Ian Chesterman’s Post

I attended the final Session of the Canadian Olympic Committee, before the #Paris2024 Olympics and Paralympics. We covered a great deal of ground: a new strategic plan; implications of the recent federal budget; the coming "Future of Sport in Canada Commission". The Paris Games will focus public attention on high performance sport. This increases the opportunity for the Olympic movement to make the case for sport as a public good, worthy of public support. It also heightens the urgency for sport institutions to put their houses in order, in protecting athlete rights, fostering greater inclusion, and improving governance. https://olympic.ca/ 🍁🏅

This article is way overdue. Than you COC and CPC for it. Canada has a strong sporting heritage domestically and internationally. For years it has been a country that has been admired for the depth of talent it has produced. But the sport system is on its knees. There is a present (not looming) financial crisis from which there will be, and have been, corners cut, shortcuts, and unacceptable operational risks taken by those that work in sport. This is a recipe for unsafe practices and a leading indicator for serious incidents and accidents. If this government cannot see that, and is willing to put lives and livelihoods at risk, then we desperately need a change in government and a wholesale change to the sport funding and operating model. The sport system is literally at breaking point. But the system also has to hold the’mirror’ up and have a fundamental overhaul. There’s far too many organizations, administrators and overhead. 61 NSOs, and however many MSOs and PSOs to serve how many athletes? That’s far too many silos, waste, and bureaucracy. The system is archaic. The model needs to change for the future of sport. Under the current structure operators are having to do far more with far far less. The waste has been taken out of the NSOs as they are currently structured, yet the delivery expectations remain. Canada needs your help. The athletes of today and tomorrow need your help. Now is the time to lobby the government to, not only, increase funding to the 2024 index linked levels, but also and in parallel, conduct a restructure of the system, reducing the silos, reducing administrative overhead, bringing in automation and getting rid of the old set up. When I ask for the plan moving forward, there’s silence. Sport Canada doesn’t have a plan nor do the administrators. But it’s not for the administrators to come up with the plan. Sport Canada needs to devise the plan quickly, for not doing so is tantamount to a neglect of duty. Let’s see if this government or the next has the fortitude to lead the changes that are necessary to make the system sustainable for the future. If they don’t, and as president of one NSO, (in my own views) I fear for the safety of those in the sport system and for the legacy of sport in Canada. #safesport #canada #sportcanada David Shoemaker

This article delves into the correlation between national sporting success and societal development. National success in sports often reflects a country's broader strengths. Countries excelling in sports infrastructure and coaching typically demonstrate strong healthcare and education systems. Wealth, democracy, education, and athletic prowess often intertwine, showcasing a holistic societal approach. In affluent nations, sports participation is widespread, with a select few achieving Olympic glory. #olympics

As the Olympic Games comes to a close, we can now all have the opportunity to reflect on the messages delivered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at this year’s Paris Olympics. Recently, the IOC declared the Paris 2024 Olympic Games would be a celebration of inclusion and diversity aiming to reflect the values of fairness, equality, and respect for all athletes, regardless of nationality or political status. It is unfortunate, however, that these words are diametrically opposed to the harsh reality that the IOC persist in refusing to recognise Gibraltar’s eligibility to participate in the Olympic Games by virtue of our status as a British Overseas Territory. Presently, the only opportunity for our athletes to participate in the Olympic Games is to form part of Team GB. Gibraltar is British, and we are proud of our British identity. However, the fact is that other British Overseas Territories have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Games under their own flag. Why should the position be any different for our talented local athletes? In my article in today’s Chronicle, I discuss why it is now time for Gibraltar’s athletes to compete under our own flag at the Olympic Games, just as other British Overseas Territories like Bermuda and the Cayman Islands already do. Despite our small size, Gibraltar continues to punch above its weight in international sports, and our athletes deserve the recognition and opportunity to perform on the world’s biggest stage under the flag of Gibraltar 🇬🇮 The founder of the law firm where I work, the late, great Mr Triay was a passionate advocate for Gibraltar’s call for recognition under the IOC. In his interview with GBC in 2016, Mr Triay accurately summarises how Gibraltar’s previous attempts at recognition were thwarted by improper political influence https://lnkd.in/dsn--waY It is now time to spark the conversation we need to bring Gibraltar’s athletes, both current and future, the independent Olympic representation they’ve earned 🇬🇮

Strategic move

The Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) has begun discussions in respect of facilitating a grand exercise, the creation of its Strategic Plan. There is much that has been happening around the Caribbean in respect of sport and its impact on successive generations of our people, but we are yet to determine how best to utilise sport to cultivate as a vehicle for national and regional development.   Independence came after the abysmal failure of the West Indian Federation. The region fell prey to the long, sustained, and debilitating legacy of colonisation by several European countries with one common objective, the expansion of their respective economies, regardless of the cost of lives and the long-term consequences for the region. One by one, the colonisers cultivated a culture of systemic exploitation of peoples, using an array of strategies to sustain their impact.   Sport has been used by our peoples to transform the way we are perceived, from a weak, blighted grouping of transported generations to an immensely talented Caribbean region. But we have somehow failed to allow our sporting talent and all-too-sporadic achievements to mould us closer together, ever mindful of the experiences that brought us together, and fashion for ourselves, on our own terms, what we can and want to be. Read More https://lnkd.in/e73bEkde

The Reading of the Day “Athlete and State: Qualifying for the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece” by Nigel B. Crowther (1996) Since their inception in Ancient Greece, the Olympic Games have been closely tied to the concept of "national prestige." Nations aiming to enhance their international reputation often seek out talented athletes from other countries, offering better financial incentives and training conditions. In the modern era, sponsorship is essential not only from governments but also from corporate brands to cover the extensive costs associated with high-quality athletic preparation. These sponsors are interested not only in athletic skills and talent but also in leveraging the market potential for promoting their brands. In contrast to today's commercialized environment, athletic facilities in Ancient Greece were freely provided to citizens and others. The Olympic Games were historically open to all social classes, and victors often emerged from diverse backgrounds (Young, 1985). This inclusivity suggests that there must have been significant financial support, either from the state or private benefactors. The dominance in sports at the Olympic Games is inherently political. Nations with substantial political, economic, and cultural influence often support their athletes to achieve excellence, viewing these competitions as a means of asserting national prestige. It is, in essence, a contest of image and power. In his book Life on the Run, Bill Bradley writes that athletes' self-definition “comes from external sources, not from within.”

This is a recurring problem athletes have to deal with all over the continent. While more popular group sports like football with humongous budgets may have some semblance of government support (depending on the country), individual performers like Simbine who require less are often left on their own till sometimes the eleventh hour when they get some 'incentive money' thrown at them to perform miracles...if they get lucky. It's a lonely frustrating path for many athletes on the African continent...Sadly, that is how we lose out on many more potential stars and talents on the world stage or on the other hand keep performing for years at top level. A more sustainable funding system is badly needed to save the continent's hopefuls.

Curious about the financial hurdles behind Olympic dreams? This video sheds light on the staggering costs athletes face and the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level. 🏅💰 #Olympics #AthleteFinance

This is beyond disturbing and embarrassing. There is no place for dishonesty and manipulation. Cheating in sports fundamentally undermines the core principles and values that make sports meaningful and respected. Cheating in sports is antithetical to the essence of sportsmanship. It undermines trust, devalues true effort, talent and meritocracy. This highlights a bigger problem in our world - the lack of accountability that we hold leaders to which sends a message to the world on what we tolerate as a society. We need bolder stances to drive moral and ethical standards in sports and in business. Canada should have had their opportunity to play at the Olympics taken away. If you feel the need to cheat, then you don't deserve to play. It is a privilege to even play on a world stage such as this. Curious to know your thoughts on this one, drop comments below. #sports #meritocracy #olympics #accountability #leadership https://lnkd.in/g67_kQWi