The IOC membership has unanimously approved all 40 changes set out in the IOC's strategic road map known as Agenda 2020 and New Zealands Barry Maister says the changes are good for New Zealand athletes.
Following the ratification of the proposals, the door is now open to a more flexible Olympic bid process, a new events based Olympic programme and a 24 hour, 365 day a year Olympic Channel.
Maister, an IOC member since 2010, says the changes mean that Olympic Games will remain relevant, credible and sustainable and will continue to be the pinnacle event our athletes deserve, inspiring billions around the world.
He also said New Zealand should be ready to make the most of opportunities presented by the likelihood of new sports at Olympic Games.
There will now be a regular review of the sports programme, said Maister, speaking today from Monaco where the historic vote took place. Collectively we need to be ready for new sports. Climbing, mixed gender triathlon, 3 x 3 basketball events could all be considered in the future. We should be mindful and well positioned to make the most of these opportunities.
The programme cant sit still and there was unanimous support from the International Federation representatives in Monaco.
There will now be a possible 310 events at an Olympic Games instead of the current 28 sports. These events are still to be delivered within the current limit of 10,500 athletes. There were 302 events at the London Olympic Games.
"The games are not getting bigger, the games are remaining relevant, said Maister.
Maister added that the ratification of the proposals paved the way for a renewed focus on athletes and the athlete experience. The athletes will remain at the heart of the Olympic Movement, he said.
The promotion of clean athletes was among the recommendations as were agenda items on good governance, transparency and the legacy and sustainability of the Olympic Games.
Steps were approved to add an additional anti-discrimination clause to the charter, now also encompassing sexual orientation. Education also received a big push with a commitment to get more children around the world playing sport.
Maister was joined in Monaco by fellow New Zealand IOC Member Barbara Kendall.
ENDS
Media enquiries - Ashley Abbott 021 552 021/ashley@olympic.org.nz