In 2014, the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) became the very first Global Impact Partner of Special Olympics.
Inclusion Through Sports and Media
The long-term strategic partnership is set to leverage the power of sports and media to build awareness and promote inclusion throughout all corners of the world.
Founded in 1924 during the Olympic Games in Paris, AIPS was built with the belief of enhancing the cooperation between its member associations in defending sport and professional interests and strengthening the friendship and solidarity between sports journalists of all countries.
Headquartered in the Olympic Capital of Lausanne, Switzerland, the association continues to strive for these same goals today.
Representing International Sports Media
AIPS is the peak body that represents the international sports media, with a total of 161 member National Sports Journalist Associations(NSJA's) from across the four Continental Sections of Africa, America, Asia and Europe.
Boasting almost 10,000 individual members, the association works closely with the leading international and continental federations to provide optimum working conditions for all professional sports media.
The Future of Sports and Journalism
AIPS is also dedicated to the future of sports and journalism through its Young Reporters Programme, through which aspiring journalists from all over the world are given the unique opportunity to cover a major sporting event and receive training in print, photography, and online reporting.
Through its vast network of contacts, members and Young Reporters, AIPS aims to increase the profile of Special Olympics and its humanitarian mission to promote respect and acceptance for all those with intellectual disabilities.
“Special Olympics is a story that we will be proud to tell. Inclusion and acceptance are values that all AIPS journalists stand for and we are honoured to play a leading role as Global Impact Partner,” said AIPS President Gianni Merlo.