AIPS inks new relationship with ICSS Save the Dream to protect sport
Paris, France; 4th March 2015:
With new stories of match-fixing, corruption and illegal betting continuing emerging around the world, the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and International Sports Press Association (AIPS) have joined forces to strengthen the fight to protect the values and integrity of sport.
As the representative body for sport journalists around the world, AIPS will work with the ICSS and its Save the Dream initiative across a range of activities and programmes to promote and exchange information and best practice in the field of sport Integrity and sport values.
Signed at the 78th AIPS Congress, which was attended by Massimiliano Montanari (ICSS Chief of Cabinet) and Pedro Velazquez (ICSS Director of Social Innovation and Empowerment), the partnership will see the ICSS and Save the Dream contribute to the AIPS Young Sports Reporter Programme at various major sport events around the world.
ICSS experts will also share content with AIPS members with the aim of developing a special handbook that will educate young journalists about the values and integrity of sport. In return, AIPS Young Sports Reporters will also contribute to the new Save the Dream digital video channel that will share positive stories about the values of sport.
Speaking at the 78th AIPS Congress, Gianni Merlo, AIPS President, said:
”Threats like match-fixing and illegal betting are cancers that destroy the very soul of sport. As journalists, corruption threatens the future of our profession and we must engage in the fight to protect sport.
”As we look to strengthen our ties in the fight for clean sport, I am pleased that AIPS has today joined forces with the ICSS – who are one of the world’s top sport safety, security and integrity experts.
”This new relationship between AIPS and the ICSS will also hopefully provide a clear, united and important signal to the outside world, as well as educating a new generation of young reporters to protect the values and integrity of sport.â€
Mohammed Hanzab, ICSS President said:
”Transparency is corruption’s greatest enemy and media plays a crucial role in shining a light on issues that affect sport’s credibility and integrity.
”On behalf of the ICSS, I would like to thank AIPS for this new partnership and look forward to supporting their fight for clean and fair sport.
”At the ICSS, we believe that education and training are important areas that will help safeguard sports future. Through this partnership, it is hoped that young journalists will develop a strong understanding of the many issues that sport now faces, as well as equip them with the tools to protect it for future generations
