The Daily - Issue 5 - Friday May 31, 2013

>inside 43 >HILL >social

The of Cityimportance Forum focuses television remains on new media

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7 >basketball >sportfive

Baumann expects CeO shaila-Ann Rao on World Cup to grow the global market

5

>russia >cycling

Vitaly Mutko looks ahead Pat McQuaid outlines the to a ‘decade of sport’ UCi’s major priorities

The Daily

friday, weDnesDay, may 29, 31, 2013 2013 may

your guide to the saint petersburg sportaccord convention www.sportaccordconvention.com

@saconvention

summer Federations President to share the wealth Putin visits Convention i after taking into account key indicators nternational Olympic Committee uplift: francesco from the London Olympics.

President Dr Jacques Rogge is Ricci Bitti “They were not based on particularly expected to confirm a revenue detailed analysis in the past but now windfall of more than US$500 we have had a much more scientific million for ASOIF members when approach,” said Ryan. he meets them today at SportAccord over three months’ time. A breakdown of the three ladimir Putin, the President of the “The whole process has taken two years Convention.Russian Federation, visited the crucial presentations can be found in today’s issue of and is based very much on figures from The announcement is likely to Lenexpo Exhibition Complex yesterday The Daily on page 3. the London Games, looking at things be accompanied by details of a new In his closing remarks, SportAccord Convention as the 2013 edition of SportAccord like ticket sales and TV audience for each grouping system for the summer Chairman Hein Verbruggen praised the organisers Convention wound down in sport.

That is where the criteria have Olympic sports, which will influence how of this year’s event in Saint Petersburg. memorable fashion. come from and the next thing that will much each of them receives from the pot.

“I want to give thanks to everyone who has been President Putin arrived at the Convention at happen is that the IOC Executive Board The payment is the share of the with us this year,” he said. lunchtime and checked out the exhibition area, will present the new groups,” said Ryan. proceeds from last year’s London “To our colleagues in the organising committee, where he stopped by the Sochi 2014 Winter The IOC Executive Board is due to Olympicsstand whichand is to beDmitry allocatedChernyshenko, to Olympics met the we are very appreciative of your help and friendship, meet at SportAccord Convention at 8:00 members of ASOIF – the Association and the opportunity to work closely with you has head of the Organising Committee for the Games. today and will update ASOIF in an open ofPresident SummerPutin Olympics International been a pleasure. then had a VIP lunch with the session at 9:15.

Federations.

“I would like to thank the sponsors and partners, Russian National Olympic Committee and leaders Addressing his first ASOIF General Andrew Ryan, Executive Director especially our Gold Partners – Contemporary of the global sports movement.

Assembly meeting since his election as ofThe ASOIF, said the initial sum had Group, Macau Sport Development Board, PwC, arrival of President Putin, who hails from President at SportAccord Convention last been expected to total around US$475 Saint Petersburg, was the highlight of day five of the SportEvent Denmark and Sportfive – for their year, Francesco Ricci Bitti spoke of the million – an increase of just over 60 per support for this year’s Convention.

2013 SportAccord Convention. importance of International Federations cent compared with US$296 million “We have had an amazing line-up of speakers, Later in the afternoon, the three cities in being seen as a valued part of the from Beijing – but the actual figure to and I would particularly like to thank my colleagues the running to host the 2020 Olympic Games Olympic Movement. be revealed by the IOC Executive Board at the International Olympic Committee who will made their pitches to the international sporting He underlined the importance of today is likely to exceed US$500Conference million. continue to participate in this event, which is very community in front of a packed his members being at the centre of all Ryan said the Olympic revenue important for us.

Auditorium. decision-making that affects their sports, amounts to 35–40 per cent of income for between the 28 members that they would the Olympics but there is also a big uplift “I think we all benefit greatly from these annual Istanbul, Tokyo and Madrid gave 20-minute and he promised a more proactive some sports, excluding FIFA, and that it agree the split on condition that the IOC in the business affairs of the International presentations to the audience, with the International SportAccord Conventions. visit: President Vladimir approach to achieve greater involvement. will be distributed by ASOIF according reviews the five groups.”

Federations,” Ryan told The Daily.

“The end result this year has been a great success Olympic Committee Executive Board’s final vote on Putin at SportAccord Ricci Bitti also reaffirmed ASOIF’s to the new groups.

The groups were originally set more “We were given the job of distributing for everyone involved.” the host city of the 2020 Games scheduled for just Convention on Thursday “It is a massive uplift in revenue from than 20 years ago and have been revised the money and we secured agreement Continued on page 2

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#saCon13

feTisov aT ConvenTion Legendary Russian ice hockey player Vyacheslav Fetisov will wrap up day one of SportAccord Convention’s conference programme later today by providing an unmissable insight into his glittering career.

The Interview of the Day with Fetisov will start at 17:00, half an hour later than originally scheduled, with the Spirit of Sport Awards (see preview on p9) moving back to a start time of 16:30.

Fetisov, a member of the National Hockey League Hall of Fame, was one of the first players from Russia to move to the North American league. The two-time Olympic champion also coached Russia’s Olympic ice hockey team and served for six years as the Russian Federation’s Minister of Sport.

From 10:00-10:30, Alexander Zhukov, President of the Russian Olympic Committee and First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, and SportAccord Convention Chairman Hein Verbruggen will welcome delegates at the start of the conference.

Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide CEO Kevin Roberts, NBC Executive Producer Jim Bell, Rio 2016 Olympics Organising Committee President Carlos Arthur Nuzman, UK Sports Minister Hugh Robertson and SPORTFIVE International CEO Shaila-Ann Rao (see interview on p5) are among the other stellar speakers lined up today.

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NEWS news

SPORTACCORD CONVENTION SAINT PETERSBURG GOLD SPONSORS

HOST CITY PARTNERS:

THE DAILY

Cities must look into the future welcome: President Vladimir Putin is accompanied by IOC President Jacques Rogge, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak and Sochi 2014 Organising Committee President Dmitry Chernyshenko

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panel of expert speakers acknowledged yesterday at the City Forum that hosts of major sporting competitions have to look beyond short-term economic benefits when they are considering whether they are the right destination for an event.

In the panel discussion entitled ‘The Right Fit: Matching Events with City Priorities’, panellists agreed that a positive legacy as part of a long-term vision is crucial.

“We have to be very cognisant that these events cost an enormous amount of money,” said Dr Laurine Platzky, Western Cape Deputy Director-General, who coordinated the region’s 2010 FIFA World Cup programme.

“It gave us enormous infrastructure, stadiums and transportation facilities, and our airports were completely revamped. Our service culture became very important. But we are very cautious with the opportunities that seem to sit up well, but that come at a great cost to the taxpayer as everyone knows that we have great challenges in terms of poverty and how to invest money.” is Hatt, the Managing The panel took into account the Director of SportAccord financial challenges faced by developing Convention, has expressed countries that are to make a mark in his keen gratitude to the Russian the sporting world.

Federation’s political “The event really needs to be a week establishment for an unforgettable milestone of long-term development for in Saint Petersburg. the Hatt city,” told said The Hazem Galal, Partner, State Daily that the support from the top of the Russian Federation, from President Vladimir Putin, Yuri Trutnev, the Assistant to the President, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak, Minister of Sport Vitaly Mutko, Governor of Saint Petersburg Georgy Poltavchenko and the Committee for Physical Culture and Sports, had made this a memorable Convention.

“Without the support of President Putin, Minister Trutnev, Minister Kozak, Minister Mutko, Governor Poltavchenko and the Committee for Physical Culture and Sports, this event simply wouldn’t have happened,” Hatt said.

“I am immensely grateful for their IMPACT: Andrew Ryan co-operation, which has meant that this

Hosts thanked

by Convention EVENT: Panellists at the City Forum

and Local Government Sector Global Leader at PwC Qatar.

“In many ways when you look at developing cities it is what I call the Maslow hierarchy of cities – the legacy is going to be focused a lot more on developing infrastructure.

“Most importantly you must make sure that there is a sustainable legacy so that the infrastructure investments will be helpful for the development of the city and the country as well.

Bringing in the example of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, in which PwC is involved, Galal said that the tournament has “served as a catalyst because it comes with a date and a lot of scrutiny from the international community to actually implement these programmes on time”.

Andrew Craig, CEO of The Craig Company and an Adviser to Baku for the 2015 European Games, added: “The smaller the state, the more flexibility they have and the more direct lines of

communication exist to mould sport to what they want to happen in the context of the vision for the country. Azerbaijan has a clear vision of the goal of sport in the establishment of their nation.”

The need to prioritise the knowledgesharing process between host cities was also highlighted.

“Legacy doesn’t just happen,” Platzky added. “You have to plan it, you have to strategise it and you have to budget for it.”

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Do you have a story? Come and see us in person in the press area or email editor@squiresmedia.com with your news.

ASOIF SET TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES

Do you want to comment on anything at SportAccord Convention?

Include the #SACon13 ‘hashtag’ on your Twitter post so we can pick up your thoughts and publish them in The Daily.

Petr Kovalev (photo agency Interpress)

The Daily is produced by Squires Media – Editorial Communications and Publishing for the International Sporting Community – www.squiresmedia.com Editor: Rory Squires Journalists: Phil Ascough, Daniel Kozin, Elena Nikulicheva, Alyona Podvyazkina, Natalia Smolentseva, Simon Redfern, Amanda Strenz, Peter Tenetko

‘A major concern is the increasing amount of sport’ - Andrew Ryan

more interference.

Continued from page 1 status as the umbrella body for its Ryan added: “Another major concern is International Federations in all aspects the increasing amount of sport. of the sport movement where there are “Our members suffer from an helpful: Assistant to the President Yuri Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak, Minister Sport Vitaly Mutko common issues. absolutely fullofsporting calendar and and the Governor of Saint Petersburg, Georgy Poltavchenko Under his Presidency, ASOIF will every time someone comes up with the mediamulti-sport than ever before, thisa event and I am convinced that SportAccord week has been an enormous The continue to address what hesuccess. believes another event itsohas really will made a big impact around the Convention will have further feedback has already been overwhelmingly are the four key challenges facing the big have impact. strengthened Saint positive sports. from all stakeholders.

Ricci Bittithe alsostanding spoke ofofthe autonomy world.

“In particular it affects athletes who “Stakeholders in international sport and Russia as a whole, in the “We been looked after around really well, He have highlighted the issues illegal Petersburg, of the Olympic movement and warned become more prone to injury and have wonderful city landscape. not this week but also the long andjust irregular betting andin match-fi xing, sporting that as sport becomes more important it will lessleave time this for recovery and it and also affects home with of positive “Weattract have had number of planning leading upagainst to the event. and the period continuing fight doping will morea record government attention in return sponsors, who arelots faced with more delegates this yearand andwith morethat members “This has been a really fantastic week, in sport. some countries, the riskofof memories.” requests for their investment.”

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news

Istanbul

Neslihan Darnel

Tokyo

Masato Mizuno

Madrid

Marisol Casado

2020 hopefuls pitch for sport’s backing

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hree cities competing to stage the greatest sporting show on earth moved a step closer by delivering an event to remember at SportAccord Convention.

The lights went down, the volume went up and an enthralled audience in a packed auditorium watched and listened as Istanbul, Tokyo and Madrid were put through their paces.

They will now build towards a final, 45-minute presentation at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires on September 7 ahead of the vote to decide which of the candidate cities will host the 2020 Olympic Games.

All three have strong Olympic traditions as previous bidders and as long-term competitors. Only Tokyo has hosted the Games before, in 1964.

All three placed great emphasis on legacy and location, and on the needs of the athletes, focusing on providing the facilities which will give the participants the best chance of producing their peak performances.

They also introduced athletes into their presentations, along with the officials who represent their nations in international sport and in the Olympic movement, and the city leaders who are driving the bids and who – if successful – must turn dreams into reality.

Madrid was flying the flag for Europe. Tokyo promoted itself as an Asian city, but one which is home

Trio put emphasis on legacy and location in race for Olympic Games

to an international community and culture. Istanbul set out to offer the best of both worlds.

The Istanbul theme of “Bridge Together” invited the audience to embrace a compelling cultural mix in the city where Asia meets Europe.

Neslihan Darnel, Turkey’s flag-bearer in London and a member of her country’s women’s volleyball team, said Istanbul’s bid also combined the historic and the contemporary, the devout and the democratic. “My beloved city has so much to offer my fellow athletes and

All three have strong Olympic traditions as previous bidders and as long-term competitors

the entire Olympic family. I have been training and I have seen my city training too,” she said.

Hasan Arat, Chairman of Istanbul 2020, said: “We have learned from our four previous bids and from other host cities. In the past we have submitted bids as an emerging nation; now we are an emerged nation.

“Our city needs more transport infrastructure and we are building that. Our young people need more role models and the Games offer those. We love sport, to participate and to watch.”

Naoke Inose, Governor of Tokyo, invited athletes and International Federations to put their trust in his city, which he hailed as “the biggest economy of any city in the world.”

Masato Mizuno, CEO of Tokyo 2020, picked up the theme, referring to his city’s unsuccessful bid for 2016 and promising “a Games of excellence, guaranteed delivery and much more.” He said: “It will provide a model of how to host a Games in the centre of a major city. Our strong point is our 2016 plan. We have kept the best and improved the rest.”

Under the banner “Discover Tomorrow,” Tsunekazu Takeda, President of the Japanese Olympic Committee, concluded: “Our vision is clear. Delivery – we are a safe pair of hands and much more. Celebration – we will host an incredible city centre party like never before. Innovation – we will use all our invention and technology.”

Madrid’s bid opened with a video promoting their slogan “Illuminate the Future” before Marisol Casado, President of the International Triathlon Union (ITU), announced the intention to build on the city’s three unsuccessful campaigns to host the Games.

“Madrid has been preparing by building infrastructure and keeping our promises to the Olympic Movement.

We have been building our legacy,” she said.

Theresa Zabell, winner of sailing gold for Spain at Barcelona in 1992 and Atlanta in 1996, outlined the benefits of Madrid for the athletes in terms of location of facilities and experience of hosting major sport events.

But the key message from Madrid was that everything will be ready, with 80 per cent of venues already in place.

Jaime Garcia-Legaz, Spain’s Minister of Commerce and International Trade, offered further reassurance as he explained that the country’s economy is sound. He said Spain is the second largest economy in the EU, with a forecast of five years of steady growth.

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TV is still vital in modern times I nternational Federations and media companies should not be afraid to explore innovations in the way their sports are covered on television, according to News Corporation Senior Executive Vice President David Hill.

The respected industry figure offered a fascinating insight into the role of television in sport through a changing media age in the opening session entitled ‘Smile, You’re on Camera (but frown if you’re not)’ on day two of the Conference Programme.

Hill played down the notion that television coverage matters less now than before due to the number of different media platforms that can offer exposure to a sport.

“The way sport is produced on television is not just important now, but vital,” Hill said.

According to Hill, only two per cent of North Americans who call themselves ‘fans’ of American football actually go to games, while 98 per cent of those fans watch the games on television.

‘The core fans of sports love these new additions that ensure that the game never gets boring’

With that in mind, Hill emphasised the importance of innovative television coverage that heightens interest and reaches a new generation of fans.

“Electronic enhancements on television are actually the definitive factor in increasing the popularity of games,” he added.

“These enhancements make sports more understandable, more exciting and therefore more watchable.”

Hill cited examples such as the ‘glowing puck’ in ice hockey, the ‘first-down’ line in

news WATCHABLE: David Hill

American football, and the various pieces of information – such as speed and gear changes – that filter through during motor-racing coverage.

“All of these implementations have made the sports more understandable and therefore more enjoyable,” he said, before adding that such innovations generate loyalty from viewers, producing a stable fan base.

He also denied that these changes could alienate the more traditional fans of such sports.

“The core fans of sports love these new additions that ensure that the game never gets boring and always changes in some way, and we can clearly see an impact in the viewing figures,” he said.

“In 1993, American football’s NFL was number 23 in the list of the most popular television shows in North America. For the past five years, the NFL has been ranked at number one.”

still rages over counting costs Debate technology in sport

Cost and conservation emerged as two key – and connected – issues as Jean Todt, President of the International Motorsport Federation (FIA) was the subject of the Interview of the Day at SportAccord Convention.

Todt, who was a World Championship rally co-driver before managing Peugeot Sport and Ferrari, spoke at length about motorsport and Formula One in a session entitled ‘Life in the Fast Lane’. He outlined his view that cost will always be a significant issue in motorsport, but added that work is progressing on Formula E, a low-carbon, low consumption series to be launched next year under the control of the FIA. “Formula E will be something completely different from what you have now; less CO2 and more friendly for the environment, with about 35 per cent less fuel consumption,” he said. “For us,

‘If you look at F1, the teams will get three times more this year than they did five years back’ the future of Formula E is in the cities. That’s why we have decided to create a very attractive and innovative championship. It will start next year and it will be hosted in 10 big cities around the world.”

Todt acknowledged the difficulty that any cost savings are often ploughed straight back into the sport because of the level of competitiveness.

“I’m in favour of making motorsport as affordable as you can,” he added. “It definitely won’t be as affordable as basketball or other sports but I feel we must put

special attention towards the cost.

If you look at F1, the teams will get three times more this year than they used to get five years back. The problem is that it is so competitive that they will spend as much as they can. To have some cost control restriction can be a new way of changing the formula, and that’s something we’re discussing.”

Todt declined to be drawn into discussing the question of human rights concerns in Bahrain, which hosts F1 racing.

“It would be inappropriate to get into political matters and to take part in things that do not related to us,” he said. “For me, sport is there to unite people. I hope that over the years countries will improve their situations, but we will definitely go back to Bahrain next year. It is the same with the Olympics in China – it was fantastic because sport did not interfere with politics.”

The challenge of facing up to new technological trends in sport was highlighted by panellists in yesterday’s Conference Programme debate entitled ‘Brave New World – Bionic Sport of the Future’.

Technology has sometimes had an uncomfortable relationship with sport, and the contrasting opinions on the matter were underlined during an engaging session.

“The idea that you have athletes using technological means is completely wrong to me,” claimed Mihir Bose, the BBC writer and broadcaster.

He questioned the competitive spirit of some events at the Paralympics, citing differences in technological capabilities between different countries.

However, David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, the host city of next year’s Commonwealth Games, felt that the use of technology at the 2012 London Paralympics was “always secondary”. He added: “The inspiration is what made the Paralympics a brand, with the stories of the athletes.”

Designer, theorist and transhumanist Natasha Vita-More pointed out that the idea of what is natural and unnatural had changed.

“The Olympics seem to me to come down to the issue of technology and doping,” she said.

“I certainly think that if an individual wants to compete at the top level, technology has to be acceptable.”

David McCrae, a former Paralympian who is now Vice-President of the Major Events Division at MV Global Transport Logistics, said he was living evidence of this view.

“This piece of equipment helped me perform as a sportsman,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it without this. It enabled me to train longer and harder. But I can tell you one thing - it didn’t do it on its own. I made it do this.”

The panellists issued a warning about how genetic engineers may help to shape the future of sport in the next two decades with stem-cell cloning.

Vita-More said: “The general public is worrying about this more and more.”

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news Pistorius ‘blades’ show a glimpse of the future The prosthetic ‘blades’ used by South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius at the London 2012 Olympic Games were the tip of a technological iceberg, according to Professor Andy Miah, Director of the Creative Futures Institute at the University of the West of Scotland.

Miah predicted at a conference session entitled ‘Super Human – Sport and the Athletes of the Future’, that future Olympics and Paralympics could feature such technology being ‘powered’.

“When Oscar Pistorius walked into the Olympic Stadium, the definition of what is meant to be an athletic body changed,” he said. “These prosthetic devices, which have been so controversial, raised a lot of discussion about fairness in sport, as when people see athletes performing at the Games with such devices, the concept of disability shifts.

“Oscar was not expected to get a medal at the Olympics, but when his Brazilian rival beat him

in the Paralympic 200 metres, Pistorius complained that his fellow competitor had longer legs.

“Oscar’s example shows us how technology can transform human limits. The prosthetics Oscar had were quite primitive. Imagine what can be achieved if we could add power to them. If sport allows the use of technology in such a way as it does in Formula 1, events could become more exciting.”

Miah also touched on recent fears that some athletes are being genetically enhanced and wondered how sport should react.

“A genetic test already exists – it costs around US$100 – but the question is whether you can demand genetic information from an athlete,” he said. “Could you request him or her to take a genetic test?

“Another thought is how genetics might be used to transform one’s abilities and what response sport should make. It’s unfair that one person has it and others don’t.”

sochi spotlight

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onstruction work for the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games will be completed

by October, Sochi 2014 Organising Committee President Dmitry Chernyshenko told delegates yesterday.

The Sochi 2014 chief, speaking on the ‘Sochi in the Spotlight’ session on the conference programme 250 days before the start of the Games, said that the conclusion of the huge construction project would be followed by “the process of beautification and decoration of the city for the Games”.

He added: “We are using the opportunity of the Games as a great accelerator to redevelop the whole region.

“We are hoping to turn an old Soviet-style summer resort into a modern, state-of-the-art international winter sports destination and a beautiful city that will be competing to be the capital of sport and culture, not only in Russia but also the world.”

As an example of some of the long-term infrastructural projects that are set to benefit the region after the event, Chernyshenko cited the new international airport connecting Sochi to Europe’s transport hubs, and the 157,000sq. metre media centre that will be converted into a trade centre after the event.

There will also be 20,000 new hotel rooms in the city, and Chernyshenko was quick to highlight the benefits of investing in the area.

“Talking about the economic impact, it would be unforgivable to spend such an enormous amount of time and effort for an event that only lasts for 18 days,” he added.

“Of course we want there to be a legacy for generations to come, but we can already enjoy the legacy now because the Olympic factor has accelerated the rate of economic growth in the region and more than 560,000 jobs have been created as part of the Olympic project.

“The level of unemployment in the region is very close to zero.”

accelerator: Dmitry Chernyshenko

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fim eager to focus on green initiative The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) is revving up its ‘green’ efforts, according to Chief Executive Stéphane Desprez.

In addition the organisation is working to encourage more women into racing on two wheels and is also promoting motorcycling generally for transport and leisure.

Last year, the FIM launched its Environmental Ambassador Programme, and the Federation is working on a number of additional environmentally-friendly initiatives including the incentive of KISS Mugello.

“It is a programme on circuits to train fans and supporters that come to the events to keep the venues sustainable and shiny, which is the name of the program: KISS – Keep It Shiny and Sustainable,” said Desprez.

“We are going to do a video contest where all the fans will be able to post videos of what types of actions and practices they are implementing on the circuits to preserve the environment, and the 10 lucky winners will receive tickets to Moto GP and VIP passes to be able to spend the day with superstars Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.

“So it’s small things, but very practical things in line and in contact with the fans.”

The initiative aimed at enticing women into racing stemmed from the recognition that some are already making their mark.

“We do have a lot of women in the sport, but they’re not recognised as it is,” said Desprez.

“Also motorcycle racing is seen as a malepredominant sport, whereas motorcycles are used by a great number of women in the world. So using sport we’re trying to show that motorcycle racing is also something that women enjoy doing.

“We have great ambassadors for that, such as Ludivine Puy, who is our world champion in Enduro. So we’ve got a number of success stories and that is what we should be promoting, in order to show that motorcycle racing is also for women.”

Desprez added that an estimated four million riders worldwide are involved in motorcycle racing from a total of around 400 million motorcycle users.

“Motorcycling as a cheap and convenient alternative for transport is already used by a lot of people and the FIM has to really put the emphasis on that overall usage,” he said.

catching up with...

don porter

The President of the International Softball Federation (ISF) discusses the collaboration between SportAccord and Peace and Sport on the ‘Sporting Goods To Go’ The Daily: Could you outline the main objectives of the partnership?

Don Porter: “Let me start by putting the initiative in context. ‘Sporting Goods To Go’ (SGTG) is not an idea that has been developed out of the blue.

“Looking back at our journey, it should be noted that even 10 years ago International Federations understood the need for an increased social dynamic to the sports movement.

“Fifty IFs gathered in New York to sign a partnership meant for a growth in social awareness under the umbrella of SportAccord.

“The programme was a success as IFs came together from across the world and effectively collected several tonnes of equipment, goods that could benefit thousands of people.

“Unfortunately, the logistical costs linked to the collection of equipment brought the dynamic to a momentary halt.

“Today, the initiative has gained a new momentum with the launch of a collaboration with Peace and Sport.

The aim today is to use sport for social cohesion with the support of civil society and the sports movement.”

The Daily: How do you plan to activate International Federations?

DP: “First of all, we have a four-year plan whereby each campaign will have two years of preparation and two years of implementation.

“This will enable Sporting Goods To Go to match the resources raised by the IFs with the country’s needs, which will be clearly identified by their government.

“We want IFs to have the opportunity to participate in the way that suits them best. For this reason we

have identified four potential types of contributions: donating equipment, providing training, organising sporting events and/or making financial donations.

“The next steps will be coordinated directly by SportAccord, taking advantage of its privileged relationship with IFs whether through the provision of services or through the use of its newly developed Online Community Platform.”

The Daily: How about governments... how do you plan to activate them?

DP: “The benefiting country will be selected following a bid identifying several criteria.

“This bid will include the implementation of a peacethrough-sport policy, the use of sport as a tool for the development of society, ensuring a process for customs duties, as well as mobilising civil society and social institutions to play their part.

“The country that presents the highest guarantee to implement programmes would ideally be announced at the 2014 edition of the SportAccord Convention. The contribution of the sports movement to the benefit of society has always been the driving force of Sporting Goods To Go, and we are proud to launch this new dynamic enabling us, leaders of the IFs, to work closely with Governments in order to put our convictions and assets to the service of society.

“We understand that in order to enter into a real local dynamic and use sport for the benefit of the local community, the involvement of the Government combined with the sports movement is indispensable.

‘Sporting Goods To Go’ can only be successful if the different stakeholders of the sports movement work hand in hand.”

insights “Mobile internet access from smartphones and tablets will account for 45 per cent of all online consumer expenditure by 2016. This trend is already impacting how consumers engage with global sports organisations in terms of ticket sales, merchandising sales and media access.”

From PwC’s Global entertainment and media outlook 2012-2016: Industry overview published in June 2012

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Surfing’s Games bid

Celebration time for ASOIF A busy week for ASOIF at SportAccord Convention still allowed time for the organisation to celebrate its 30th anniversary this week.

As the voice for the 28 summer Olympic sports federations, ASOIF is in the front line of the battles that lie ahead.

But Denis Oswald, who succeeded Primo Nebiolo from the IAAF and served as President of ASOIF for 12 years until the end of last year, said it had taken hard work and perseverance to establish the body.

Oswald, an Olympian rower in Mexico, Munich and Montreal, claimed bronze in the coxed fours in his first Games and has been President of the International Rowing Federation since 1989.

“In the early years the difficulty was to persuade the federations to work as a team within ASOIF,” he said.

“That has changed over the years because ASOIF has shown leadership and brought improvements for the federations, but it is still very important that they continue to get involved as much as possible.”

Under Nebiolo and Oswald, ASOIF took great strides towards promoting the unity and the profile of its federations. In leading his first General Assembly this week, new President Francesco Ricci Bitti reaffirmed ASOIF’s status and promised continuing action over issues including doping, illegal betting, autonomy and the congested sporting calendar.

sport’s role Joël Bouzou, the President and Founder of Peace and Sport, told The Daily that the international initiative is playing an increasingly significant role.

Peace and Sport intervenes in areas made vulnerable by extreme poverty, recent conflict or lack of social cohesion.

“I am delighted to say that there are more and more International Federations joining us,” he told The Daily.

“We need to bring these International Federations with us to special zones, such as post-conflict zones, or places where you have a lot of urban violence, because sport really does make a difference. So it is great that there is more and more knowledge building up within the organisation.

“What we are doing today is working with the IFs, but also instructing them. We’re promoting everything we can call ‘sport’ that doesn’t require sophisticated and expensive equipment.

“There are lots of things that can be done through the power of sport.”

Referring to the recent bombings at the Boston Marathon, Bouzou added: “Instances like this will only serve to multiply our motivation to promote peace through sport.”

evolution: Fernando Aguerre

International Surfing Association (ISA) President Fernando Aguerre has outlined his ambition of taking the sport into the Summer Olympic Games.

Aguerre told The Daily at SportAccord Convention that surfing has the potential to attract a whole new generation of followers to the Olympics.

However, he acknowledged that he is ready to bide his time, like all good surfers do as they wait for the perfect wave. “It is interesting to be here to see

the evolution in the way that sports are selected for inclusion in the Olympic Games,” said Aguerre, who co-founded the popular surfing and lifestyle brand Reef. “We are not just interested in participating at the Olympics because we think it would be better for surfing, but also because we think it would be better for the Olympics.

“The traditional problem of a lack of waves at potential host cities has been fixed, as there is now the technology to produce man-made waves. I think that surfing – just like snowboarding

changed the Winter Games – can change the Summer Games.”

The ISA is working hard to establish footholds in Asia and Africa, where Aguerre said there are “lots of waves, but not a lot of surfing associations”.

Aguerre also believes that his passion for surfing will help to lift the sport to new heights.

“There are many presidents of International Federations who don’t practise their sport,” he added. “But I go surfing every morning before I do anything, and then the day starts.”

baumann hails world cup deal

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new home and a fresh approach to its World Cup leave international basketball bouncing with optimism for a bright future, according to FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann.

The changes are tipped to make the sport more popular and its management team more effective, fuelling hopes that the combined improvements will enable FIBA to push for the addition of the 3x3 version of the game to the Olympic schedule.

Such confidence is supported by the evidence of next year’s World Cup in Spain, which is already a sell-out in sponsorship terms in spite of the host nation’s economic difficulties.

“We have reached a television contract in one of the toughest markets in the world on television,” Baumann told The Daily.

“This is proof that the FIBA Basketball World Cup is valuable and extremely attractive. In fact, we already have interest from four or five big countries to organise the next FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2019.”

That five-year gap between tournaments attracted criticism when it was agreed by FIBA’s Central Board in November last year, but Baumann has no doubt that it will help the sport reach new audiences, including those with a passion for football.

“This is one of the most important and revolutionary decisions made by FIBA and will keep us growing in a sustainable way for the next 20 years, not just on the paths where we are already well developed, but in a global way,” he said.

“It enables the FIBA Basketball World Cup to move out of the shadow of the FIFA World Cup. When you’re on a motorway or highway, you are always behind someone. The time has now come for us to move into the next lane and to accelerate and avoid being overtaken by other sports.

“When you change something, it is absolutely normal for people to feel uncomfortable. Our view is that over time they will be very happy and pleased about the change and the increased popularity of basketball.

“It’s going to be good for all the stakeholders – not just for FIBA and its national federations, but also for the clubs and the leagues who currently are the ones who have the most doubts about the system.”

In between the next two World Cups, FIBA is hopeful that 2016 in Rio will see 3x3 make its debut at the Olympic Games. The second World Cup in the discipline will take place in

Moscow next year, but Baumann is taking a patient approach.

He said: “The format keeps growing. There are more and more tournaments and countries who are joining the system and participating, using our innovative technology and our rules.

“We have submitted a request to the IOC for 2016 and now it’s in their hands. We are very confident that 3x3 will be an Olympic discipline, but the ‘when’ is in the hands of the IOC.” Patience has paid off with FIBA’s move last month into the House of Basketball, the organisation’s first home if its own and a project initially agreed in 1968.

It took another 40 years before FIBA selected Mies, on the outskirts of Geneva, as the site, but now the project is complete and the inauguration will take place next month.

“With the completion of The House of Basketball, we can finally say that FIBA has a home of its own, one that is open to all of our members but also to all lovers of basketball,” said Baumann.

“This is the house for every basketball player and stakeholder in the world, where we can invite people and host them. It’s their house and they can use it.

“This is the crowning moment of a 40 to 50-year quest to have a place of our own, one that reflects our sport, its values and the great development over the past decades.

“It is a dream come true for the basketball family.” interest: Patrick Baumann

8

around the convention

IFs delighted

by Rio decision The International Rugby Board (IRB) and International Hockey Federation (FIH) have welcomed the news that their competitions at the Rio 2016 Olympics are set to take place at the new Deodoro Olympic Park.

During a meeting between Rio 2016 Executive Director of Sports Agberto Guimaraes and senior representatives from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and International Rugby Board (IRB), as well as six other sports that are lined up to hold their Olympic competitions at the Park, updated proposals were discussed.

Under the plans, the Park will host the 10,000-seat Olympic Hockey Centre, with rugby sevens and modern pentathlon sharing a temporary 20,000-capacity rugby and modern pentathlon venue. The proposals are subject to formal approval by the International Federations.

“We are very pleased with the significant progress made regarding the Deodoro Olympic Park,” Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman said.

“Deodoro will be a very vibrant, exciting and atmospheric element of the Rio 2016 Games.”

Hockey was initially earmarked for the Olympic Park by the sea, and FIH Chief Executive Kelly Fairweather said: “We had a really positive meeting with Rio 2016 today and we are confident that we will have a very good venue, and most importantly, a very successful Games.”

Rugby sevens is making its Olympic debut at Rio 2016, and IRB Chief Executive Brett Gosper said: “We are encouraged with the highly positive discussions with the Rio 2016 Organising Committee regarding the Deodoro zone.

“While the venue is ultimately subject to IRB Executive Board approval, the IRB is satisfied that Rio 2016’s exciting plans to ensure that the zone is an accessible and vibrant festival hub will deliver a great experience for the sports and for fans.”

gold: Svetlana Zhurova

Sochi 2014 medals unveiled

The Organising Committee for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games unveiled its medal designs at SportAccord Convention yesterday.

A total of 1,300 medals will be produced for next year’s event.

It takes 18 hours to craft each medal, which displays a unique ‘Patchwork Quilt’ – a mosaic of national designs from Russia’s various cultures and ethnicities.

Depending on the type of metal used, the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic medals weigh between 460 and 686 grams. Each medal is 10mm thick and 100mm in diameter.

“Our medals are unique and innovative, but also bear the spirit and culture of Russia,” Sochi 2014 Organising Committee President Dmitry Chernyshenko said. “We are proud of our medals, and we hope that each winner will feel the love and care that went through their creative process.”

Former Russian speed skater Svetlana Zhurova, who picked up a gold medal at the 2006 Olympics, and London 2012 Russian athlete Fyodor Trikolich, who won a gold medal in the men’s 4x100m relay T11/13 at the 2012 Paralympics, were on hand to show off Sochi 2014’s new creations.

kazan milestone

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ric Saintrond, the Secretary General of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), believes the 2013 Universiade in Kazan will mark a milestone for the organisation’s flagship event, as well as the host city.

The Russian city has been transformed since celebrating its millennium in 2005, and some 20,000 volunteers and 5,000 other members of staff will support this year’s event, which will run from July 6-17 and feature 10,000 athletes.

Saintrond was speaking just two days after the Universiade torch passed through Saint Petersburg.

“Kazan has been completely transformed since 2005, and the city is focused on sustainable development projects through education and sport,” Saintrond said.

“The Universiade in Kazan is a huge project. The Olympic Games in London had about 300 events, but Kazan will have 351 events.

#YourGameChanger powered by

People are the most important game changers. We saw that with the London 2012 games #YourGameChanger #SACon13 Lord Sebastian Coe, LOCOG, 2012 www.twitter.com/SportEventDK

“It is a good time for us to go in this direction.”

FISU’s broadcast partner for the event is Eurosport, a Silver Partner of SportAccord Convention.

“Eurosport is a platform that will give us huge visibility,” he added. “There will be more than 140 hours of live coverage on Eurosport 1 and 2.”

Eurosport Global Communications Director Heather Bowler added: “We have never covered a Universiade as extensively as this year.

“Taking into consideration the new ways of consuming content, we will not only produce television broadcasts, but we will also have the content accessible on PCs, tablets and mobiles.

“This is a real step-change for the Universiades and FISA, but we are also very excited to be involved.

“These events are the breeding ground of future Olympians, and 20 per cent of the medals won at the London 2012 Olympics were by FISU ‘alumni’.”

To give its sports development project a boost, Kazan created the Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism in 2010. Seven hundred students are currently studying at the academy.

“It is clear that to manage top-level sports development, you require knowledgeable sports leaders, professional technical and medical staff,” Saintrond added.

On November 9, FISU will vote on the destinations for the 2019 Summer and Winter Universiades. Baku in Azerbaijan, Brasilia in Brazil and Budapest in Hungary are in the running for the Summer Universiade, while Krasnoyarsk in Russia and Valais in Switzerland are competing to host the Winter Universiade.

“We need to take very important decisions and it will be very difficult as they are all very good destinations for our top event,” Saintrond added. “We are very happy to have so many cities competing to host the Universiade.”

aggreko wants russia boost Aggreko, a leading supplier of temporary power and temperature control services, has set its sights on expanding in Russia after a successful 2012 Olympics in London.

David De Behr, Head of Events Services at Aggreko EMEA, told The Daily: “More and more major sporting events are going to temporary venues, and when you see temporary venues, you see temporary power and temperature control, so business is growing very fast for us.

“London was very big for Aggreko; we provided over 50 generators to power up all broadcasting and field-of-play lighting. Now we are looking to Russia

because a lot of major events are coming here to our country.”  Rick Traer, the CEO of the Canadian Sports Tourism Alliance, told The Daily that Canada is in the process of revising its international event-hosting strategy after years of solid growth.

“A lot of the success that we have had in Canada was as a result of a hosting strategy that we developed back in 2003 and 2004,” he said. “Canada has been very proactive in its approach to hosting international sporting events.

“That strategy has served really well until this point, and it will continue to serve us well in the future.”

9

around the convention catching up with...

François-Régis Picolet The Director of International Development at GL events discusses the company’s growth and the future of the sports event industry...

The Daily: Could you discuss what GL events’ role is in the event management industry as a whole?

François-Régis Picolet: “GL events is a Europe-based company that started in 1978 on the initiative of four college dropouts, one of whom is here with us today at SportAccord Convention.

“To cut a long story short, they built a company, which at the beginning was orientated towards servicing the exhibition industry, providing booths, carpet, signage and so forth for trade and public show organisers.

“Pretty rapidly they grew that company from being a general contractor for exhibitions to being a full-service company for major events, staying on the exhibition market, of course.”

FRP: “There is plenty! We have several initiatives that we deploy, including Think Green, Think People and Think Local. Very early on we realised that we would have to take the sustainable route.

“So we decided not to be overwhelmed or dragged along and, on the contrary, to drive the motion in the event world.

“Secondly, this has actually become a source of revenue. Some of our shows – the actual subject matter of the show itself is sustainability.

“So you see, the subject itself is a revenue generator, so we also have to show that, for us, sustainability is woven into the fabric of what we do.”

The Daily: GL events was also closely involved in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

What were your impressions of the Games?

The Daily: So how did GL events move into sport?

FRP: “They moved towards major international events, FRP: “The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic such as sporting events, but also political events, Games set the bar so high in terms of sustainability in conferences, congresses and so forth as a turnkey the world of international events, and that’s fantastic provider. because it’s the role of the client also to drive the market “After about 20 years, they moved up the value chain up and to educate people. So we really commend them of the events industry, from being a general contractor for having done that. to actually offering another type of service to the client “The British standard for sustainability has become an by providing the venue, so that the event could take ISO international standard, and we will soon be certified place. We now specialise in three market segments: GL for sustainable developments. events Exhibitions, the top of the value chain, GL events “As soon as we are compliant to that norm, we will be Venues, which is a network of 36 venues, which are able ISO certified – another example of our commitment to to host those events, and what we started with, which sustainability.” is GL events Live, with our service division, which also The Daily: You are a bronze partner of SportAccord encompasses our event agency’s division.”

Convention. Why is this event important to GL The Daily: So would you say that a majority of the events? events organised by GL events take place at your FRP: “We have been supporting SportAccord own venues?

Convention for many years, and we are a proud FRP: “Good question. I want to say yes, but I cannot supporter. This is the meeting where we meet all the give you an exact number, but yes the idea is to, in organising committees and host cities. We are very close an ideal world, organise the event, host it and then to bidding cities because we organise events, which are produce it. linked to cities and how a city can raise its profile, and “As the world is not ideal, each market segment of communicate through events, so it’s great to meet those those three divisions has to be autonomous. cities. We are very close to SportAccord Convention – “Take the Olympics for example. We don’t own they come to our event and we go to theirs. Coming the Olympics, nor do we organise them, but we serve to the Convention also allows us to reconnect with them. So, of course, those three market segments are different people. Walking down the aisles of the very independent and autonomous in how they act on exhibition hall, we see people who have worked with us the market, but ideally as we progress, we are trying to in the past. People come to our booth and it has become vertically integrate them. a bit of a meeting place, and we are very proud of that.”

“This is why we pride ourselves on being the world The Daily: What do you believe will be the future leader of events, but more importantly, the first of the sports event industry? integrated player.”

FRP: “I am very optimistic. Here in Saint Petersburg at The Daily: What sort of work is GL events doing in the Convention you can see the proof of how vibrant terms of sustainability? and dynamic this industry is. Will it maybe require

more structuring? Is sponsorship money more difficult to find? Yes, because that dynamism and the number of those events dilutes the funds available.

“So very much like the exhibition and event industries in the last decade have restructured themselves, I think we might see the same thing in the world of major events.

“How are the events going to be structured? How many of these events are going to remain in the marketplace?

“What will be the role of the funding corporations?

There are lots of questions, but I am very enthusiastic.

“Newcomers in the world of major events, such as Brazil and South Africa, are participating fully in the changing world of sporting events, and that’s fantastic.”  GL events is a Bronze Partner of SportAccord Convention

‘We are very close to bidding cities because we organise events, which are linked to cities and how a place can raise its profile, and communicate through events, so it’s great to meet those cities’

10

around the convention Tweets of the day

Vidar Eilertsen @vidarleeds1 #Sochi2014 CEO @DChernyshenko #sacon13:”The Games aren’t awarded 2 the country or city,but 2 the people” -Interesting @Oslo2022 #Gr8vision Interactive Sponsor @iSponsor2 I say of all 3 candidates, @Madrid2020ES is using Twitter and the #SACon13 hash most effectively.

Tweet-a-minute.

Bianelle Legros @BianelleLegros2 Quote from the City of Tokyo presentation about venues’We’ll keep the best and improve the rest’ I love it! #sacon13 Bill Cooper @WJGCooper3 #SACon13 Istanbul 2020 bid’s brand promise - ‘Asian & European, Historic & Contemporary, Devout & Democratic’ Phil Ascough @philascough4 I trust the guys from @IRBTotalRugby were impressed with the media scrum that swooped on #Putin @saconvention #SACon13 Beatriz Garcia @beatriz_garcia8 #Sochi2014 Winter Games aim to position Sochi as a sport as well as cultural capital in Russia #SACon13 David Cushnan @DavidCushnan8 More from Fox’s David Hill: “When I watch wrestling I’m always reminded of an octopus trying to get out of a bottle.” #2020 #IOC #SACon13 Delegates are reminded to consider bridge closure times when they plan their journey to the airport. Annunciation Bridge closes every night from 01:25-02:45, opens at 02:45-03:10 and then closes again from 03:10 to 05:00. Palace Bridge closes every night from 01:25-04:55. SportAccord Convention’s airport shuttle service will remain available until 23:00 on June 1.

two winners of qatar draw Two lucky delegates are looking forward to seeing the sporting facilities of Qatar first-hand after winning the social media draw held at SportAccord Convention by Silver Sponsor the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC).

Richard Caelius, General Manager of Xomo Europe mobile events guides, won two tickets to the FINA World Swimming Championships in 2014. Nick Meacham, Managing Director of SportsPro, won two tickets to the Men’s Handball World Championships in Doha in 2015.

In awarding the prizes, which include economy flights and five-star accommodation, Faisal Saleh Al-Mansoori, Director of Public Relations and Marketing for the QOC, said social media is a big part of his communications strategy.

an event to remember

11

interview

mutko reveals russia hopes

Sports Minister is looking beyond his country’s ‘decade of sport’...

R

ussia’s decade of sport is just the start for a nation which sees increased participation in sporting activities as central to its ambitions for economic growth.

Minister of Sport Vitaly Mutko highlighted numbers from outside the sporting arena which are geared to getting more people involved on the pitch, in the pool and on the track.

And he emphasised that the country’s vision extends well beyond the 2018 FIFA World Cup and is less to do with dates and deadlines than with creating an enduring culture in which sport and the wider economy thrive in partnership.

“I hope that the decade of sport does not end with the hosting of the 2018 World Cup and that Russian fans will have the opportunity to witness the largest international competitions,” Mutko told The Daily.

“It is obvious that sport is starting to play a more important role in the socio-economic development of the country and has the opportunity to become one of the driving forces behind the diversification of the economy.

“This is why we have virtually unlimited potential for growth, and this potential will only be fully realised in the very distant future.”

The numbers since 2008 show the adoption of more than 350 Government regulations designed to promote physical culture and sport, with a doubling of investment from the federal budget and construction of more than 17,000 sports facilities delivering a historical maximum in the number of swimming pools and gyms. The number of citizens who regularly engage in physical culture and sport

has grown by more than nine million, yet still more is needed – so more will be done.

“If we look at the main indicators of the development of physical culture and sport, Russia lags behind most developed sports countries,” said Mutko.

“Our country has set ambitious targets – by 2020 we aim to double the number of citizens regularly engaging in sport and to increase the availability of sport facilities of all types by 1.5. The priority is to engage children and young people in sport to create a fashion for a healthy lifestyle.”

The presence in Saint Petersburg of SportAccord Convention is seen as a vote of confidence in Russia by the international sporting community. It also underlines the importance of sport working closely with business.

“Physical culture and sport are undoubtedly among the fastest growing and most cost-efficient sectors of the economy,” said Mutko.

“The sport industry allows the effective promotion of services, technologies and products, which ensures the creation of new jobs, the flow of investment and infrastructural changes. It also affects the decisionmaking process on such fundamental social and economic problems as improving the quality of

‘Sport is starting to play a more important role in the socio-economic development of Russia’

opportunity: Vitaly Mutko life of citizens, encouraging consumer and business activity, raising labour productivity and introducing innovative production.”

competition that comes to Russia brings a need for improved facilities, which in turn generates economic activity to fuel further investment in sport.

“My colleagues from the Government and I have utko cited the decline in Russian sport repeatedly voiced plans on the development of the during the 1990s as contributing to an country in preparation for the World Cup,” said economic slowdown and a lack of interest Mutko. “We are talking about high-speed trains, train in sport across a range of age and socio-economic stations, airports, roads to connect the cities where groups, wounds which need more than time to heal. matches of the World Cup will take place, hotels, “What is required is the effective co-operation of stadiums and other significant social infrastructure the state and business, with economic stimulation of objects. Just look at Kazan, the capital of the organisations involved in physical culture and sport Universiade – today it is a new modern city, which to strengthen the competition in their sector and the it is more than comfortable to live in. These changes leisure industry in general,” he said. will affect the entire European part of Russia.

“We need to raise the return on investment in sport “Hosting the World Cup and other events, as well and co-operate in the development of the partnership as political and economic forums, provides us with of the state and the private sector.” a unique opportunity to update the image of the In common with other nations, Russia’s route country, to demonstrate the increased technological, for encouraging greater participation in sport is economic and organisational capabilities of Russia, to the country’s network of clubs, which can expect improve her tourist and investment attraction, and to increased Government support. draw the world’s attention.”

“The state programme for the development of In total, by 2018 Russia will have hosted more than physical culture and sport up to 2020 defines the 20 different world championships in various sports, priorities and aims of the industry, and sets targets, including hockey and football, the international including increasing the provision of sports clubs summer Universiade, the Winter Olympic and for citizens, improving the quality of state services Paralympic Games. in physical culture and sport, the provision of sports “These are large-scale infrastructure projects that coaches and the development of professional sports. require significant resources,” said Mutko.

“We have a massive job in front of us. But I am sure “However, investment in sport is an investment that positive changes will follow and that we will be in the future. By 2030, I hope to see Russia as a able to solve all the problems and achieve our goals.” thriving competitive country with comfortable living Achievement will be defined by trophies and medals conditions. I hope every single person will be able to but also by hosting events, because every major realise their potential, including in the field of sport.”

M

12 Today at a glance MEETINGS 08:00-13:00 SportAccord Convention General Assembly (Main Auditorium) 09:00-13:00 IOC Executive Board Meeting

PRESS BRIEFING 14:00-14:30 IOC President (Press Briefing Room)

SOCIAL 13:00-14:00 Farewell Cocktail (Invitational Lunch Area)

MORNING EXERCISE SESSION (06:15) TODAY: Group 5km walk/run

belek to host 2014

B

elek in Turkey was unveiled as the host of the 2014 SportAccord Convention yesterday as the 2013 edition in Saint Petersburg drew to

a close.

Hafize Özlem, Serenas Group’s Sports Business Development Manager, spoke on behalf of the Turkish Olympic Committee by inviting delegates to visit “another very beautiful city in 2014”.

“Belek is one of the most popular places to visit in Antalya, which is the most important tourist destination on the Mediterranean coastline of Turkey,” Özlem said.

“Our goal is to meet all of your expectations during the biggest and most important sports convention in the world. Belek is a place where sport meets nature and culture, and it is ready to offer you all of its beauty.”

Özlem went on to describe Belek’s outstanding attractions, with Antalya being the home of numerous cultural attractions.

It is also a place that loves sport and is loved by visiting sports clubs worldwide.

“Belek has some great sports facilities,” Özlem added.

“Belek has first-class facilities for Olympic and extreme sports and hosts major international sporting events.

International events in golf and archery plus more than 1,000 football training camps are held every year in Belek.

“The good thing is that it’s very easy to reach Belek from Antalya international airport, which is only 30 minutes away. There are direct and connecting flights from 20 cities all around the world.

“We are very excited and our team is ready to welcome you in Belek.”

agenda over the top: Combatants show off their judo skills in the Sports Demo Zone