Wordly to power AI translation across ANOC 2026 events

Wordly has agreed a sponsorship deal with the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) to provide its AI translation service across all ANOC events in 2026.

The Los Altos-based company has been named a Bronze Sponsor for the year. The agreement covers ANOC meetings and assemblies held in person and online worldwide.

ANOC represents 206 National Olympic Committees and convenes them through a calendar of governance and working sessions. Its General Assembly is one of the organisation's largest annual gatherings, bringing together delegates and stakeholders from across the Olympic Movement.

Under the arrangement, Wordly will provide real-time translation during ANOC events, including the ANOC General Assembly in Hong Kong. Delegates will be able to follow live spoken content in their preferred language on personal devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Renewed agreement

ANOC previously worked with Wordly during the ANOC General Assembly in Cascais in 2024. ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg said the new deal extends that model across the full 2026 events programme.

"Following the success of our previous partnership during the ANOC General Assembly in Cascais in 2024, we are pleased to renew our collaboration with Wordly as a Bronze Level Sponsor for 2026," Lindberg said.

She described the partnership as part of ANOC's approach to inclusion in international sport, positioning language access as a practical requirement at global meetings.

"This renewed partnership means that all ANOC in-person and online events throughout 2026, including the ANOC General Assembly in Hong Kong, will be supported by Wordly's AI interpretation solutions. This is an important step in making ANOC, and the Olympic Movement as a whole, more inclusive, ensuring that language is never a barrier to participation, dialogue, and representation," she said.

Event access

Wordly's platform provides live translation and on-screen text for spoken content. It also offers live captions, produces transcripts, and generates AI summaries after sessions.

The system uses a cloud-based approach rather than traditional interpretation booths and dedicated hardware. Wordly says this reduces the amount of equipment that must be transported, installed, and managed at venues, lowering logistical complexity and costs for organisers.

Language services have long been a major operational component of large international sports meetings, where delegates often require simultaneous interpretation across multiple languages. Organisers typically rely on on-site booths, headsets, receivers, and teams of interpreters, with planning that starts well ahead of a gathering.

AI-based translation has expanded as mobile devices and cloud services have become common in conference settings. Organisers have increasingly tested app-based tools for captions and translation, particularly for hybrid formats that mix in-person audiences with remote participants.

Digital shift

ANOC framed the translation rollout as part of broader digital transformation across its events. The sponsorship arrangement suggests language access will be treated as a consistent service across the programme, rather than a bespoke set-up for one-off flagship meetings.

Broad coverage also matters because ANOC's schedule includes smaller regional meetings and working sessions as well as high-profile assemblies. These sessions often focus on governance, athlete development, and coordination between National Olympic Committees.

Wordly Chief Marketing Officer Dave Deasy said the company's focus for 2026 will be enabling consistent communication across the ANOC calendar.

"We are honored and excited to continue our relationship with ANOC to enhance inclusivity and engagement at their events in 2026," Deasy said.

He linked the project to the scale of international sport and the need for delegates to follow discussions and presentations without disruption.

"The Olympic Movement is a very important global program and Wordly will help ensure everyone involved will be able to consistently and accurately communicate their message and understand the presentations and discussions," Deasy said.

Wordly said it works with organisations across corporate, nonprofit, government, education, and association sectors. It described itself as a 2025 Inc. 5000 company and said its tools are used for meetings, conferences, and business events.

In 2026, the ANOC programme will include the General Assembly in Hong Kong alongside continental meetings and working sessions throughout the year. The partnership will place Wordly's translation and captioning tools across those events for both in-person and online audiences.