This Saturday important issues were discussed, including the aim to provide maximum value to the National Olympic Committees (NOCs). The meeting began with opening remarks from ANOC President Robin Mitchell, who provided an update on recent activities and thanked ANOC Vice President Spyros Capralos and the Hellenic Olympic Committee for their hosting role and the spectacular Olympic Flame ceremony held the previous day.

"Today's ANOC Executive Council meeting was very productive. Our members engaged in constructive discussions focused on how ANOC can best support the NOCs," said ANOC President Mitchell.

"ANOC exists to serve the NOCs and so the NOCs must always be at the heart of everything we do. As we have seen today, we have made very good progress in implementing our strategic plan and delivering projects that have received very positive feedback from the NOCs. We know there is much more we can do and we look forward to developing our Strategic Plan for the next four years," added Mitchell.

ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg outlined the extensive activities undertaken by ANOC since the last meeting in December, including numerous workshops and webinars for NOCs.

In addition, a report from the ANOC Events Commission in Athens provided interim results from the evaluation of the ANOC World Beach Games concept to increase flexibility and commercial attractiveness. It was agreed that the Commission would continue its study and report back to the next meeting.

A progress report on the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan was also presented, outlining achievements against each of the 12 goals under the four strategic pillars. The next will be developed in the second half of this year, following an assessment of areas requiring further work.

Regarding the break with tradition surrounding amateur athletes at the Olympic Games and Sebastian Coe's announcement of prizes for gold medalists in the 48 athletics events at Paris 2024, the Executive Board expressed its concern about World Athletics' decision to award cash prizes to Olympic gold medalists in Paris and all medalists in Los Angeles 2028.

Among other items on the agenda, the Executive Board received reports from each of the ANOC Commissions, including the Sustainability Commission. Unanimous approval was given for ANOC to become a signatory to the Sports for Nature Framework, committing to positive action for nature through four principles.

Reports were also received from each of the Continental Associations and an update was provided on the upcoming Cascais 2024 General Assembly, with preparations well underway. The composition of the ANOC Athletes' Commission was approved.