The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, paid an official visit to the Slovak National Olympic Committee in Bratislava this week. During his stay, he was able to see the deep involvement of athletes in the leadership of the NOC and the National Sports Federations, as well as the organization’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Thomas Bach was welcomed by Danka Hrbeková, IOC member in Slovakia, and Anton Siekel, president of the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee. Of the 12 members of the NOC executive board, eight are Olympians, including five medalists and three Olympic champions. “In this and many other areas, NOC Slovakia is a role model,” Bach said.
The NOC also stands out for its SDG-aligned initiatives, such as the Olympic Values Activity Program, which in 2024 reached nearly 100,000 young people. This effort reflects the relationship between athletes and the Committee, based on the desire to give back to the Olympic Movement for the support received.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
During a meeting at the Olympic Museum in Bratislava, Thomas Bach received the “Golden Badge”, the NOC’s highest distinction, awarded by Anton Siekel and Honorary President František Chmelar. Jozef Liba, NOC Secretary General, highlighted the achievements of the IOC President: “Bach’s 12 years of leadership are associated with key reforms, the promotion of gender equality and the creation of the Olympic Refugee Team.”
SPORT AS A SOCIAL PHENOMENON
In his meeting with Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, Bach highlighted the excellent work of the NOC. The prime minister stressed that sport is “a social phenomenon” and a key investment in youth. Slovakia has recently created a Ministry of Tourism and Sport, reinforcing its commitment to sports development.
Bach also participated in the laying of the foundation stone for a new 5,000-seat multi-sports hall, jointly financed by the public and private sector. “The collaboration between the NOC, national federations, public authorities and the private sector is a shining example of how to strengthen the sports movement and contribute to society,” concluded the IOC President.
