AIS continues to strengthen ties with French Sport and Business partners ahead of Paris 2024 and Brisbane 2032

22 June 2023

AIS European Training Centre Lead, Fiona de Jong presented at Business France’s RIGES International Meeting of Major Sports Events in Paris, an event which brings together key players in the sports sector to exchange on business opportunities.

Fiona de Jong at the RIGES event

Ms de Jong participated in a panel discussion on the intersection of trade and sport and outlined the key role of Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy in the lead up to the Brisbane games.

With a background in both the Australian sport and trade sector, Ms de Jong spoke about opportunities the next decade of sporting events in Australia presents for French businesses. Particularly those companies that have helped Paris deliver on its home Games, in growth sectors such as sports technology, sustainability, and major infrastructure.

“While different host cities have different problems to solve, there’s an efficiency that comes with organisations familiar with hosting major sporting events. The sporting strategies, programs, and facilities we deliver now have the capacity to shape Australia’s long-term prosperity, well beyond sporting boundaries. A thriving Australian sport system will help build the nation and drive community, health, and economic outcomes,” said Ms de Jong.

While in Paris Ms de Jong met with French counterpart, the National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance (INSEP) and toured some venues that will be used next year as part of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The relationship with INSEP is invaluable and as both nations prepare to host a home games there is a heightened opportunity to collaborate on shared learnings and challenges,” said Ms de Jong.

Ms de Jong’s visit comes just a few months after INSEP representatives were hosted at the AIS site in Canberra.