The candidate for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Juan Antonio Samaranch, has reiterated his commitment to give IOC members a greater say in the selection of future Olympic venues.

This week, during his visit to the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, Samaranch stressed the need for members to be actively involved in key decisions about the future of the Olympic movement.

MORE POWER FOR IOC MEMBERS

Speaking to Chinese media, the candidate emphasized that members must regain the ability to decide which cities host the Olympic Games. “Members have to regain the power to decide which cities host the Games. They must be able to participate in the design and discussion on major IOC policies, and that is best achieved with more participatory sessions.”

This message comes at a time when the seven contenders for the IOC presidency are stepping up their campaigns ahead of the vote to be held on March 20 in Costa Navarino, Greece.

PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE AGE LIMIT

Another of the key points of his campaign is the extension of the age limit for IOC members from 70 to 75. In an interview with Xinhua, Samaranch explained his position: “Today, being 70 is like being 60 25 years ago, when this rule was established”.

Samaranch argued that many members come to the IOC after years of rising through the ranks in international federations, national Olympic committees or the sports arena, reaching their membership in middle age. “By the time they reach their mid-60s, they are barely understanding how the IOC works. That’s a waste of talent we can’t afford,” he said.

MEETINGS WITH SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS

During his stay in Harbin, Samaranch held meetings with senior Chinese sports ministers and authorities, including the Minister of Sports and president of the Chinese Olympic Committee, Gao Zhidan. He also visited the famous Harbin Ice Festival with 2014 Olympic speed skating champion Zhang Hong.

Samaranch’s candidacy continues to gain momentum with proposals aimed at modernizing and making the IOC’s decision-making process more inclusive.