Bangkok, Thailand, became a host of the ANOC General Assembly putting together the representatives of more than 200 NOCs and a number of Olympic Movement’s top administrators including IOC President Thomas Bach.

Sergey Bubka attended the gathering as an IOC Executive Board member and Ukraine NOC President. He took part in the key sessions of the Assembly where Mr Bach gave an update on the Olympic Agenda 2020 for the ANOC Executive Council. The Agenda which is scrutinized and discussed for over a year already will determine the future of the Olympic Movement if adopted as planned at the IOC Session in early December 2014 in Monaco.
 

Sergey Bubka commented the news on the Olympic Agenda 2020 in Bangkok saying, ‘ANOC General Assembly has become a milestone on our way towards the December IOC Session which will give shape to the future of the Olympic sport. Numerous issues are discussed including the bidding process, the size and the programme of the Games, the launch of the Olympic TV Channel. But the general direction is the most important matter.

I tried my best in one of the working groups using my experience and knowledge as an athlete and sports administrator because I’m happy IOC takes the proactive position in deciding the future of the Movement. I fully support President Bach who said that while the situation is optimistic now we have to take efforts to manage the process. We have to be decision makers not observers. I would also like to praise ANOC who demonstrated the support to the Olympic Agenda. The unity and understanding within the Movement is key important’.

Sergey Bubka also congratulated Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah and Patrick Hickey on their re-election and ANOC President and Vice President. Bubka who is also an IAAF Vice President said, ‘ANOC has done a lot of good job in the past years to make the Movement closer to the public. The Association initiates new projects and supports the continental associations thus promoting the sport as a home affair for every athlete and every fan’.

Bubka also praised the Gala Awards Dinner where the achievements of NOCs, teams and athletes were recognized on the global stage. ‘It’s amazing that the first global Olympic award was initiated. I know how important it is to honour the athletes from my own experience as Ukraine NOC carries through the national Olympic award ceremony for 9 years.  It gives extraordinary publicity to sport which is very important. Besides I’ve got a chance to meet dozens of friends here!’

Bubka added, ‘I’m especially proud that my famous countrywoman Larisa Latynina, a winner of 9 Olympic gold medals in gymnastics, was awarded for her Outstanding Performance. Happy also that my own sport of athletics was praised by the award for 800 m world record holder David Rudisha as 2012 Olympics’ Best Athlete’.