SAMBO Voice at the Table: FIAS Takes Part in the 2025 International Athletes’ Forum

The International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) was represented at the 12th International Athletes’ Forum (IAF), held in Lausanne, Switzerland, from June 6 to 8. Sydney Sy, Chair of the FIAS Athletes’ Commission, joined over 400 athlete delegates from around the world to participate in one of the most important platforms for athlete engagement within the Olympic Movement.

Organized by the IOC Athletes’ Commission, the Forum brought together representatives from 200 National Olympic Committees, 54 International Federations (IFs), the International Paralympic Committee, World Anti-Doping Agency, and other major sport organizations. The gathering served as a venue to exchange ideas, address challenges, and explore ways to enhance athlete welfare and representation across all levels of sport.

The inclusion of FIAS among the participants reflects the growing presence of SAMBO in the international sports community and its commitment to advancing the interests of athletes worldwide. “Being at the IAF allows us to share SAMBO’s perspective and ensure that our athletes’ voices are heard within the global dialogue on sport development,” said Sydney Sy.

Throughout the Forum, delegates discussed a range of important topics, including athlete mental health, safeguarding, anti-doping, and career transitions. Among the new initiatives presented were regional safeguarding hubs, updates to the Athlete365 platform, and details of Olympic Solidarity’s $650 million investment plan for athlete support between 2025 and 2028.

Sydney Sy took part in breakout sessions and discussions on strengthening athlete commissions within international federations and national governing bodies. “To truly represent athletes, we need structures that connect from the grassroots to the global stage,” she noted. “Establishing athlete commissions in every national federation and sports discipline ensures that we build a united, empowered community with a shared voice.”

The Forum also introduced a new guide for implementing the Athletes' Rights and Responsibilities Declaration – an important step toward embedding athlete-centered principles in sports governance.

IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry joined the final day of the Forum to engage directly with the participants. Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and former Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, brought her unique perspective to the conversations, reinforcing the importance of athlete leadership in shaping the future of sport.

Held biennially, the International Athletes’ Forum remains a key platform for amplifying athlete voices and influencing strategic direction under the Olympic Agenda 2020+5. FIAS’s involvement demonstrates its continued dedication to ensuring that SAMBO athletes are part of this global movement – connected, supported, and heard.