European Athletics President Svein Arne Hansen opened the Member Federation Leaders Forum by addressing all 51 delegations present in Funchal for the European Athletics Convention 2016.
In his speech entitled ‘Delivering Change’ he looked back on the actions of the organisation since his election in April 2015 where had promised to ‘Lead Change’.
“With the advice, the effort and teamwork of many good people who, like yourselves, truly care about our sport, we have started down the path of change and renewal.
“I want to emphasise how important this is for athletics and our future,” said President Hansen.
[PHOTO src='1280050' size='mediumLandscape' align='right']
He thanked the Dutch Athletics Federation for the successful staging of the Amsterdam 2016 European Athletics Championships.
“We saw that staging our major event in the same calendar year as the Olympic Games was possible and brings value to athletes and fans.
“From the organisational point of view we can be happy that the LOC is reporting a surplus of income over expenditure.”
Hansen, who spent most of the year travelling across Europe to meet with federation leaders, insisted that 2016 was “a turning point for athletics”.
“I have been struck by the moral purpose and sense optimism within our sport. I hear the message from you that we cannot allow ourselves to be defined by the failings and mistakes of a few, even if they are important and powerful people.”
He concluded his speech by acknowledging that there have been serious challenges but that the organisation is determined to accomplish his ambitious agenda.
“We have made real progress to deliver change. And there is much more to come.”
Joining Hansen on stage for a panel discussion were Hajo Seppelt, a German investigative journalist specialising on doping cases, and Alex McLin, a former chief executive of the International Equestrian Federation and executive director of the Swiss Arbitration Association.
McLin was also a leading member of the Working Group on Governance Structure Reform set up by IAAF President Sebastian Coe.
Very instructive panel discussion with investigative journalist Hajo Seppelt & Governance Structure Reform member Alex McLin pic.twitter.com/ctpNd9igrN
— European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) October 15, 2016
The discussions focused on anti-doping and good governance measures with questions from the audience contributing to the debates.
As well as the opening session of the Member Federations Leaders Forum, the second day of the European Athletics Convention featured a calendar conference and networking session, and European Union funding opportunity workshop.
The Convention concludes on Saturday with the second and third sessions of the Member Federations Leaders Forum and the Golden Tracks awards evening, where the continent's top male and female Athletes of the Year and Rising Stars will be crowned.
To catch-up with all today's ongoings at the Convention, visit the Convention Live Blog presented by Inside the Games.