Southern Africa Unites for the Athletes Commission Exchange Program!
Athlete representatives from Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa gathered in Johannesburg from 21–23 September 2025 for the Southern Africa Athletes Commission Exchange Program, hosted by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).
The three-day regional initiative brought together over 40 athletes and commission representatives to exchange ideas, strengthen collaboration, and enhance athlete representation across the Zone VI region. The event provided a valuable platform for athletes to connect, learn from one another’s experiences, and discuss common challenges faced in their sporting journeys.
Building Knowledge and Leadership
The program featured a series of interactive sessions under the IOC Athlete365 Career+ and Induction Workshop, focusing on essential areas such as leadership development, financial literacy and planning, career transition strategies, and athlete advocacy.
Participants engaged in open dialogue on how to strengthen the role of Athletes Commissions within their National Olympic Committees, ensuring that athlete voices remain central to sports governance and policy decisions.
Empowering the Next Generation
Beyond the workshops, the exchange fostered a renewed sense of unity and purpose among participants. Athletes shared insights on balancing competitive careers with personal growth, while exploring opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their national and regional sports communities.
By the close of the program, each participant received a certificate of completion — a symbol of commitment to continuous learning and leadership within the Olympic Movement.
A Collective Step Forward
This initiative marks a significant milestone in building stronger Athletes Commissions across Southern Africa, reinforcing the region’s collective drive to empower athletes through education, leadership, and collaboration. The connections and ideas forged during the exchange are expected to inspire future joint programs and advocacy efforts across the Zone VI region.
The Southern Africa Athletes Commission Exchange stands as a testament to what can be achieved when athletes unite behind a shared purpose — building stronger voices, stronger leaders, and a stronger sporting future for the region.
