Historical archive

Nordic ministers for sport urge good governance in international sports federations

Historical archive

Published under: Solberg's Government

Publisher: Ministry of Culture

Corruption, mismanagement, doping and manipulation of sports competitions under the auspices of international sports federations undermine the core values of sport and threaten its integrity. In a joint statement presented in Lillehammer today, the Nordic ministers for sport expressed their expectation that international sports federations will take steps to strengthen democratic structures and control mechanisms and restore public confidence.

The Nordic ministers gathered in Sjogg Park during the Youth Olympic Games. From the right: Illugi Gunnarsson (Iceland), Gabriel Wikström (Sweden), Linda Hofstad Helleland (Norway), Bertel Haarder (Denmark), Director Harri Syväsalmi (Finland) and State Secretary Bård Folke Fredriksen (Norway).
The Nordic ministers gathered in Sjogg Park during the Youth Olympic Games. From the right: Illugi Gunnarsson (Iceland), Gabriel Wikström (Sweden), Linda Hofstad Helleland (Norway), Bertel Haarder (Denmark), Director Harri Syväsalmi (Finland) and State Secretary Bård Folke Fredriksen (Norway). Credit: Elisabeth Fjørtoft/KUD

The Nordic statement on good governance in sport (.pdf)

- The Olympic Agenda 2020 is an important step towards reforming international sport. We appreciate this important initiative, and we expect the Olympic Movement to follow up with concrete action, says the joint Nordic statement presented today by the four ministers Bertel Haarder (Denmark), Illugi Gunnarsson (Iceland), Gabriel Wikström (Sweden) and Linda Hofstad Helleland (Norway). Finland was represented by Director Harri Syväsalmi from the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture.

- The Youth Olympic Games offer a unique opportunity to focus on the positive values which underpin competitive sports. This event is based on extensive voluntary involvement, positive sporting values and modest traditions. I hope that these Games will provide important inspiration for future international sporting events, says Minister of Culture Linda Hofstad Helleland.