Olympic Summit Encourages International Sport Federations to Explore Esport Opportunities

The Olympic Summit has suggested International Sport Federations to consider how to govern electronic forms of their sport and explore opportunities with game publishers.

Presented as one of eight themes at the 8th Olympic Summit in the Swiss city of Lausanne, the Summit explored what it call “great potential” for cooperation and incorporating esports into the sports movement, with many sports simulations becoming more physical due to the advancement of virtual and augmented reality.

The Summit was presented with a report from the Chair of the esports and gaming liaison group, International Cycling Union President David Lappartient with recommendations to promote Olympic sports and the Olympic values in esports and gaming.

The Summit agreed on a two-speed approach with International Federations urged to explore esport opportunities, suggesting that the sports movement should just focus on players and gamers rather than specific games, as this focus on individuals would promote the participation in sport and its benefits.