DUBAI, June 27th, 2010: The World Academy of Sport (WAoS) has announced the appointment of Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as its global patron.
"As part of the WAoS global development it is important to ensure that their messages and initiatives reach all parts of the world supported and promoted by the Patron and the International Advisory Board (IAB)," said WAoS in a statement on its website. "The appointment of Princess Haya is an important milestone for the WAoS in development of its global operations," it added. Princess Haya's experience as both an athlete and as a leader will be very beneficial to the aims and objectives of the IAB. Princess Haya, who competed at the 2000 Olympic Games, is President of the International Equestrian Federation and a member of the International Olympic Committee. She is credited with reforms that helped make the federation a more professional organisation. She also serves as a UN Messenger of Peace. Fran ois Carrard, Chairman of the WAoS IAB said: "We are honoured and delighted that Princess Haya has accepted our invitation to be Global Patron of the World Academy of Sport. Sport is one of the most global industries in the world and the work that our Board is undertaking in establishing International industry standards for sports education will be greatly enhanced by the support of Princess Haya."On her patronage, Princess Haya said: "I am delighted to accept the position of Global Patron of the World Academy of Sport and look forward to working with the Academy to provide industry relevant education in all parts of the world."The WAoS global education centre is based in Manchester, England, one of the world's leading sporting cites. IAB Vice Chairman and CEO of Manchester City Council, Sir Howard Bernstein said: "I look forward to welcoming Princess Haya to Manchester and am delighted that such a renowned leader shares our vision of supporting global sporting education and development. Manchester has great education, sport and community programmes which have been combined to create a unique model for sport. The WAoS allows us as a city to further develop and share such knowledge with other cities and countries around the world."The WAoS works globally to support the development of sport through the provision of knowledge tailored to the needs of the industry.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
