Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, Global CEO of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA), urged leaders in sport, business and civil society of São Miguel, Azores, to be agents of change and foster a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability in Sport to enable it to act as dynamo of human, social and economic development.
This strong call to action was madeat a SIGA’s Dinner- Debate focused on Economic Development, International Relations and Sport Integrity. Addressing an audience of 50+ leaders, representing major sports associations, business organisations and social movements, Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros called on all attendees to join SIGA and support its reform agenda:
“Sport is a sector of great significance.It can play a key role in today’s society and global economy. But, to do that, Sport must lead by example.” – stressed the SIGA Global CEO.
“We face a common challenge. We need a common solution and a united front, engaging all key stakeholders, to safeguard Sport’s reputation and prevent its good name from being dragged through the mud. This is not a moment to be a bystander. It’s a moment to take action and tackle these issues head-on. This is what I expect from the elite of Azorean sports, and the leaders of the economic fabric, the entrepreneurs of the Azores.”
Born in Ponta Delgada, Macedo de Medeiros seized his “return home” to encourage the capital city of São Miguel’s island and the wider Azores archipelago to become a central hub between Europe and the Americas:
“This Island, whose natural beauty is unrivalled, attracts thought leadership, technology, innovation and sustainability. Now, the challenge is to move from words into action and from aspirations into achievements. That’s why we need you, the sponsors, the companies who invest their money and their reputation to instigate, convince and persuade sports organizations to enhance the integrity standards upon which they govern themselves and operate”
Hosted and co-organised by Municipality of Ponta Delgada, the SIGA Dinner-Debate provided a dynamic opportunity to discuss the unique role that Sport can play, if governed and operated under the highest standards of integrity, as a dynamo for social, educational, and cultural impact, and as a driver of economic growth, sustainable development, and positive regional, national, and global synergies.
Welcoming all participants, Mayor Pedro Nascimento Cabral highlighted the growing influx of investments being made in the city and wider island, reflecting the confidence placed by entrepreneurs and economic groups in the development of the municipality. Emphasizing the diversity and dynamism of Ponta Delgada’s business sector, he underscored the expansion of the hospitality sector as a tangible sign of this investment. Additionally, he noted the municipality’s strategy and initiatives to attract investments, including the grant of tax benefits and direct support to local businesses, showcasing a solid commitment to economic growth and community sustainability. Nascimento Cabral also stressed the responsible approach to tourism development and dedication conferred to the preservation of the natural and cultural resources that make Ponta Delgada unique while promoting the city’s ongoing ecological digital transformation.
Finally, he stressed the importance of Sport as a catalyst for healthy living habits and a crucial factor for the social and economic development of the region, reiterating the municipality’s commitment to the well-being and prosperity of its citizens. He further highlighted the municipality’s ongoing investment in sports.
On an evening of positive and constructive debate, the spotlight was reserved to the Guest Speaker, i.e. the Lord Jonathan Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, and SIGA EUROPE’s Advisory Board member.
In his address, Lord Marland alluded to the beauty of the Azores archipelago and its significant contribution to raising awareness about climate change and the importance of sustainability for future generations.
“When I drove through the countryside on the brief time we had, I felt like this is a majestic place that people who climate change and sustainability want to visit.”
He emphasized the importance of preventing and combating corruption in Sport, stating that “Sport Integrity is the most crucial pillar of the sports ecosystem.”
Lord Marland shared his frustration with the current state of the Sport industry, emphasizing the fundamental role that SIGA plays in combating corruption and safeguarding the integrity of this sector:
“Sport Integrity is the most important thing for the sporting world. When Emanuel said he would like me to join SIGA’s Advisory Board, it was a no-brainer, because I feel this huge frustration that this multi-billion pound industry is generally so badly managed. The incompetence is legendary, and the corruption is extraordinary. Therefore, SIGA has this fundamental role to play for the benefit of all nations that love sport, so it’s a great privilege to be part of Emanuel’s team.”
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ABOUT SIGA
SIGA is the world’s leading organisation for Sport Integrity. We are creating a whole new landscape for the sports industry by delivering independent global rating and certification for world Sport to ensure it is governed and operates under the highest integrity standards: The SIGA Universal Standards.
Funded by our Members, SIGA is a non for profit global independent organisation with one aim: To ensure the sport industry is governed under the highest integrity standards so that the values of sport are protected.
SIGA is the only organisation to bring together sport, governments, academia, international organisations, sponsors, business, rights holders, NGOs and professional services companies, from every region in the world, around a common cause of fostering greater integrity throughout sport.
SIGA is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, as a non for-profit association, and comprises of the following continental subsidiaries: SIGA AMERICA, SIGA EUROPE and SIGA LATIN AMERICA.
For more information on SIGA, including its vision, mission and reform agenda, please refer to the website: www.siga-sport.com and FAQs.
To contact SIGA, please email: comms@siga-sport.com.
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