LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Sebastien Griesmar, CEO of the Lausanne Olympic Capital Foundation, said Tuesday that the city of Lausanne and the canton of Vaud would continue to provide good governance and dynamic services to the International Federations (IFs) based in the area.
"I'm there for two and a half years. Our main objective is to make sure that all the IFs are happy here, and connect them with other IFs, companies and academics to build a strong system," Griesmar said during the IF Forum at the Olympic Museum here.
The Lausanne Olympic Capital Foundation is composed of representatives from both the canton of Vaud and the city of Lausanne to assist sports organizations and stakeholders based in the region. About 60 international sports federations and over 100 sport-related companies have set their headquarters here.
"Our role is to be the glue and the seal of the contacts. We make sure that the whole hub is more dynamic," he added.
Griesmar acknowledged that Swiss cities such as Lausanne and Geneva, where the United Nations is located, are facing challenges amid a more complicated international environment.
"Geneva is under serious pressure. They have UN agencies. Most of them are looking to send jobs away. In sports, some organizations are also on certain pressure. But the rest of them are not leaked to the geopolitical pressure. So I think sport is more stable and resilient. But it doesn't mean that's easy.
For us, that's why the commission always says to create new services and to be very supportive. What you have here is granted, and it can only be improved. I think in last two years we really created strong links within IOC (International Olympic Committee), the federations and the academics," the CEO said.
The local governments have provided financial support to the IOC and IFs for years, including lower rents and a no-tax policy.
"We have more to offer financially. The federations are like embassies. They come as missions for years for specific service. Some federations also open hubs for the rest of the world. We want the governance to stay here," Griesmar said. ■
