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Led by Sergey BUBKA (UKR), Olympic champion, six time pole vault World Champion and Chairman of the IOC Athletes' Commission, the Forum brought together almost 70 participants from 32 out of the 35 International Olympic Sports Federations and all five Continental Associations of National Olympic Committees (NOCs), who adopted a series of recommendations on the three themes.

Sailing was represented by International Tornado Association President, GRANDFIELD, who was appointed as ISAF's representative to the Forum. Former ISAF President, Peter TALLBERG (FIN), is also an honorary member of the Athletes' Commission and 1992 windsurfing Olympic champion, Barbara KENDALL (NZL), was accepted onto the Athletes' Commission by the IOC Executive Board back in April.

On the fundamental issue of reintegration after a sporting career, the participants agreed to remind every athlete that it is his or her personal responsibility to take the steps necessary to combine education and sport and prepare for life after sport. They also asked the IOC to urge the NOCs to fulfil their responsibilities towards athletes and provide career planning for them. This should include educational and/or employment placements (during and after their career). Everyone praised the signing of the agreement between the IOC and Adecco, which centres around a worldwide programme aimed at facilitating athletes' reintegration into the workplace. ISAF is also partnering with Adecco and a formal announcement on this relationship will be made in the coming months.

The Forum encouraged all NOCs and International Federations (IFs) to set up athletes' commissions so that athletes can influence the decision making process and ensure that messages on doping are disseminated and supported. On the issue of sanctions, it was recommended recognizing and putting in place strict sports related sanctions and/or penalties for athletes and also for doctors, coaches or sporting bodies found guilty of being involved with doping.

Debating the issue of positive and negative economic factors affecting athletes in sport, the participants recognized the need to harmonize sporting calendars. The athletes were also supportive of the modernization of their sport as long as the soul and nature of their sport is not altered.

Addressing this Forum, IOC President Jacques ROGGE (BEL) recalled the importance of the athletes' role in the Olympic Movement, and reiterated the IOC's full support for those who represent the Movement's first priority.

For a complete list of all the news about the ISAF Athletes' Commission and news related to the Athletes' Commission CLICK HERE.