| Member's News | No.43 January 2005 |
International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Charles Camenzuli, Malta |
In 2004 the Association Internationale de la Presse Sportive (AIPS) celebrates its 80th year of existence. Throughout these years, while the ideals transmitted by founder Frantz Reichel remained the same, the ever-growing media development has contributed to give a different dimension to the world sport media governing body. AIPS has ever since kept pace with the development of sport media and the Olympic Movement alike. AIPS does not only embraces the registered AIPS Card Holders coming from 143 affiliated countries but all professional sport media. The revised Statutes state the principal objectives including autonomy and independence as well as : ‘ to develop the sports spirit and solidarity among sports journalists throughout the world and to spread the ideals of fair-play in sports …….’ With the constant support of the International Olympic Committee and leading international sports federation during the last decade AIPS went through various projects and services to the benefit of the international sport media both at specialization level as well as at regional and continental level. The AIPS developed its Seminars Programme set-up with the co-operation of its continental sections: U J S A : Union des Journalistes Sportifs Africans - Africa F E P E D A : Federacion de Periodistas Deportivos de America – America A S P U : Asian Sports Press Union – Asia U E P S : Union Europeenne de La Presse Sportive With the part of the funds allocated various Seminars and Media Development Courses and Lectures are organized in these continents, most of which at national level with the full co-operation of the relative National Olympic Com-mittees. AIPS Specialist Commissions Definitely, one of the most important sectors in the AIPS set-up are the Spe-cialist Commissions. These Commissions functioning in conformity with separate Bye-Laws in the AIPS set up are formed by journalists who spe-cialize in that particular sport discipline. The work of these commissions is done in full co-operation with the respective international sports federations. Evaluation of the media working conditions is assessed by these Commissions which are elected either at the Olympic Games or during world championships. Todate, AIPS Specialist Commissions cater for the following disciplines :
Archery Athletics Badminton Baseball Basketball Boxing Fencing Field Hockey Figure Skating Football Handball | Ice Hockey Judo Modern Pentathlon Nordic Skiing & Biathlon Photography Shooting Speed Skating Swimming Table Tennis Volleyball Weightlifting | Wrestling Sport for Disabled Fair Play
AIPS presence during Olympic Games Since 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, AIPS has been regularly present both at the Winter and Summer Olympic Games by operating its Media Office from the Main Press Centre. The AIPS Media Office works in full co-operation both with the venue management of the particular event as well as with the IOC Media Office. A direct contact of the AIPS with affiliated members, national associations, national Olympic Committees and International Federations is kept periodically through AIPS News – a 24 page publication which is published every 3 months and which covers also the forthcoming activities both of the International Olympic Committee and leading international Federations. The information technology development gave way also to AIPS to have its own official web-site with links with the IOC site, Olympic Games and bidding cities sites, as well as international sports federations and organizing committees. As above stated, the strength of an international association is set on sound management and reciprocal support from affiliated members. AIPS is proud to have in its fold 143 member countries. However these flag bearers cannot transmit the ideals if they are not aware of the strength the media has in the world of sport. AIPS Card – sport media recognition : The passport to these ideals is the ‘media card’. As every accreditation entitles and leads bearer to that or any particular happening, the AIPS Card is the means of recognition. Literally an AIPS Card holder is the individual flag bearer of perhaps one of most interesting professions. It is not a mere card to put along and with which you expect a preferential access. It is a ‘profession card’ and as stated on the reverse to it ‘ Officials are asked to give the card-folder every assistance’. A phrase, which is not demanding, but self-explanatory. And as the new format depicts the official logos of the affiliated continental sections, Africa, the Federacion de Periodistas Deportivos – America, Asian Sports Press Union – Asia and the Union Europeenne de la Presse Sportive – Europe, international recognition of the AIPS Card is guaranteed. However what is the role of each and national association in order to strengthen the card. Not just a matter of validity but a matter of self-discipline. There has to be uniformity in order to safeguard the sport media profession. One way to create this uniformity is to see the idea of having the Card as an access to national and international commitments, recognition from international bodies, reciprocal support with entities for holders and above all respect to those and by those while expressing their duties. Bear in mind that the Association Internationale de la Presse Sportive is not a trade union or a political factor. These aspects are within the fold of each national association. AIPS is the leading body to see that the strength of ‘ the CARD’ will increase. The recent past has put many questions to this factor. Many have been tackled. Result to this any card holder not only benefits of the usual member holder facilities but can proudly say ‘ I am an AIPS member ‘. And while celebrating a glorious anniversary, while the world of sport recently celebrated the XXVIII Olympiad in Athens, the Greek capital was the meeting point of the past with the future in a display of unique heritage parallel to its contemporary existence the words of Socrates delivered in the 4th century B.C : ‘ Value what you have but seek for more ‘ – reflect what really are and must be the principles of those who have sport media at heart. Charles Camenzuli AIPS General Secretary camnzuli@vol.net.mt http://www.icsspe.org/portal/bulletin-january2005.htm International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Charles Camenzuli, Malta