exemplify the IOC’s commitment to involving all stakeholders within the Olympic Movement in the ongoing effort to uphold the integrity of competitive sports.

Initiatives to prevent manipulation are spearheaded by the OM Unit PMC and supported by a recently allocated fund of USD$10 million (AUD$15 million) per Olympiad.