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The Role of the Olympic Movement in an Ever-Changing World
April 21, 2022 @ 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm PDT
$30.00 – $80.00
On April 21, 2022 the Whistler Institute brought together speakers from wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences to enable valuable and inspiring discussions about the potential global impact of the Olympics and Paralympics for generations to come.
The discussion amongst the first panel of leaders focused on the pivotal power of sport in the global path towards reconciliation, how the Olympic Movement has changed since the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the movement towards a more sustainable future, and how sport, from Grassroots to the Elite, can foster inclusivity and accessibility. The first panel set the stage for the second panel of Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Panel Two whose stories and continuing action demonstrated personal experiences with the life-changing impact of sport. Their discussion communicated the positive effects of sport on mental health, the environment, and creating inclusive opportunities for global citizens, regardless of background.
The videos of the event are FREE to view however donations support the Whistler Institute’s ability to provide open access to critical educational content: Donate here. The Whistler Institute is a registered Canadian charity, Charitable Tax Receipts are issued according to CRA guidelines.
Panel One: Chelsey Gotell, Chief Wilton Littlechild, Hannah Burns, Tricia Smith
Panel Two: Clara Hughes, Hamoon Derafshipour, Seth Westcott, Richard Peter
Interview with Seth Westcott
Panel One: Chelsey Gotell (International Paralympic Committee, Canadian Paralympian), Chief Wilton Littlechild (Cree chief, Lawyer), Hannah Burns (Associate Director, Olympic Games Promotion, International Olympic Committee), Tricia Smith (President of the Canadian Olympic Committee). Click here to learn about the panelists.
Panel Two: Clara Hughes (Dual Season Canadian Olympian), Hamoon Derafshipour (Tokyo 2020 IOC Refugee Olympic Team), Seth Westcott (USA Winter Olympian), Richard Peter (Canadian Paralympian). Click here to learn about the panelists.
The Role of the Olympic Movement in an Ever-Changing World will discuss changes the Olympics and Paralympics will continue to undertake in order to adapt to shifting global priorities. As guardian of the Olympic Games and leader of the Olympic Movement, the International Olympic Committee has made seismic reforms over the past eight years. The Olympic Movement is steered by thoughtful navigation of cultural, geopolitical, and economic opportunities and challenges. Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi will share insights on the successes of Olympic Agenda 2020 and Olympic Agenda 2020+5, and their implications for the future of sport. Following this introduction, Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) President Tricia Smith and Chelsey Gotell (International Paralympic Committee) will join Christophe Dubi along with a panel of Olympic Athletes (Clara Hughes, Hamoon Derafshipou, Richard Peter) in an energizing moderated conversation.
Presented on the heels of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, the event is sure to spark timely and pertinent conversation surrounding the future of the Olympic Movement. With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to influence significantly all aspects of international sporting events, the world will keep looking to the Olympic Movement to lead the reimagining the role of sport on a global scale.
Exclusive VIP Reception & Fire-side Chat
This exciting Global Perspectives Speaker Series event will be complemented by a ticketed post-event VIP reception and fire-side chat, where attendees will hear anecdotes by Richard Pound, one of Canada’s most-recognized figures in international sport. This two-time vice-president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Olympian will address attendees with stories from his breadth of experience with the Olympic Movement. Pound will be interviewed by two-time Olympic champion Catriona Le May Doan who most recently served as Team Canada’s chef de mission at the Winter Games Beijing 2022.
The VIP reception will take place upstairs in the newly renovated foyer of the Conference Centre. Ticket holders to this exclusive reception will enjoy a complementary drink and canapes before returning to the Rainbow Theatre for the intimate fire-side chat with Richard Pound and Catriona Le May Doan. A cash bar will be available for additional drink purchases during the reception. Please note that food and drink is not permitted in the Rainbow Theatre.
Event Details
Date & time: April 21 @ 6:30pm-8:00pm PST. VIP Reception & Fireside Chat: 8:00-10:00pm
Location: Rainbow Theatre, Whistler Conference Centre, 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V8E 1J2, Canada.
Need a place to stay in Whistler when attending this event? The Whistler Institute has partnered with Tourism Whistler to bring you great accommodation options, click here to find local accommodation.
Tickets (Online ticket sales will close at 4pm, remaining tickets will be sold at the door at 6pm)
Sponsors
Our thanks to the following sponsors who have committed to support this event:
Sponsorship opportunities exist for this excusive event with an engaged audience, view the sponsorship package here.
The Global Perspectives Speaker Series is designed to stimulate discussion and inspire action around major issues facing the world today and into the future. The Series features accomplished international thought leaders who have made a global impact through evolutionary and even revolutionary advancements in their fields.
The Whistler Institute partners with individuals and organizations to provide opportunities for learning and influencing change by encouraging innovation and creativity in learning; by thoughtful consideration of global issues; by connecting with leading subject matter experts; and by inspiring individuals and organizations to take initiative. The Whistler Institute is a registered charity that is funded through private donors, foundations, government grants and fees for service.
Media Contact: Suki Cheyne, Executive Director, Whistler Institute, Tel: 604-932-7600, Email: contact@whistlerinstitute.com