Convention has all the ingredients for success official

Thursday, Apr 22, 2010

Gulf News

Dubai A top official entrusted with the organisation of the SportAccord International Convention 2010 Dubai is convinced on the full range of topics and issues at this year's meeting to be held here later this month.

"I think the range of topics is a perfect mix," Anna Hellman, Executive Director, said on Monday.

"We have topics that are hot issues worldwide and pertinent to the region. I think we have pretty much catered to what is happening in the world of sports and other related areas."

The convention will be held at Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah, from April 25-30. The first two days will be dedicated to closed door meetings of the various committees and sub-committees before the official opening on April 27.

Questions

Earlier in the day, the SportAccord City Forum will discuss various issues affecting venues worldwide.

Said Hellman: "The basic question that will be addressed in this discussion is, ‘What's best for our cities?' or, ‘Can sustainability ever be the most cost-effective solution?' or, ‘What do you need to know about identifying, rating and leveraging your city's assets in order to attract sporting events to your area?'"

John Armitt, Chairman, Olympic Delivery Authority, will present a case study on London seeking a balance between infrastructure development and the creation of a sustainable legacy in the build-up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

A similar case study will be presented on Durban, South Africa, and its position as one of the venues for the 2010 Fifa World Cup in June-July this year.

Day Two will have a plenary panel session on the changing geography of sport.

There will be something relevant to the region as well, with the discussion on sport in the Middle East, looking at the demographics and fast-changing market for sports globally.

On the same day, there will be a round table discussion on making the sponsorship relationship work long term.

Development

On Thursday, there will be a plenary panel session on sport's role as a leader in sustainable development.

The afternoon will see a discussion on the autonomy of sport followed by the closing keynote address by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

"I think we have all the ingredients on all major issues and areas affecting our sport," Hellman said.

"It is now just a question of time when we can work together and make this convention a huge success," she added.

100

international associations and federations to attend

1,500

delegates from all over the world

500

organising cities and organisations