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The UNESCO headquarters, a magnificent “three-pointed star” nestled at the heart of Paris, opened its doors to sports journalists from all around the world today (August 6) on the occasion of the AIPS Centennial Celebration. In addition to paying homage to the rich history of the International Sports Press Association, which was founded here in Paris in July 1924, this special event also honoured the dedication of journalists who have covered 10 or more summer and winter Olympic Games.
100 YEARS Celebrating 100 years of existence is no small feat and this famous edifice, which has also stood the test of time, proved to be the ideal venue for this significant, once-in-a-lifetime gathering, which took place on the sidelines of the Paris 2024 Olympics – a similar scenario that witnessed the birth of AIPS in 1924 at a time when sports journalism was just gaining momentum.
No one would have thought it would take another 100 years for Paris to host the Games for a third time and provide such a symbolic moment to reinforce this shared history, as highlighted by the event’s host Marc Maury, a former French decathlete and rugby player.
SPORTS LEGENDS Dignitaries in attendance included the French Minister for Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, Gabriela Ramos as well as 16 sports legends, including Laureus World Sports Academy Members: Antonio Rossi, Edwin Moses, Donna de Varona, Sean Fitzpatrick, Nawal El Moutawakel, Sebastian Coe, Nadia Comaneci, Kipchoge Keino, Daley Thompson, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Tegla Loroupe, Chris Hoy, Wu Jingyu, Ana Fidelia Quirot, Sergey Bubka and Nicol David.
“NESSUN DORMA” Evocative images of AIPS history accompanied by the anthem of the AIPS Centennial, “Nessun Dorma” of Puccini’s Turandot - probably one of the most popular arias of all times, set the tone for the event. This opening also paid tribute to the great Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, who died 100 years ago in November.
IN THE BOXING RING In another emblematic moment, the AIPS President Gianni Merlo, who has covered 26 Olympic Games, entered a “boxing ring” created on the UNESCO stage by Kataklo athletic dance theatre, with the iconic boxing ring photo of the AIPS founders serving as a backdrop.
“This photo sends us a message: that we must continue to fight fo our independence, especially in this era of artificial intelligence, which does not ask our permission before using our work… Sports journalism is culture and it always creates new bridges in difficult situations. We have to fight match fixing and other ills threatening the values of sports,” Merlo urged, before inviting the members of the current AIPS Executive Committee to the stage.
VITAL ROLE In her welcome speech, Gabriela Ramos said: “Congratulations for the work you do because how would we know these stories of performance, of efforts, of human experiences without you? How would we know what is behind the scenes, the extreme situations that sports people confront in many places? What would we do without your eyes, your ears and your pen… the role you play in covering sporting events is vital for millions of enthusiasts around the world.
“Your work transcends the Games themselves capturing the spirit, triumphs stories that inspire us all, convey values and promote respect.”
GRAND NARRATIVES The Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra added: “What would sports be without your words, without your images, without your voices, what would the feats of the greatest champions, the little stories behind the grand narratives and inspiring life journeys that sports hold sacred without those who capture them and transform them into the timeless.”
She then highlighted the immense contribution of France in the creation of AIPS through Frantz Reichel, the 1900 Olympic champion who would become the first President of AIPS. The President of the French Sports Press Association (UJSF) Vincent Duluc also echoed this in his speech.
JOURNALISTS ON THE PODIUM The high point of the event was the recognition of journalists who have covered 10 or more Olympic Games. Each of them received a set of AIPS pins, a copy of François Carrard’s “By The Way” and other gifts from the world and Olympic champions present. Giuliano Bevilacqua led the way with 29 appearances, followed by Hugo Steinegger with 28, while Laci Perenyi and Christine Brennan shared the bronze. Some of these sports journalists were once athletes themselves, just like Reichel and Victor Boin, the second AIPS President, who was the first athlete to take the Olympic Oath. The champions did not leave the stage empty handed as they received a painting of themselves by Cesare Giardini, an artist from Vigevano, Italy, from some AIPS EC members and national association presidents. The awarded journalists also had Airweave cushions waiting for them in their seats.
AIPS SPORT MEDIA AWARDS Jura Ozmec, AIPS Secretary General, spoke about the AIPS Sport Media Awards, which is in its 7th edition and has been hugely successful.
AIPS YOUNG REPORTERS PROGRAMME While AIPS vice-presidents Zsuzsa Csisztu and Evelyn Watta, spoke about the evolution of the AIPS Young Reporters Programme and announced the upcoming programmes which will take place at the Saudi Games 2024 and The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. The two mascots for the 12th edition of the World Games, giant panda and a golden snub-nosed monkey, were unveiled during the ceremony. The Games will run in from August 7 to August 17, next year, with 24 young reporters participating.
KATAKLO The ceremony was punctuated by the four-part choreography of Kataklo Athletic Dance Theater, which conveyed the history of the Olympic Games and AIPS and also looked ahead to Milano Cortina 2026.
100 OLYMPIC STORIES The AIPS President shared the idea behind the AIPS Centennial project: 100 Olympic Stories told by 100 Young Reporters from 100 Nations in 100 Seconds. Visit www.aips100.com to find out more. A total of 131 enthusiastic young reporters, all continents represented, took part in this cultural and educational initiative showcasing the iconic athletes and moments that have shaped the Olympic history of their respective countries.
NEXT AIPS CONGRESS IN MOROCCO As the event came to a close, the AIPS President announced that the next AIPS Congress will take place in Morocco.
AIPS CHAMPIONS OF THE CENTURY The winners of the AIPS Champions of the Century poll were also announced. Tennis legend Serena Williams won in the women's category and boxing icon Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) in the men's category. More than 900 journalists participated in the poll. Free Event, an Italian-based production, communication and event planning company, played a significant role in the realisation of the AIPS Centennial Ceremony.
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