Olympic Summit encourages international sporting bodies to explore esport opportunities

The Olympic Summit has urged International Sport Federations to consider how to govern electronic versions of their sport and explore future development opportunities with gaming publishers.
Presented as one of eight themes - the others being athlete support, the growing politicisation of sport, the Tokyo Olympics, the fight against doping, the 'Future of Global Sport' study, good governance and digital stratecy - at the eighth Olympic Summit in the Swiss city of Lausanne today - the Summit explored what it call "great potential" for cooperation and incorporating esports into the sports movement, with many sports simulations becoming more physical due to the advancement of virtual and augmented reality.
The Summit was presented with a report from the Chair of the esports and gaming liaison group, International Cycling Union President David Lappartient with recommendations to promote Olympic sports and the Olympic values in esports and gaming.
The Summit agreed on a two-speed approach with International Federations urged to explore esport opportunities, suggesting that the sports movement should just focus on players and gamers rather than specific games, as this focus on individuals would promote the participation in sport and its benefits.
It was agreed that a continuous dialogue between the Olympic Movement and the esports and gaming communities should be fostered to develop strategic partnerships.
esports continues to grow in popularity and has started to enter the Olympic Movement already, with UCI in particular establishing strong links with the online cycling and running videogame Zwift.
The Summit welcomed the findings of the 'Future of Global Sport' study presented by Francesco Ricci Bitti, President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF).
The report addresses the changing role of the International Federations (IFs) and the consequences of this with regard to their authority and governance. The report stresses that IFs are not just event organisers but must also ensure the long-term development of their sports by investing in youth, education, anti-doping and other social activities.
Image: SKT T1 esports, Korea
Related Articles
3rd December 2019 - Completed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Stadium handed over to Japan Sport Council
23rd November 2019 - Paris Mayor warns IOC of Airbnb ‘risks’ in advance of 2024 Olympics
4th October 2019 - Qatar Olympic Committee advances bid to host 2030 Asian Games
9th September 2019 - Fortress Esports announces plans to develop Southern Hemisphere’s largest esports venue in Melbourne
9th September 2019 - Australian delegation to present Queensland 2032 Games bid to the International Olympic Committee
20th August 2019 - Heat issues impact Tokyo Olympic test events
15th August 2019 - Gfinity Esports Australia to close
25th July 2019 - IOC ‘very satisfied’ with preparations for 2020 Tokyo Olympics
27th June 2019 - China esports market value to hit US$1.9 billion this year
31st May 2019 - New guide explores the future of esports venues
8th May 2019 - Olympic sport federations call for clarity on management of Tokyo Games
7th May 2019 - Governing bodies must add value to sport
20th November 2017 - Australia’s first high performance eSports venue opens at the SCG
3rd November 2017 - Intel to bring eSports to PyeongChang before Winter Olympic Games