The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the pinnacle of sport events, requiring meticulous coordination among numerous stakeholders. One of the key responsibilities of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is to ensure that Olympic competitions are conducted fairly and according to established rules. The IOC has the final say on the programme of competitions and the daily schedule of events. It collaborates with International Federations (IFs), which are responsible for directing and controlling their respective sports during the Games, establishing the final results of competitions, managing incidents, and ensuring compliance with rules and regulations. Additionally, the IOC oversees anti-doping measures to maintain the integrity of the competitions and ensure that all athletes compete on an equal footing. It also plays a crucial role in coordinating and monitoring the preparations for the Games. The IOC President sets up a coordination commission, composed of representatives from the IOC, International Federations (IFs), NOCs, and athletes. This commission’s mission is to oversee the progress of preparations, conduct on-site inspections, and provide regular reports on the state of progress (Olympic Charter, Rule 37).
In this series of articles, we will explore how this coordination works, who does what, and hear from AISTS MAS alumni who are on the ground.
The roles of the main stakeholders during the Olympic Games
The Olympic Charter: it is the foundational document of the Olympic Movement
It defines what Olympism is, and its fundamental principles. More importantly for our discussion here, it defines the main stakeholders of the Olympic Movement and their most important roles.
As per article 1.2 of the Olympic Charter, the 3 main constituents of the Olympic Movement are:
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC), defined as the supreme authority and leader of the Olympic Movement, whose goal is to contribute to building a better world by educating youth through sport (based on OC, Art. 1.1). Art. 15 futher specifies the IOC is a recognized international non-governmental organization – legally an association under Swiss law. . The missions of the IOC (OC, Art. 2) are numerous, one of which is “to ensure the regular celebration of the Olympic Games.” (OC, Art. 2.3).
- The National Olympic Committees (NOCs) whose overarching mission is “to develop, promote and protect the Olympic Movement in their respective countries, in accordance with the Olympic Charter”. (OC, Art 27.1). Specific to the delivery of the Games, “the NOCs have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games (…). (…) each NOC is obliged to participate in the Games of the Olympiad by sending athletes” (OC, Art 27.3). They “have the right to send competitors, team officials and other team personnel to the Olympic Games (…)”. (OC, Art 27.7.2)
- The International Federations (IFs). As part of the Olympic Movement, IFs have many missions and roles (OC, Art. 26.1) starting with the “establishment and enforcement of, in accordance with the Olympic spirit, the rules concerning the practice of their respective sports and to ensure their applications” (OC, Art. 26.1.1). When it comes to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the IFs “assume the responsibility for the control and direction of their sport at the Olympic Games” (Oc, Art 26.1.5)
The Olympic Movement then encompasses many other players, including the Organising Committees of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (OCOGs), the national associations, clubs and persons belonging to the IFs and NOCs, such as the athletes, judges and referees, coaches, sports officials and technicians, and other organisations recognised by the IOC.
Lastly, the successful delivery of the Games would not be possible without a much broader range of key stakeholders in this ecosystem, starting with broadcasters, TOP and OCOG sponsors, concractors and providers, public authorities…
Contractual Framework
Once the host is elected, the IOC concludes a contract with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the host country and the host authorities (city / cities, region(s)…). This agreement, known as the Olympic host contract, sets the basis for the set-up of the organizing committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (OCOG), who is in charge of delivering the Games. Additionnally, it details the specific responsibilities regarding the organization, financing, and staging of the Games (Olympic Charter, Art. 33) and establishes the foundation for collaboration between the IOC, the NOC, and the OCOG, ensuring that all parties work together to guarantee the success of the Games. Worth noting, these contracts are public and can be accessed here.
Focus on the role of the IOC
Coordination and Monitoring
The IOC also plays a crucial role in coordinating and monitoring the preparations for the Games. The IOC President sets up a coordination commission, composed of representatives from the IOC, International Federations (IFs), NOCs, and athletes. This commission’s mission is to oversee the progress of preparations, conduct on-site inspections, and provide regular reports on the state of progress (Olympic Charter, Rule 37).
It can also establish specialized working groups to address specific aspects of the Games’ organization. The IOC’s coordination commission works closely with the OCOG to ensure that all necessary infrastructures, such as competition venues, Olympic villages, and support facilities, are built to the highest standards. This collaboration ensures that all logistical and technical aspects of the Games are taken into account, providing the best possible conditions for athletes and spectators.
Hearing it from the ground
Let’s hear from Suzanne Brodeur, who graduated AISTS in 2009 and is now working as Head of Planning and Integration at the IOC.
Suzanne Brodeur – IOC – AISTS MAS 2009 Alumna
The Paris Games will be my seventh Olympic Games since I completed the AISTS in 2009. The people I met in the AISTS programme and the diversity of experiences and ideas we shared during our year together, gave me a perspective that changed my professional career path.
Can you describe your current role at the IOC, its implications for Paris 2024?
“My current role at the IOC is Head of Planning & Integration – Olympic Games Department. I support organising committees throughout their lifecycle to develop strategies, build efficient plans and ensure readiness in order to bring their vision of the Games to life. In Paris specifically, I am working within the Game Delivery Office which acts as the IOC direct liaison with the Main Operations Center in Paris 2024. We report any issues coming from the stakeholders, and support the OCOG in issue resolution and mitigation planning throughout the duration of the Games.
Given the multitude of actors, stakeholders, clients, delivery partners and fans, each having a role to play in the Games, every situation requires well tested governance structures to be able to communicate and coordinate together in a timely way.
The key challenge is ensuring that everyone is informed with the most accurate information to make decisions in an efficient and effective way. Given the multitude of actors, stakeholders, clients, delivery partners and fans, each having a role to play in the Games, every situation requires well tested governance structures to be able to communicate and coordinate together in a timely way.”
Challenges and Issues
Organizing the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games presents several challenges and issues for the IOC. Among the main challenges is the need to ensure the sustainability of infrastructures and events. The IOC and the Paris 2024 OCOG work together to ensure that the facilities built for the Games can be reused or adapted for future use, minimizing environmental impact (Olympic Charter, Rule 34).
Security is another major challenge. The IOC collaborates closely with local and international authorities to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators. This includes implementing robust security measures, managing risks, and coordinating with law enforcement and security services.
Everyone has a role to play
In conclusion, the role of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), acting as a leader, ensures alignment accross all stakeholders to maximize the success of any given edition of the Games. From selecting the host city to supervising competitions and promoting Olympic values, the IOC oversees all aspects of the event. Through close coordination with the OCOG, IFs, and NOCs, the IOC ensures that the Paris 2024 Games is a resounding success, celebrating not only sporting excellence but also the universal values of Olympism.
The Games couldn’t exist without the full commitment of each stakeholders acting as a pillar and being a part of the Olympic Movement. You can’t organize the Games alone, and the Games Makers carry on.
