By Nick Butler

Collectors and members of the public sample the collections during the Fair in Lausanne ©CIO/ Arnaud MeylanDelegates from 18 different countries enjoyed the 20th edition of the World Olympic Collectors Fair held in the Place de Navigation in Ouchy, Lausanne.


The Fair was the first to take place in Lausanne for eight years, with the Swiss city proving a perfect location due to the fact the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters are nearby, as well as the refurbished Olympic Museum located adjacent to the venue.

While in the past the Fair has been held in the Museum itself, the new marquee venue was praised because it attracted more members of the public, and added to the festival atmosphere.

As well as members of the public collectors from 18 nations attended, mainly from Europe, the United States and China, with all 58 tables being sold and many more being requested.

The Fair was officially opened by the director of the IOC Culture and Heritage Department, Francis Gabet. 
 
The World Collectors Fair is opened by the director of the IOC Culture and Heritage Department, Francis Gabet ©CIO/Arnaud MeylanThe World Collectors Fair is opened by the director of the IOC Culture and Heritage Department, Francis Gabet ©CIO/Arnaud Meylan







Also present were two members of the International Olympic Committee, Syria's Samih Mudalall and Pakistan's Syed Shahid Ali, with both having been recently appointed to the IOC Commission on Philately, Numismatics and Memorabilia.

The chairman of this Commission, IOC Executive Board member C K Wu, was unable to attend the Fair but welcomed collectors via a special video presentation.

Alongside the collectors two social events were held, consisting of a cocktail reception followed by a tour of the Olympic Museum and an official dinner.

No decision has been taken on where the Fair will be held in 2015, but a proposal has been received from Lake Placid, host city of the 1980 Winter Olympics. 

This will be considered by the the IOC Philately, Numismatics and Memorabilia Commission in September, although it remains possible other proposals may be received in the meantime.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
May 2014: New organisation to be launched at World Olympic Collectors Fair in Lausanne