Latest news with #Zimbabwe
RNZ News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
New IOC president Kirsty Coventry promises collaboration ahead of assuming role
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President elect Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe poses during the 3rd IOC Brisbane 2032 Coordination Commission final press conference at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on May 22, 2025. Photo: PATRICK HAMILTON Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), emphasised collaboration with stakeholders as a key priority for her tenure, in remarks made ahead of her official takeover next week. Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe and Africa's most decorated Olympian, was elected to the post in March , succeeding Thomas Bach. She will formally assume the role following Monday's handover ceremony in Lausanne. "I like to collaborate, to be able to listen, hear everyone's opinions. I think it is very important," Coventry said during an online media roundtable. "I also know I am the president and need to take decisions and that we need to move." Coventry, 41, is the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC. Her approach is expected to differ from her predecessor's, as Bach was known for the rapid speed and volume of his decision-making and concentration of power. Bach's presidency was marked by wide-ranging reforms, including overhauling the Olympic bidding process, introducing new sports and reducing costs for host cities. He also navigated challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, which delayed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and led to a spectator-free Beijing 2022 Winter Games. Coventry said the IOC would hold a two-day workshop for its members, starting on 24 June, the day after the handover ceremony, as part of ongoing discussions with stakeholders on key issues. "It was not about title or power," she said when asked about her decision to run for president. "Sometimes those things get in the way and make you focus on the wrong things." Reflecting on her appointment, Coventry acknowledged the significance of her role as the first woman to lead the IOC. "It is not something I have thought about a lot in terms of impact it can have," she said. "In the past days now, I have a much greater understanding of that importance." The IOC generates annual revenues of several billion dollars and Coventry noted the "responsibility" that comes with leading the organisation. "As we get closer to the 23rd, yes, it is an exciting day but a day with a lot of responsibility. I am very proud of the fact that we as members chose at this moment in time to elect the first female president," she added. - Reuters
CBC
13 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
New IOC president Kirsty Coventry says she'll 'lead through collaboration'
Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected president of the International Olympic Committee, emphasized collaboration with stakeholders as a key priority for her tenure, in remarks made Thursday in Berlin ahead of her official takeover next week. Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe and Africa's most decorated Olympian, was elected to the post in March, succeeding Thomas Bach. She will formally assume the role following Monday's handover ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland. "I like to collaborate, to be able to listen, hear everyone's opinions. I think it is very important," Coventry said during an online media roundtable. "I also know I am the president and need to take decisions and that we need to move." Coventry, 41, is the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC. Her approach is expected to differ from her predecessor, as Bach was known for the rapid speed and volume of his decision-making and concentration of power. Bach's presidency was marked by wide-ranging reforms, including overhauling the Olympic bidding process, introducing new sports and reducing costs for host cities. He also navigated challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and led to a spectator-free Beijing 2022 Winter Games. Coventry said the IOC would hold a two-day workshop for its members, starting on June 24, the day after the handover ceremony, as part of ongoing discussions with stakeholders on key issues. "It was not about title or power," she said when asked about her decision to run for president. "Sometimes those things get in the way and make you focus on the wrong things." Reflecting on her appointment, Coventry acknowledged the significance of her role as the first woman to lead the IOC. "It is not something I have thought about a lot in terms of impact it can have," she said. "In the past days now, I have a much greater understanding of that importance." The IOC generates annual revenues of several billion dollars and Coventry noted the "responsibility" that comes with leading the organization. "As we get closer to the 23rd, yes, it is an exciting day but a day with a lot of responsibility. I am very proud of the fact that we as members chose at this moment in time to elect the first female president," she added. Kirsty Coventry elected new IOC president 3 months ago Duration 7:29 41-year-old from Zimbabwe is first woman to hold the post, replacing Thomas Bach, who's held the job since 2013.
Irish Times
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Kirsty Coventry vows to stay humble as the first female president of the IOC
Kirsty Coventry has promised to not let power go to her head when she becomes the first woman president of the International Olympic Committee next week. Her predecessor, Thomas Bach, would always stay in a suite paid for by the IOC at the five-star Lausanne Palace hotel, costing over €2,000 a night, whenever he was in the city. However, the Zimbabwean confirmed her family would not be following suit. 'We won't be staying in the Palace,' she said. 'I really want my kids to grow up doing the same thing that I did, making beds and doing our chores and being kids.' Coventry, who won seven Olympic medals during her swimming career, said the significance of being the first woman IOC president had hit her only when she started reading the messages of support from other women. Asked for more details, Coventry said: 'I think I will start crying, so might have to do that another time. But the sentiments were really just around: 'Thank you;' 'You're such an inspiration;' 'This is so incredible.' READ MORE 'I had a coworker of mine come up to me. His mom had called him and said: 'Never in my lifetime did I ever think I'd get to see a woman leading the movement that you're working for,' and that was really special. There's been a lot of moments like that. Those are things I will hold on to in the future, when the road gets bumpy.' Coventry also made it clear she wanted IOC members to feel free to speak their minds and had invited them to stay two extra nights in Lausanne next week to have a 'pause and reflect workshop' to hear their ideas. 'The way I like to lead is with collaboration,' she said. 'I like people to say: 'Yes, I had a say and this was the direction that we went.' That way you get a really authentic buy-in.' The 41-year-old made it clear she campaigned for the IOC job to change people's lives for the better and not for the prestige involved. 'After I was elected my husband started giggling at the breakfast table and he looked at me and he goes: 'Do you realise you're the most powerful person in sport?'' she said. 'And I was like: 'What are you talking about?' For me, it's not about the title. It wasn't about power. Sometimes those things get in the way and they make you focus on maybe the wrong things. It's just not who I am. 'But I'm very proud we have elected our first female president. And I'm going to do my best to ensure that it's a successful journey.' – Guardian
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Accor Signs Novotel Victoria Falls, Marking Strategic Market Entry into Zimbabwe
Accor ( a world-leading hospitality group, has announced the signing of Novotel Victoria Falls, a landmark project set within Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The agreement, signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa, marks Accor's market entry into Zimbabwe, leveraging a first-mover advantage in one of Africa's most iconic destinations and underscoring the Group's commitment to pioneering development in emerging markets. Scheduled to open in 2028, the 111-key new-build property will be developed under a management agreement with Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust, a Development REIT focused on high-quality assets across tourism, hospitality, health, retail, and residential sectors. Located in the Eagle Heights precinct, in a prime location overlooking the Masuwe River, the hotel will blend natural beauty with Novotel's modern, family-friendly hospitality. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully designed experience, with facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, kids' club, all-day dining restaurant, and destination bar - designed to meet the needs of modern travellers seeking comfort, connection, and local discovery. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or 'The Smoke That Thunders', Victoria Falls is not only a dramatic natural wonder but also a world-renowned hub for adventure tourism, offering white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and scenic helicopter flights. 'This signing represents a bold step forward in our development strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa,' said Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale&Economy Division, Middle East, Africa&Türkiye at Accor. 'Victoria Falls is one of the world's most extraordinary destinations, and we are proud to bring the Novotel brand experience to Zimbabwe for the very first time. As a first mover, we see this project as a gateway to long-term sustainable growth in the country.' The signing signals a strategic entry for Accor into a destination with growing regional and domestic tourism and a limited presence of global hotel brands. Bevin Ngara, Managing Director of Eagle Asset Managers, the Eagle REIT Fund Managers, added: 'We are delighted to partner with Accor to bring an international standard of hospitality to Victoria Falls. This project reflects our vision of investing in transformative developments that elevate tourism and deliver value to local communities and investors alike.' Novotel, with over 590 hotels across 68 countries and 180+ more in the pipeline, champions balanced living for both business travellers and families. As the first internationally branded Novotel in Zimbabwe, the hotel will meet the rising demand for high-quality yet accessible accommodation in Victoria Falls supporting the city's evolution into a year-round destination for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Accor. Contacts media relations: Cybelle Daou Khadij Director PR&Communications Middle East, Africa and Türkiye Follow on Social Media: X: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: TikTok: About Accor: Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars&restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle, with Ennismore. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit About Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust (Eagle REIT): Eagle REIT is Zimbabwe's first dollar-denominated Development REIT focusing on developing high-impact real estate assets across the hospitality, healthcare, and residential sectors. It is also the first REIT to be listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), a member of the International Financial Services Center. The REIT is managed by Eagle Asset Management, a licensed investment manager and a subsidiary of Zimre Holdings Limited.
South China Morning Post
16 hours ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
New IOC president Kirsty Coventry vows to lead through collaboration
Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected president of the International Olympic Committee, emphasised collaboration with stakeholders as a key priority for her tenure, in remarks made on Thursday ahead of her official takeover next week. Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe and Africa's most decorated Olympian, was elected to the post in March, succeeding Thomas Bach. She will formally assume the role following Monday's handover ceremony in Lausanne. 'I like to collaborate, to be able to listen, hear everyone's opinions. I think it is very important,' Coventry said during an online media round table. 'I also know I am the president and need to take decisions and that we need to move.' The 41-year-old is the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC. Her approach is expected to differ from her predecessor's, as Bach was known for the rapid speed and volume of his decision-making and concentration of power. Bach's presidency was marked by wide-ranging reforms, including overhauling the Olympic bidding process, introducing new sports and reducing costs for host cities. He also navigated challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic, which delayed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and led to a spectator-free Beijing 2022 Winter Games.
