Ollie Dudfield, associate director of the Olympism365 department at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was Egypt’s guest this week, suggesting that the country has the potential to hold an Olympic Games, reports Inas Mazhar.

Dudfield attended the 12th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) which took place in Egypt from 4-8 November and visited the headquarters of the Egyptian Olympic Committee (EOC). 

“Being in Egypt and at the headquarters of the EOC is a fascinating experience. The Egyptian Olympic Museum offers a unique perspective on the history of the Olympic Games and their impact around the world, particularly in Egypt. What I particularly enjoyed was seeing how the sport has evolved over time, from simple handwriting to modern technologies like video tapes and CDs. The way Egypt has been part of this development, while developing its own Olympic legacy, is truly impressive,” Dudfield said.

He noted the importance of technology in sports, especially in the IOC’s current initiatives, particularly the Olympism365 programme.

“Technology is at the heart of the evolution of sport, not only for athletes, but also for spectators and communities. Olympism365 uses technology to promote accessible and sustainable sport practice throughout the year. This is an IOC initiative to encourage young people to adopt an active lifestyle and integrate sport into their daily lives. Through digital applications, online platforms and partnerships with technology companies, we facilitate access to sport, especially in areas where it is less practiced, and we create a global network that supports inclusiveness and personal development,” Dudfield said.

Olympism365 is the IOC’s strategy to strengthen the role of sport as an important enabler for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

After touring Cairo and Egypt’s sports facilities, Dudfield said he believed Egypt is capable of hosting an Olympic Games in the future. “Egypt has indeed made remarkable progress, with significant investments in sports infrastructure in recent years. Modern stadiums, training complexes and world-class facilities are major assets for the country. From an infrastructural point of view, Egypt now has the necessary elements to consider bidding for the Olympic Games. Of course, this involves IOC-wide discussions and decisions, but I am convinced that Egypt has a lot to offer in terms of potential to host such a prestigious event,” he added.

Dudfield also unveiled the IOC’s essential criteria for a city and its country to be ready to host the Olympic Games. “In addition to infrastructure, several factors are essential. First of all, a stable political and social environment is crucial to guaranteeing the safety of athletes, spectators and volunteers. Next, there needs to be a clear vision for long-term development, particularly in terms of an Olympic legacy. The Games must benefit local communities well after their conclusion, in terms of sustainable infrastructure and social programmes. It is also important that the host city has the capacity to mobilise resources and effectively organise an event of this scale. Finally, popular support is essential, because the Games must be supported by the enthusiasm of citizens and the local population.”

Dudfield also underlined the major objectives of the IOC for the coming years in terms of the development of sport on a global scale.

“Our main objective remains to encourage the practice of sport for everyone, everywhere. Through programmes like Olympism365, we want to reach millions of people, particularly young people, and offer them the means to practice sport on a regular basis. We also place particular emphasis on reducing inequalities, ensuring that sport is accessible to everyone, regardless of their gender, origin or social situation. Finally, we want to use the Olympic Games as a driving force to promote the values ​​of sustainability, inclusiveness and peace. Sport can play a decisive role in building a better future for our societies.”

* A version of this article appears in print in the 14 November, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly