LAUSANNE, May 18, 2023 - IOC President Thomas Bach, on the occasion of the 85th AIPS Congress in Seoul, South Korea, shared words of respect and evaluation for AIPS work, underlining the importance of its cooperation with the International Olympic Committee one year ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris, alongside the centenary of the International Sports Press Association.

“Dear President of the AIPS, Mr. Gianni Merlo. Dear AIPS members. In this pre-Olympic year, your Congress has a special significance. Just like athletes, all of you, the world sports journalists, are preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
What is more, Paris 2024 marks the centenary of the International Sports Press Association. This close connection between journalism and Olympic sports has been present since the foundation of our organization. IOC founder, Mr. Pierre de Coubertin, was a journalist himself, another proof of the great connection between us.
The world of journalism and the world of sports have undergone dramatic changes, since 1924. One thing that has always remained the same is the importance of journalism in promoting sports and the Olympic Games.
I would like to thank all of you for the important role that you have in promoting the values of sports and of the Olympic Games worldwide. I would like to encourage you to be guided and inspired by our new Olympic motto: “Faster, higher, stronger. Together”. I, therefore, wish you a good work. See you in Paris!”.