ISU Congress 2024
Table of Contents:
ISU Congress 2024: President Jae Youl Kim Unveils Ambitious Vision 2030 Plan to Transform Ice-Skating Sports
The 59th ISU Congress began with a strong focus on shaping the future of ice-skating sports through the ISU Vision 2030 strategic plan. ISU President Jae Youl Kim, in his keynote address, outlined the transformative initiatives aimed at improving, innovating, and engaging with the ice-skating community. The Congress, held in Las Vegas, saw 250 delegates from 65 countries vote in favor of the 2024-2026 budget, underscoring their commitment to Vision 2030.
Key Highlights from President Kim's Speech
Vision 2030 Objectives: Kim emphasized the need to embrace change, aiming to enhance the sport's capabilities to better serve athletes, members, and fans. The plan is built on five priority areas: Growth, Opportunity, Innovation, Safeguarding, and Unity.
Growth & Innovation:
Event Formats: Introduction of the ISU Short Track World Tour to create dynamic and immersive spectator experiences.
Branding & Broadcasting: Upgrades to branding and broadcasting to attract new audiences and improve fan and sponsorship packages.
Digital Ecosystem: Development of a unified digital ecosystem to enhance fan engagement.
Revenue Diversification: Establishment of a wealth management working group to explore alternative investment strategies.
Safeguarding, Development & Unity:
Athlete Well-being: Implementation of measures aligned with the ISU Safeguarding policy to protect athletes’ physical and mental health.
Sustainability: Adoption of sustainable practices in event management and facility operations.
Inclusiveness: Expansion of development programs to improve accessibility.
Governance: Streamlining governance through constitutional reforms and rules simplification.
Kirsty Burrows’ Speech - ISU Congress in Las Vegas, United States, USA. © ISU
Special Guest Speakers on Safeguarding
Kirsty Burrows, Head of the IOC Safe Sport Unit, praised the ISU for prioritizing safeguarding and mental health in Vision 2030.
During the 59th ISU Congress, Kirsty Burrows, the Head of the IOC Safe Sport Unit, delivered impactful opening remarks highlighting the critical importance of safeguarding in sports. She praised the ISU for its commitment to the well-being of athletes, as emphasized in their Vision 2030 strategic plan.
In her speech, Burrows expressed her gratitude to the ISU for prioritizing safeguarding, mental health, and athlete well-being. She stated, “I would like to thank the ISU not only for inviting me here to speak on such important topics, but also for centralizing safeguarding, mental health and well-being of athletes in your Vision 2030. I really commend this excellent effort from the ISU.”
Burrows' role at the IOC involves overseeing initiatives that ensure the safety and well-being of athletes across all sports. Her work focuses on developing policies and programs aimed at preventing harassment, abuse, and other forms of maltreatment in sport, while also promoting mental health awareness and support.
Her commendation of the ISU's efforts reflects the alignment of the ISU Vision 2030 with broader IOC objectives. By integrating safeguarding and mental health into its core strategy, the ISU demonstrates a proactive approach to creating a safer, healthier environment for its athletes. Burrows' acknowledgment serves to reinforce the significance of these initiatives and encourages continued dedication to athlete protection and support across all levels of the sport.
Key Points from Kirsty Burrows’ Speech:
Recognition of ISU's Efforts: Burrows highlighted the ISU's dedication to safeguarding and mental health, praising their integration into Vision 2030.
Importance of Safeguarding: She stressed the critical nature of safeguarding in sports, emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to protect athletes.
Alignment with IOC Objectives: Burrows' remarks underscored the synergy between the ISU's strategic goals and the broader mission of the IOC to ensure safe and fair sporting environments.
Encouragement for Continued Efforts: By acknowledging the ISU's progress, Burrows motivated further advancements in safeguarding practices and mental health support within the ice-skating community.
Burrows' participation and endorsement significantly underscore the importance of the ISU's initiatives and highlight the organization's commitment to leading the way in athlete welfare and protection.
Gracie Gold’s Interview - ISU Congress in Las Vegas, United States, USA. © ISU
Gracie Gold, Olympic bronze medalist, shared her experiences with mental health struggles in sports, advocating for greater support for young athletes.
In a compelling keynote stage interview at the 59th ISU Congress, moderated by U.S. Figure Skating senior communications advisor Barbara Reichert, Gracie Gold shared her personal experiences with the immense pressures and mental health struggles she faced as an elite figure skater. Her transparency shed light on the often-overlooked aspect of mental health in sports, highlighting the critical need for better support systems for young athletes.
Gold, a two-time U.S. champion and Olympic bronze medalist, recently published her memoir, “OutofShapeWorthlessLoser,” which has become a New York Times bestseller. In her interview, she emphasized the parity of mental health and physical health, stating, "Mental health is as important as physical health and should be taken just as seriously. For the younger generation, being educated about mental health and how it could manifest, particularly the effects after you leave a sport, can be a very big thing.”
Key Points from Gracie Gold’s Interview:
Personal Struggles: Gold openly discussed the significant mental health challenges she faced during her career, providing a personal perspective on the pressures of elite sports.
Importance of Mental Health: She stressed that mental health should be treated with the same seriousness as physical health, underscoring the need for comprehensive mental health education and resources for athletes.
Support for Young Athletes: Gold highlighted the necessity of better support mechanisms for young athletes, particularly in helping them understand and manage mental health issues that may arise during and after their sports careers.
Awareness and Education: By sharing her story, Gold aims to raise awareness about mental health in sports and encourage the development of programs that educate athletes on the importance of mental well-being.
Gracie Gold's insights align with the ISU Vision 2030 strategic plan, which prioritizes safeguarding and mental health. Her testimony underscores the significance of the ISU's commitment to implementing protective and supportive measures that promote athletes' physical and mental well-being.
Gracie Gold's powerful narrative at the ISU Congress serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for mental health awareness and support in sports. Her advocacy contributes to the broader objectives of the ISU Vision 2030, reinforcing the importance of creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all athletes.
ISU President Jae Youl Kim hoding a speech at the ISU Congress in Las Vegas, United States, USA. © ISU
Additional Initiatives at the 59th ISU Congress
The 59th ISU Congress, held in Las Vegas, not only marked the beginning of a transformative era for ice-skating sports with the unveiling of the ISU Vision 2030 strategic plan but also introduced several additional initiatives aimed at further modernizing and enhancing the sport. These initiatives reflect the Congress's commitment to comprehensive development, safeguarding, and innovation across all ice-skating disciplines.
Key Additional Initiatives
1. Increase in Member Contributions: The ISU proposed and the Congress approved a 20% increase in annual Member contributions. This increase is specifically designed to assist Members in developing and implementing athlete safeguarding initiatives in their respective countries. This financial boost will help ensure that safeguarding measures are effectively integrated at all levels of the sport.
2. Enhanced Development Programs:
Accessibility and Inclusiveness: The ISU plans to expand its development programs to ensure greater accessibility and inclusiveness in ice-skating sports. This involves creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and regions to participate and excel in the sport.
Youth Engagement: The ISU will invest in youth engagement initiatives to foster the next generation of ice skaters. This includes grassroots programs, talent identification, and development schemes aimed at nurturing young talent.
3. Sustainability Practices:
Event Management: The ISU is committed to adopting more extensive sustainable practices in event management. This includes reducing the carbon footprint of events, implementing recycling programs, and promoting environmentally friendly operations.
Facility Operations: Sustainable practices will also be integrated into facility operations, ensuring that ice rinks and training centers adhere to high environmental standards.
4. Digital Engagement and Innovation:
Unified Digital Ecosystem: The development of a new unified digital ecosystem will offer a tailored user experience, focusing on fan engagement. This platform aims to provide fans with enhanced access to content, interactive features, and real-time updates.
Fan and Sponsorship Packages: Upgrading branding and broadcasting approaches will create more appealing fan and sponsorship packages, enhancing the overall spectator experience and attracting new audiences.
5. Governance and Constitutional Reform:
Streamlining Governance: The ISU aims to improve and streamline governance through constitutional reform and simplification of rules. This initiative is designed to make the organization more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of its Members and stakeholders.
Member Engagement: Increased engagement with Members, athletes, and fans through dedicated digital channels will build deeper connections and ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
6. Wealth Management Working Group: To ensure financial stability and growth, the ISU has established a wealth management working group. This group will craft alternative investment strategies to diversify revenue streams and secure the financial future of the organization.
Conclusion
The additional initiatives introduced at the 59th ISU Congress highlight the organization's comprehensive approach to modernizing and enhancing ice-skating sports. From increased Member contributions for safeguarding to the development of a unified digital ecosystem, these initiatives are designed to support the long-term growth, sustainability, and inclusiveness of the sport. The Congress's decisions reflect a unified commitment to creating a safer, more innovative, and engaging future for ice-skating athletes, fans, and stakeholders worldwide.
ISU VISION 2030 - ISU Congress in Las Vegas, United States, USA. © ISU
Looking Ahead
The Congress will continue with discussions and workshops over the next three days, aiming to further drive the evolution of ice-skating disciplines in alignment with Vision 2030. This collective effort marks a significant step towards a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable future for ice-skating sports.
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Links:
ISU Communication 2629: Congress Agenda and Proposals
ISU Communication 2637: Urgent Matters