MADRID, November 25, 2024 – At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games last August, AIPS officially celebrated its centennial anniversary – a historic milestone that continues to be in the spotlight.

IOC PRESS COMMITTEE As the IOC Press Committee held its annual meeting in Milano, the host of the next Winter Olympic Games in 2026 last week, it revisited AIPS’ 100-year anniversary, highlighting the Association’s pivotal contributions through its role in the official press working group.

LUCIA MONTANARELLA Associate Director of Olympic Games Media Operations and Chair of the Committee meetings, Lucia Montanarella, looked back at the foregrounding role AIPS has played in shaping media operations over nearly six decades, since the Commission’s establishment in 1966 by then IOC President Avery Brundage, AIPS has consistently supported the IOC in developing and refining press operations.

AIPS IMPACT The enduring influence and presence of AIPS on the planning phases of the media operations of the Olympic Games was evident as its president joined representatives from major press agencies like AP, AFP, Reuters, UPI, and TASS – as well as members of the Olympic Games’ organizing committees. Together, they underscored the Association’s valuable contributions to planning and executing media operations at the Games.

STRONG PARTNERSHIP “AIPS emerged as a strong partner for the IOC Press Commission, contributing with its valuable expertise and with insights that enhanced the organisation of the press and photographers’ activities,” recalled Montanarella as she took the current members of the committee through the eyes of time of AIPS involvement on the then IOC Press Commission.

Montanarella also highlighted AIPS’ contributions to the organisation of the press activities, from ticketing allotments, seating distribution, and accreditation processes for the organizing committees (OCOGs).

HONOURING A LEGACY To honour this legacy, Montanarella presented a commemorative plaque to AIPS President Gianni Merlo, who has continued to diligently serve in the Committee during his tenure and has ensured the Association maintains its press oversight role with the IOC while fostering strong partnerships.

IOC PRESENCE AT AIPS EVENTS The IOC has always sent a representative to the AIPS congresses to present future Olympic Games media operations. Additionally, Committee presidents have actively engaged with sports media representatives, addressing pressing issues and ensuring seamless collaboration between the IOC and AIPS.