IOC President Kirsty Coventry Makes Historic Visit to NOC Belgium

Brussels, Belgium – International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry paid an official visit to the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (COIB) on Monday, 17 November.

During her official visit, President Coventry, who recently met His Majesty King Philippe at the Royal Palace, held discussions with NOC President Jean-Michel Saive and CEO Cédric Van Branteghem on the state and future of the Olympic movement in Belgium. Also present were Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees, and a delegation from the IOC, led by Director General Christophe De Kepper.

“I am very happy to have visited the COIB,” said President Coventry. “With Jean-Michel and Cédric, we are all Olympians, and I am very pleased to see that the Belgian Olympic movement places its trust in former athletes. I was particularly impressed by the presentation on Team Belgium’s Olympic Dream. I wish Team Belgium the best of luck at Milano-Cortina 2026.”

COIB President Jean-Michel Saive added: “Kirsty Coventry’s visit is exceptional in every respect and reflects the strength of the Olympic movement in Belgium. We are proud to continue promoting Olympic values on Belgian soil.”

COIB CEO Cédric Van Branteghem highlighted the visit’s motivational impact: “President Coventry is an inspiration for an entire generation of athletes, particularly for women. The Olympic values – respect, friendship, and excellence – are what we stand for, and we had the pleasure of discussing this with the IOC President.”

During her visit, President Coventry also met with COIB staff, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the people who drive Belgium’s Olympic movement.

Source: www.teambelgium.be