The Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), an IOC-recognized organization, held its 2025 General Assembly and Council elections on Monday at the Maison du Sport International in Lausanne. The gathering brought together international federations, sport administrators and global partners to define the organization’s strategy and elect its new leadership for the 2025–2029 term.
The meeting was marked by AIMS’ emphasis on integrity, inclusion and solidarity within the Olympic Movement. The opening featured addresses by President Stephan Fox and IOC President Kirsty Coventry, followed by discussions on governance, athlete welfare, anti-doping cooperation and the recognition of traditional and indigenous sports within the global sporting ecosystem.
“We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with the IOC”
The newly elected Council in Lausanne was composed as follows:
-
President: Stephan Fox (GER), International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA)
-
1st Vice-President: Panagiotis Theodoropoulos (GRE), Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF)
-
2nd Vice-President: Julie Gabriel (GBR), Fédération Internationale de Savate (FISav)
-
Secretary General: Sabine Shanahan (GER), World Darts Federation (WDF)
-
Treasurer: Wilko Vriesman (NED), International Aikido Federation (IAF)
-
Director: Helen Lundberg (SWE), International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS)
-
Director: Robert Keller (USA), International Powerlifting Federation (IPF)
-
Director: Seong-kon Choi (KOR), International Soft Tennis Federation (ISTF)
-
Director: Leif Meitilberg (DEN), World Minigolf Federation (WMF)
-
Director: Claudio Schermi (ITA), International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF)
In his remarks, Stephan Fox stated: “Today’s General Assembly reflects the unity and shared mission of the AIMS family. Guided by the principles of good governance and inclusion, we will continue to strengthen our collaboration with the IOC and with our partners worldwide, ensuring that sport remains a global force for development, respect and opportunity.”
Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, newly elected as 1st Vice-President, added: “This election reaffirmed the trust and solidarity among our members. While some colleagues were not elected, we remain united as one team — one AIMS. Our collective responsibility is to serve all federations, support athletes, and uphold the values of fairness, equality and peace through sport.”
Anti-doping and traditional sports on the agenda
The Assembly also featured updates on cooperation with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Testing Agency (ITA), along with reports on the AIMS Good Governance Programme and proposals to strengthen the role of traditional and indigenous sports on the international stage.
The Council elected for the 2025–2029 term will guide AIMS’ strategic roadmap, with a focus on collaboration among federations, athlete welfare and sustainable sport development across all continents.
