Ursula Papandrea launches IWF Presidency 'Courage to Change' manifesto and pledges greater IOC collaboration

Ursula Papandrea has launched her International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Presidency manifesto on a ‘Courage to Change’ platform with a vision to protect and strengthen weightlifting’s Olympic status through clean, modern and progressive governance.

Ms Papandrea, who served as IWF Acting President from April to October 2020 before being removed by its Executive Board as she sought to invoke wide-ranging reforms, is determined to restore the sport to core status within the Olympic Programme.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed concerns over the IWF’s governance and Ms Papandrea’s removal and she has vowed to ensure greater collaboration with the Olympic Movement if she is elected.

Ms Papandrea said: "The Olympic Games are the pinnacle for weightlifters around the world, with thousands of athletes taking part in qualifying competitions ahead of the Games themselves.

"We are now at a stage where future generations may no longer be able to take part in the greatest sporting event on earth unless all those complicit with corruption at the IWF are no longer given the opportunity to taint our sport through self-interest and an abuse of power and influence.

"Make no mistake, weightlifting’s Olympic future is very much at stake and without it, weightlifting’s prosperity, popularity and growth are under threat.

"My mission has always been to create a better organisation to serve our membership and to work for a fair and clean sport."

Ms Papandrea’s manifesto is based on five pillars:

• Integrity and Clean Sport

• Good Governance and Transparency

• Member Empowerment

• Sport Development

• Revenue Development

Ms Papandrea added: "My vision involves a dramatic transformation of the IWF and I want weightlifting’s governing body to be considered world-class, an example to others with regard to governance, transparency and ethics.

"We also need to support our athletes and provide greater grassroots assistance to inspire the next generation, we must ensure the protection of clean sport and we need to grow our revenue streams so we are held as a symbol of best practice after decades as one of the pariahs of global sport."

The election for a new IWF President will take place in late March 2021.

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