QUEBEC CITY, CANADA — The Federation of International Lacrosse has
been accepted as the 106th member of SportAccord. This decision took
place at the annual General Assembly of SportAccord meeting on May
25th in Quebec City, Canada. President Stan Cockerton and Development
Director, Tom Hayes were in attendance and President Stan Cockerton
presented the acceptance speech on behalf of the Federation of
International Lacrosse.
SportAccord is the umbrella organization for all Olympic, non-Olympic,
and international sports federations. “Renamed SportAccord in 2009,
the former General Association of International Sports Federations
(GAISF)… the purpose of SportAccord is not to replace the IFs, ASOIF,
AIOWF or ARISF, nor to step on their respective autonomy and
authority; it is about uniting the world of sport. SportAccord fully
recognises the IOC and the Olympic Movement’s authority; it is and
will remain a loyal partner in the achievements of the Olympic
Movement objectives.”
The FIL sees its membership with SportAccord as an opportunity for
increased cooperation, access to services and promotion as well as
being the first step in the pathway toward Olympic recognition.
SportAccord President, Hein Verbruggen, warmly welcomed the FIL as its
newest federation and FIL President Cockerton responded to the
acceptance with an expression of gratitude for acceptance stating
“this is a very exciting day for FIL. We are honoured to become a
SportAccord member, and will continue to strive forward in our pursuit
of the Olympic dream”.
The Federation of International Lacrosse was established in August
2008 in a merger of the men’s and women’s lacrosse associations. FIL
is responsible for the Men’s World Championship, World Indoor
Championship, Women’s World Cup, and both the Men’s and Women’s U19
World Championships. These events take place once every four years.
For further information on both organizations, please contact