The Association of National Olympic Committees -ANOC-, through its platform ANOC.tv, has announced the launch of a sports photography workshop to be held during the Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games. The initiative, organised in collaboration with Team Saudi and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association -ISSA-, follows the agreement between both organisations to broadcast events of the Islamic Solidarity Games live on ISSA.TV as part of the ANOC.tv platform, produce content from the ANOC.tv Studio, and distribute digital material through ANOC’s media hub.

The programme will run from 3 to 21 November 2025, offering aspiring local photographers the opportunity to develop their technical and artistic skills in an international sports environment.

This project reinforces ANOC.tv’s commitment to visual quality and accessibility in sport. At a time when imagery has become the main bridge between athletes and fans, the initiative aims to ensure that sporting stories are conveyed with authenticity, emotion, and professionalism.

The role of sports imagery for federations and committees

Visual communication now plays a central role in the institutional strategies of federations and National Olympic Committees -NOCs-. The International Olympic Committee -IOC- has long promoted official image archives that document and share the values of the Olympic Movement, while federations such as World Athletics and FIBA use photography and video as key tools to strengthen their identity and expand their global reach.

ANOC.tv has contributed to this progress through international coverage that democratizes access to sports content. During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games, the platform provided free digital productions for NOCs, consolidating an open and participatory communication model.

Free sports broadcasting models and global access

ANOC.tv’s approach aligns with a global trend towards free-to-access sports broadcasting platforms. Initiatives such as The World Games Live, Eurovision Sport, and RugbyPass TV offer competitions and features at no cost to viewers, promoting universal access and reinforcing the educational and social role of sport.

The rise of these models has reshaped the relationship between federations, media, and audiences. Eurovision Sport has made it possible to broadcast European championships in lesser-covered disciplines, while RugbyPass TV, launched by World Rugby, has expanded the visibility of its competitions in regions without traditional coverage. This evolution highlights a new scenario in which visibility depends not only on major broadcasters but also on the institutional ability to produce and share original content.

Local training and the promotion of Saudi talent

The ANOC.tv workshop will include in-person sessions, photo assignments at competition venues, and mentorship with international sports photographer Annice Lyn. The voluntary, non-remunerated programme will provide participants with hands-on experience in a world-class sporting environment. Applications will remain open until 22 October 2025.

“This project aims to inspire a new generation of sports photographers and strengthen imagery as a link between athletes, fans, and the values of the Olympic Movement,” said ANOC.tv representatives.