FIL Leadership Meets IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry at WOF Convene in Lausanne

Lausanne (FIL/June 11, 2025) On the occasion of the Winter Olympic Federations Convene for General Assembly (WOF) in Lausanne, FIL President Einars Fogelis and General Secretary Dwight Bell had the honor of meeting IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry on June 10, 2025 — marking a significant moment as the Olympic Movement prepares for a historic leadership transition.

On 23 June 2025, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will celebrate a milestone as President Thomas Bach officially passes the presidency to Kirsty Coventry during a ceremonial handover at Olympic House in Lausanne. Coventry, elected during the 144th IOC Session in March 2025, will become the 10th President of the IOC — and the first woman to lead the organization.

President Bach, who was elected at the 125th IOC Session in 2013, concludes a 12-year tenure marked by transformation and steadfast leadership. In recognition of his service, he was named IOC Honorary President for life in March 2025.

The Winter Olympic Federations (WOF) have gathered in Lausanne for their General Assembly on Tuesday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The two-day summit brings together leading figures from the international winter sports community to address strategic developments, Olympic Games planning, and the future of winter sport.

Chaired by WOF President Ivo Ferriani, the meeting unites representatives from all eight Olympic Winter Federations—including FIL, FIS, IBSF, IBU, IIHF, ISU, WCF, and invited guests from ISMF—as well as Organising Committees from upcoming Olympic Winter Games, including Milano-Cortina 2026, French Alps 2030, and Salt Lake 2034. Representatives from the IOC, WADA, ITA, and CAS are also participating in this high-level forum.

The Assembly opened with formalities including the approval of the agenda and minutes, followed by President Ferriani's address and a keynote speech from IOC President Thomas Bach. President-Elect Kirsty Coventry also delivered her vision for the future of Olympic sport.

Key agenda items include:

• WOF President’s Report – Covering collaboration with the IOC Executive Board and ongoing commission work in areas such as sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and athlete welfare.
• Financial Oversight – Review of the 2024 financial statements, the 2025 budget update, and funding plans for 2026.
• Olympic Games Coordination – Progress reports from the OCOGs of Milan-Cortina 2026, French Alps 2030, and Salt Lake 2034.
• Stakeholder Updates – Presentations from WADA, ITA, CAS, and IOC departments on anti-doping, arbitration, quota processes, revenue sharing, and service delivery for future Games.
• AIOWF Elections – Including the appointment of a new representative to the Safeguarding Group.
• Requests by Members – Discussions around IPC and Paralympic cooperation and the quota system for 2030.

The General Assembly continues through Wednesday with final reports and planning sessions. The next WOF meeting is scheduled during the IF Forum in October 2025.

During the WOF meeting, FIL President Fogelis expressed his gratitude and optimism for the future: “WOF is a strong connection, and we thank President Bach for his steadfast support of the Olympic family and the sport of luge. We look forward to a successful cooperation with newly elected President Kirsty Coventry as we continue to promote excellence, inclusion, and innovation within the Olympic Movement.”

The FIL reaffirms its commitment to Olympic values and collaboration with the IOC as it enters a new era — united by the shared vision of a dynamic and forward-looking sports community.