The 2016 Sporting Chance Principles on Mega-Sporting Events and Human Rights

IHRB, the U.S. Department of State, and Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs co-hosted the global “Sporting Chance Forum on Mega-Sporting Events and Human Rights” on 13th-14th October 2016 in Washington, D.C.

The Forum convened more than 130 senior officials, executives, and experts to highlight and devise effective strategies to address the human rights challenges associated with mega-sporting events at every stage of the event lifecycle, from planning through legacy. 

The Forum was introduced by Forum co-hosts US Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken, Swiss Deputy State Secretary Alexandre Fasel and Honorary Chair of the Forum Mary Robinson. The Forum's opening session was live streamed, featuring presentations from International Labor Organization Deputy Director-General Greg Vines, International Olympic Committee Executive Board Member Anita DeFrantz, Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive David Grevemberg, and UNI World Athletes President Donald Fehr. The keynote speech was given by Martina Navratilova, legendary Czech-American tennis champion, coach, and advocate for LGBTI and women’s rights. 

The Forum introduced the Sporting Chance Principles on Human Rights in Mega-Sporting Events*. These Principles – put forward by the Forum co-hosts – aim to underpin the common goal of ensuring that mega-sporting events showcasing the best in humanity are built on respect for human rights throughout their lifecycle. All stakeholders are invited to reference the Principles, and expressions of support or endorsement are welcome.

Read the 2016 Sporting Chance Principles here.

* NOTE: The Sporting Chance Principles were updated in 2018.