It is set to signal a close working agreement between the two organisations, including the establishment of a Beach Games.

The signing between Sheik Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, President of the ANOC, and Marius Vizer, head of SportAccord, took place immediately after the Welcome Ceremony of the International Federations Forum.

The partnership aims at connecting International Sports Federations and National Olympic Committees, also in partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in order to develop a global sports movement which respects the Olympic Charter and the ideals of the governing bodies, they claimed. 

SportAccord, the umbrella organisation for both Olympic and non-Olympic international sports federations, and ANOC, which represents 205 National Olympic Committees around the world, will closely collaborate and coordinate actions on a series of initiatives.

Vizer, who is also President of the International Judo Federation, had told insidethegames last month that SportAccord and ANOC had already started working on launching a Beach Games in 2015 to be held in either Brazil, United Arab Emirates or United States.

Sheikh Ahmad and Marius Vizer sign the partnership agreement in Lausanne which strengthens ties between the Association of National Olympic Committees and SportAccord

"The partnership between ANOC and SportAccord creates a strong alliance between the two organisations and will result in mutual benefits," said Vizer.

"The goal for us is to positively influence and support people around the world who are passionate and engaged in sport."

Both Vizer and Sheikh Ahmad had been among the 17 top officials invited by new IOC President Thomas Bach to a special summit in Lausanne yesterday. 

The two, who are close allies, are seen as rising stars within the Olympic Movement.

"This partnership is to the benefit of the entire Olympic Movement," said Sheikh Ahmad.

"It will increase the cooperation between the National Olympic Committees and International Sport Federations and as a result, will benefit all athletes inside and outside the Olympic Games Programme.

"This cooperation is in close partnership with the IOC and respects the principles of the Olympic Movement and the Olympic Charter."

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