The Daily - Issue #3 - Wednesday 9 April 2014

>inside >city forum

Event hopefuls must bid sensibly

>coe

2

Host cities more demanding than ever

>cookson

5

Restoring cycling’s credibility

11

The>Daily

your guide to what’s happening today at the belek/antalya sportaccord convention

www.sportaccordconvention.com @saconvention

wednesday, april 9, 2014

issue 3 discussions: Council Members at the ASOIF General Assembly

ASOIF’s Rio concerns

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pecial measures including project task forces have been outlined by the IOC in response to mounting concerns about delays with the preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Kit McConnell, the IOC Sports Director, announced the action at the ASOIF General Assembly at SportAccord Convention.

He was joined by Christophe Dubi, the IOC’s Deputy Director of the Olympic Games, and by Agberto Guimarães, Executive Director of Sports for the Rio Organising Committee, as the two bodies came together to reassure IFs that the city can deliver a successful Games.

McConnell referred to the IFs and admitted: “There are a number of comments and discussions regarding Rio, with concerns particularly about the construction timelines.” Dubi confirmed that construction

will be the first task force. He said: “We will have a number of task forces. Venue construction will be the first one and it will start work very soon.”

Dubi drew a parallel with Sochi 2014 by adding: “We are just out of a campaign in Sochi which was extremely successful, but to get to this position was a constant battle and it was extremely tight.

“To some extent what we have learned from Sochi will apply in Rio. It is not comparable, but there are similarities.

“There is no doubt a lot of tension here and we have delays, but we now have very clear timelines.

“It will need very clear monitoring to follow each and every milestone, but we know the venues will be ready in time for the test events.

“It is a complicated situation, but we have identified the delays and the problems, and

it is reassuring that from the Rio standpoint they have the same evaluation.

“We have special measures in place and task forces, and we will have the support at the highest levels of the organisations involved.”

Guimarães added: “I still think that we can pull this together and have a great Games. We face some challenges, but we can do it together with each one of the IFs. It means you have to push and you have to be demanding.”

ASOIF members also sought reassurance over such matters as water quality for certain events and the Games ticketing strategy, and Guimarães said these will be addressed.

ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said it was important to recognise that the problems were not the making of the three presenters. He said: “It is reassuring to have this commitment and I hope it is enough.”

vizer joins panel Marius L. Vizer, the President of SportAccord and SportAccord Convention, will join today’s Conference Programme Panel Session, ‘The Rulebreakers and Game Changers’, in the Main Auditorium from 16.0017.00.

Vizer, who outlined his future strategy for SportAccord and SportAccord Convention in the Monday edition of The Daily, will be joined by a lineup of top speakers on the final session of Day One of the Main Conference Programme.

Joining Vizer for the discussion will be three executives featured in today’s edition of The Daily.

You can check out the thoughts of Brett Hasell, Marketing Co-ordinator of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on p8, while Sarah Lewis, the Secretary General of the International Ski Federation  Continued on P2

2 sportaccord convention belek/antalya, turkey gold partners

host city partners

the daily 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, Mustafa Kanorwala, Luana Nanu, Simon Redfern, Musarath Sader, Yerbolat Seidilla, Rebecca Tobena, Abylay Zhunissali Photographers: Emre Çavdar, Yaşar Öztürk

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SportAccordConventn @saconvention ‘Sport is uniting people, it doesn’t matter what colour you are, you play the game.’ Wilson Kipketer, @iaaforg Power of Sport #SAC2014 David Alexander @Calacus So many familiar faces and new acquaintances at #SAC2014. The heart of sport beats loudly here....

Nick Meacham @SportsProNick Just arrived at @saconvention with a decent setup #SAC2014 . Looking forward to a busy few days

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Event hopefuls told to bid wisely A

dopting realistic expectations of your capabilities as an event host is a crucial part of trying to establish your destination as a new market for sporting events, according to a panel of experts at City Forum yesterday.

Numerous destinations have emerged as major event bidders in recent years, with political leaders increasingly aware of the legacy and reputational benefits of staging international sporting events.

However, bidding for events that are beyond the limitations of a city, region or country can prove to be counterproductive.

“There is an education process that has to be embarked upon before bidding for or hosting a major event,” Gideon Sam, the President of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, said at the Panel Session, ‘Establishing New Markets’.

“When you are looking to organise an event, you need to find a balance between what is possible and what is real.”

South Africa recently announced that it would be bidding to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Sam told The Daily yesterday that the event would serve as the “perfect dress rehearsal” for the Olympics, with a bid for the 2024 edition of the Games a

role: Panellists discuss the challenges faced by new markets distinct possibility. “All the events that we have hosted are about bringing the nation together, and that will continue to be the case,” he added.

Masterconcept Chairman and Partner Gernot Leitner added that the timing of a bid is a key consideration.

“Before deciding whether to bid for an event, you have to be sure that it is the right time,” he said.

“Lobbying is important – it is like a puzzle – and you have to do everything right to gain sufficient support.

“A destination really needs to have mid-term and long-term goals, and I believe the infrastructure building process needs time.

“To become a candidate country for

the Olympic Games, I think you have to reach a benchmark in that regard.”

The topic of Sochi 2014 then arose, with Leitner questioning the wisdom of awarding the Games to a destination that had to start from scratch, as opposed to other destinations that had submitted bids for the Winter Olympics before. However, Prof.

Nikolay Peshin, Pro Rector of the Russian International Olympic University, defended Sochi’s record and highlighted the legacy benefits for the region and country following the acclaimed Games earlier this year.

Yusuf Hacisuleyman, the Chairman of the Mediterranean Association of Touristic Hoteliers, said that a bidding

city must be able to offer more than just competition venues in order to ensure a positive economic impact.

“To be a good destination you have to offer everything that society needs,” Hacisuleyman said. “When organising an event, you should earn more than you give.”

FIBA 3x3 Sports Director Kosta Iliev described the three-players-per-side format of the sport as a “great asset” for exploring new markets.

“We are going to markets that never organised such events before,” he said.

“When we look for a city, we target iconic places where players and spectators can leave with pleasant memories.”

aims plenary session tackles match-fixing

Conference underway

Match-fixing was high up on the agenda of the AIMS (Alliance of Independent Members of SportAccord) Plenary Session held yesterday by SportAccord.

During the discussion on the main topic of the day, SportAccord Integrity Officer Sarah Lacarrière and SportAccord Advisor on Integrity Kristof Szucs outlined the challenge facing International Federations.

“It is a complex problem because we don’t know what we don’t see,” AIMS Chairman Espen Lund told The Daily. “However, it is very important to make people aware of the issue. We can never be ahead of the problem, but we must try to catch up. If we can collaborate and have more tools, workshops and webinars to share ideas, there will be a greater awareness of the issue.”

Yesterday, for the first time, SportAccord presented its ambitious ongoing project to create an educational platform that will host diverse e-learning programmes related to the physical and moral integrity of sport’s stakeholders. The platform is linked to a certification process that enables record-keeping of all users of different programmes. This platform is the first project of the recently-created Sports Integrity Standards Organisation (SISO). Members will be able to create their own page and tailor programmes for needs and disciplines.

The International Cheer Union (ICU), International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) and FIAS, the global governing body of Sambo, have already expressed an intention to forge closer links with SportAccord’s Integrity Unit and become pioneers in using the newly created certification platform. For further information: integrity@ sportaccord.com

(FIS) and Andrew Craig, President of The Craig Company LLC, are featured on p10.

BADMINTON England Chief Executive Adrian Christy, who was interviewed in the Monday edition of The Daily, will also participate in the session.

Day One of the Conference Programme will kick off with a Keynote Address and Interview (10.15-11.15) featuring Brian Cookson, the President of the International Cycling Union (UCI), who is the subject of ‘The Big Interview’ on p11 of today’s edition of The Daily.

From 12.00-13.00, one of the most highly anticipated sessions of this year’s Convention will be held, with ‘A Women’s World: The journey towards sporting equality’ coming under the spotlight. The session will be moderated by NGU Consultants, Inc. President Charmaine Crooks, C.M. (see p9) and feature Turkish National Olympic Committee Secretary General

 Continued from P1

Neşe Gündoğan as well as b-focused ltd Managing Director Marzena Bogdanowicz (see p8) and DAMAR Inc. President Donna de Varona (see p7).

Also on the panel will be Lisa Lazarus, Chief of Business Development and Strategy at the FEI, the global governing body of equestrian sport, who was interviewed in the Tuesday edition of The Daily, and Amanda Bennett, the Head Coach of the England women’s U-20 team at the Rugby Football Union, who was featured in The Daily on Monday.

In the penultimate session of the day, ‘The New Face of Leadership’ will be discussed by SportAccord Director General Vlad Marinescu, who will feature in ‘The Big Interview’ in The Daily on Friday, as well as International Rugby Board Secretary General Brett Gosper (see p7), International Paralympic Committee Vice President Andrew Parsons and Ladies European Tour Chairman Helena Alterby Nordstrom, who was interviewed in The Daily on Monday.

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news Jump in with Olympic star Delegates will be able to make a splash tomorrow (Thursday) when Olympic swimmer Katinka Hosszu hosts a morning swim at Susesi Luxury Resort’s 25-metre indoor pool with the support of FINA, the global governing body of aquatic sports.

The swim, which will take place from 06.30-07.30, is open to swimmers of all abilities and is guaranteed to provide the boost you need to kick-start your day!

Hosszu and her coach Shane Tusup will guide the session, which will end with a fun relay.

If you want to attend, email alex.ross@ sportaccordconvention.com and then bring a swimming costume and towel to the meeting point in the lobby of your hotel at 06.00 – or 06.15 if you are staying at Susesi – to be taken to the pool. Buses will also be provided for the return journey.

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SportAccord Convention Silver Partner EventScotland has invited delegates to their stand at 16.00 today for a dram of the finest single cask malt whisky, courtesy of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Edinburgh.

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Team Canada, a Bronze Partner of SportAccord Convention, will be hosting a Cocktail Reception at Club Mor Bar at Susesi Luxury Resort today from 17.00-20.00.

scotland ready for the world

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hona Robison, Scotland’s Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, declared in her Keynote Address yesterday at SportAccord Convention that her country is “ready to welcome the world” at the Commonwealth Games in July and August, and at golf ’s Ryder Cup in September.

Glasgow hosts the 20th Games from 23 July to 3 August, while Gleneagles in Perthshire will stage the biennial clash between Europe and the USA from 26-28 September – and Robison confirmed that preparations at both venues are “on time, on track and on budget”.

“Really my message to you today is very clear – and that is Scotland is ready to welcome the world this summer in what will be the largest sporting events we will have ever hosted,” she told delegates. “Our partners have worked very hard indeed to get where we are and as the Scottish Government Minister responsible for delivering both the Games and the Ryder Cup, I’m delighted to report that preparations are on time, on track and on budget.

“All venues are open, the athletes’ village is ready, Team Scotland is taking shape and 92% of tickets have been sold. I’m pleased to say that the Commonwealth Games Federation’s

message: Shona Robison Coordination Commission recently came to test our readiness, gave a glowing report and predicted an outstanding success.”

As for the Ryder Cup, Robison claimed that the prestigious team event would confirm Scotland’s status as ‘the Home of Golf ’, as well as being a “perfect” stage for the sport’s top tournaments.

“The 2014 Ryder Cup presents a unique opportunity to deliver change across the whole of Scotland now and in the lead-up to the event and beyond,” she added. “There are many legacy initiatives now in place that should benefit different people in different ways.”

As well as 2014 being the year when Scotland hosts two major sporting events, it is also the second year of Homecoming – a project initially

held in 2009 to reinforce the country’s place on the international stage as “a dynamic and creative nation”. “Scotland will demonstrate once more that we are the perfect stage for major events, whether that be sporting, cultural, local or international,” Robison said.

“Together, these events offer an unrivalled chance to put Scotland on the world stage and will maximise those opportunities to create valuable economic, cultural and educational opportunities.

“It is also a unique opportunity to encourage more visitors, both international and domestic, to come and enjoy Scotland. Our cultural programme will be an inspiring showcase of the best of Scotland that reinforces an international image aligned to pure creativity and innovation.

“But these Games are about more than medals and sporting achievements, they’re also a powerful catalyst for investment, regeneration and economic growth.

“We also want Scotland to be fitter physically, culturally, economically and socially. We’ve invested in new and upgraded facilities, like the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow and the new National Performance Centre for Sport (NPCS) in Edinburgh.

This time next year we’re confident that sporting organisations, coaches, clubs and committees will be reporting a sustainable legacy from 2014.”

It’s Happening in Malaysia Malaysia Takes on Some of the Biggest Brands in Sports Malaysia, a Top 10 Travel Destination for 2014 by Travel Planet is popularised as a

What is probably Malaysia’s illustrious sporting event to date is hosting the Laureus World

leisure destination boasting one of Asia’s oldest rainforests, to the world’s tallest twin

Sports Award 2014 where the world set its sight on some of the biggest sporting individuals

towers. It also comes complete with modern facilities, world class infrastructures and

coveting glory as the best sportsperson of the year.

expert capabilities to host and organise international sporting events. This is evident with Kuala Lumpur named as a Top 20 Sport business’ Ultimate Sport City in 2012.

As Malaysia looks forward to hosting these sporting events during the nation’s Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign, global recognition of our unique selling points is conceivable

The profile spans a history of golden moments in sports with the winning bid to host

in attracting other prolific events to our shores.

Commonwealth Games in 1998, Formula 1 Grand Prix since 1999 and Le Tour de Langkawi from 1996.

In 2014, Malaysia secured a variety of new events such as FISE World Series (Extreme Sports) a first for Asia and the historic state of Melaka is named as host of this prestigious event. Another is Muay Thai World Championship; a sport increasing in popularity globally has helped root Malaysia’s appeal as a host for unique sports. In addition, Ironman has returned to its South East Asian home for not just one but two races – Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya and Ironman Malaysia.

Malaysia Major Events Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (868264-K) Suite 5.1A, Level 5, Menara IMC 8 Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Connect with us at Booth 79 T +603 2034 2090 F +603 2034 2092 info@mymajorevents.com.my www.mymajorevents.com.my

MyCEB @myceb mymajorevents

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World Series can win over youth Olivier Pascal, the Founder of the FISE (International Festival of Extreme Sports) World Series, wrapped up City Forum yesterday by telling delegates that the event will serve as the perfect way to tap into the youth market.

In his Case Study, ‘Hitting New Target Audiences’, Pascal said that the World Series can establish new networks and eradicate negative stereotypes about the culture of action sports.

“The World Series is about people gathering in Europe for an epic weekend of extreme sports,” Pascal said.

“It attracts large audiences and combines music, graffiti and arts with sports. It is more than a sports event – it is a festival that features all of the sports that belong to the same culture and connects with young people.”

The 2014 FISE World Series will begin in Montpellier, France from 28 May to 1 June before travelling to Andorra in June, Melaka in Malaysia in September and Chengdu in China in October.

The World Series will comprise 15 days of competition this year across five sports – BMX, roller, skateboard, MTB slopestyle and wakeboard.

“It is about linking music and art with sport to reach new targets,” Pascal added.

“There are numerous benefits, including social cohesion. Normally when you go out on your bike, you are on your own, but in the World Series there are people around you. People can develop a new network of friends.

“At the same time, it will hopefully change the way people think about action sports.”

challenges of joint hosting

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partnership between neighbouring nations which flourished to deliver the UEFA European Championships in 2000 was traced all the way back to a hosting rivalry dating back almost 100 years at the Convention yesterday.

Belgium and the Netherlands joined forces to deliver the 2000 tournament, but in the early 1900s both nations competed to host the Olympic Games. Amsterdam and Brussels both missed out in 1916, when the Games were cancelled anyway because of the First World War. Antwerp edged out Amsterdam to host the Games in 1920 and the Dutch city also missed out in 1924 before winning the hosting rights in 1928, and surviving a challenge from compatriots Rotterdam along the way. In the modern age a co-hosting deal would be one solution, and panellists were asked in yesterday’s City Forum 2014 Panel Session to consider the practical realities of getting such a partnership off the ground and achieving success.

Henk Stokhof, Head of Sports Department, City of Amsterdam, said: “It’s not easy to bring two countries together to host a major sporting event. They have different social and economic factors which can determine who

warnings: Experts discuss city partnerships plays a bigger role. But we needed a future for Belgium and Holland, we needed a catalyst to improve the relations between the nations.”

Rick Traer, CEO of the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance, highlighted the partnership between Toronto and Montreal, who will co-host the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, with Toronto taking the lead in 2015 and Montreal getting their turn in 2017. He added: “One of the main problems with the joint bidding process is that the success might not be equally distributed and that has to be kept in mind.”

Susan Sawbridge, Manager Event Prospecting and Bidding, Auckland Tourism, said New Zealand is exploring the possibility of hosting events jointly with Australia and

that potential pitfalls can apply to joint and individual bids. She said: “You need to keep your objective in mind. It has to depend on four outcomes – economic impact, international profiles, domestic or international market and livability as a city.”

Stokhof added: “You should never build infrastructure that you don’t need afterwards.

Don’t build a stadium for 40,000 if you have a normal attendance of 10,000.”

Sawbridge made the point that successful partnership begins at home. She said: “We work together with the cities, local governments and the Federations in terms of planning and structuring the various goals on local, regional and national levels to host any event.”

London 2012 Flag Handover / August 12th 2012, Olympic Stadium - London, Uk.

Olympic Ceremonies dfsu’s new project Turin 2006, Olympic Ceremony / February 10 2006, Olympic Stadium - Turin, Italy. th

PRODUCER OF RIO 2016 CEREMONIES SAC DELEGATE

simone.masserini@filmmaster.com www.filmmasterevents.com

The SportAccord Doping-Free Sport Unit (DFSU) is to make a major announcement at the Convention today (Wednesday).

SportAccord Members will be told about the launch of a special project at the DFSU’s Session, ‘The Challenges of Education’, in the Press Briefing Room from 14.00-16.00, which is only open to SAC Members.

During this interactive session Françoise Dagouret, Director of the DFSU, and Davide Delfini, Project Manager, will address the challenges of anti-doping education in the framework of the revised World AntiDoping Code, which comes into effect on 1 January next year.

Suggestions will be made for the practical implementation of values-based tools and on how to minimise ignorance and the

risk of inadvertent doping. In March the DFSU attended WADA’s symposium held annually in Lausanne, gathering more than 340 participants from the worldwide antidoping community. Dagouret took part in a roundtable session with organisers of early 2014 Code-related conferences, including the Japan Anti-Doping Agency, UK Anti-Doping, the Netherlands Anti-Doping Authority and WADA Regional Anti-Doping Organisations.

The discussion was an opportunity to call for a new perception of testing programmes, including principles such as flexibility, and to recommend the adoption of revised anti-doping rules that remain realistic and easily applicable when it comes to practical implementation by Code Signatories organisations.

news baku hopes for games The 2015 European Games are a chance to show the world that Baku and Azerbaijan are “a dynamic destination”, according to Games Operation Committee CEO Azad Rahimov.

Rahimov told yesterday’s Session, ‘Event Watch: The First European Games’: “It is important for us to use the opportunity as host of the first European Games to show that Baku - and Azerbaijan - is a dynamic destination in Europe for sport, business, tourism and culture.

“The Games are a source of immense national pride for the people of Azerbaijan. The event is already helping to develop local communities and to educate society through sport.

“There is no denying that Azerbaijan is writing history. The face of Baku is ever-changing as rapid progress takes place to create world-class sporting facilities that deliver outstanding conditions for athletes and a lasting legacy for the people of Baku and Azerbaijan.

“Azerbaijan has truly embraced sport and the Olympics as a means of not only sustaining the economic, social and political vibrancy of the country, but of showcasing its rich culture and traditions to the world.”

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Coe’s global view A man whose own athletics career took him around the world believes modern sport is now looking at a new landscape which brings great opportunities and significant

challenges.

Sebastian Coe won Olympic gold in Moscow in 1980 and Los Angeles in 1984. As an administrator he took the 2012 Games to London and led the delivery of a hugely successful event.

Now Lord Coe, Chairman of the British Olympic Association and Executive Chairman of CSM Strategic, has his focus on new territories and destinations eager to make their mark in the world of sport.

Coe told The Daily: “You have emerging cities in emerging nations that clearly want to play a role in sport and that shows we have an opportunity in the next decade to globalise sport.”

Coe believes the pace of change has been even more rapid in recent years, and that London 2012 was a good example of how major events are becoming ever more demanding.

He said: “It is a different planet. It is inordinately more complex. Cities are more challenging environments than they have ever been.

“If I had been doing my job in London even 20 years ago, it would probably have been enough for me to just say I wanted to bring the best athletes of their generation to a great city to witness extraordinary sport, and everybody would have nodded their heads.

“Now you have very demanding stakeholders and

‘It is inordinately more complex. Cities are more challenging environments than they have ever been’

role: Lord Coe has seen vast changes in the nature of hosting major sports events the most demanding will always be the people who live in your country and your city.”

Coe said great sport, pristine project management and successful performances are not enough. He added: “If you are going to build venues in the middle of an economically challenged community they want to know how you will make sure those venues are sustainable 20 or 30 years down the road.”

Global expansion brings new challenges, and he said: “A lot of countries that want to play a part may have the economic wherewithal but not the experience and expertise that they need. It is also

probably going to mean a global conversation about calendars. On behalf of the IAAF, we know we will probably have to change the way we do business to accommodate those countries that want to stage the World Athletics Championships.

“They have the appetite and the wherewithal but will probably need a little more help in the early stages than countries that have mature track and field markets, and that is a high-class problem to have.”

Coe said CSM has positioned itself to maximise opportunities in global sports with 800 people in 21 offices and 14 countries, and a particularly strong presence in the Middle East and the Far East.

He said: “The nature of our business is extraordinarily varied – at the FIFA World Cup this year we are doing branding, hospitality and catering.

“What we also provide is a critical friendship, bringing experience to the table from people who have been at the coal face.”

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Raise the stakes S

port faces an increasing challenge to curb match-fixing originating from unregulated and poorly regulated betting markets, according to Sportradar’s Managing Director of Strategy and Integrity, Andreas Krannich.

Ahead of speaking on the highly-anticipated panel, ‘The Integrity Issue’, on Thursday, Krannich told The Daily that since 2009 his company has detected more than 1,250 football matches worldwide that are likely to have been manipulated.

With Sportradar’s innovative and technologically advanced ‘Fraud Detection System’ informing stakeholders in the sports industry of suspicious betting patterns, Krannich is realistic about the challenges facing the industry.

“We started out as a service provider for the betting industry and then utilising the vast amounts of data and technology from our core business, developed a system to detect suspicious betting activity for sports, law enforcement and state authorities,” said Krannich, who joined Sportradar after a decade working in German football administration.

“The initial early warning system for football back in 2004 was then modified to a Fraud Detection System to cover live betting, and we now don’t just work in football – we also work in tennis, rugby, cricket and handball, assisting over 20 sports federations around the world, and we will launch soon in ice hockey and basketball.

“In general, the bigger the interest in a sport, the larger the betting volume. So the more popular the

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Host Cities across the UK

30,000 International Athletes

‘The bigger the interest, the larger the betting volume league is, the greater the amount of money involved and the higher the betting liquidity is.

“Where this coincides with players who are poorly paid or not even paid at all, for example, this creates an attractive scenario for match-fixers to try and exploit.”

Sportradar monitors more than 61,000 sporting events per year, but the scale of the challenge is huge, as Krannich explained.

“Less than one per cent of the matches currently monitored by Sportradar are suspected of being manipulated for betting purposes. But we only monitor a small part of worldwide sport, and we know that match-fixers are very flexible and easily switch to sports that are not protected by us.

“International Federations are willing to discuss problems in sports betting, but not so much the trend of sport-related manipulation, like doing a friend a favour.

“Besides organised crime groups entering the markets, there is also a second threat of sportsrelated manipulation through these ‘gentlemen’s agreements’ – and we see that more and more often

53% of spectators inspired to participate in sport

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this ‘insider’ knowledge is also used to generate money from the betting market.”

Krannich also stressed that sport needs to work closely with the betting industry to clamp down on such corruption.

Regulations surrounding betting in Europe contrast wildly from country to country, leading to an inconsistent landscape and a dangerous ‘grey area’ in which non-regulated or poorly regulated markets, which are attractive to match-fixers, can flourish.

“The whole issue is misrepresented by political lobbying in Europe,” Krannich added.

“For example, they give this impression that spot betting is a problem – like the first yellow card in a football match – but that’s nonsense.

“In all the games that we suspect to have been manipulated, 99 per cent of those were manipulated in the three main betting markets of 1X2 (home win, draw or away win) handicap and totals.

“Betting companies, whether they are licensed or unlicensed, don’t want matches to be manipulated.

The integrity of sport would be damaged, and they would lose money, so they limit the stakes on this sort of ‘spot betting’.

“There are also badly regulated markets in Europe and I think it’s wrong just to blame Southeast Asia for this issue – the industry needs to work with all relevant stakeholders.”

 Andreas Krannich will be speaking on Thursday’s Panel Session, ‘The Integrity Issue’, from 14.00-15.00.

Simon Morton, UK Sport’s Director of Major Events and International Relations, has spoken of the agency’s desire to secure future major sporting events to ensure the country makes the most of the momentum generated by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

UK Government figures indicate that since winning the bid for the 2012 Olympics, 1.5 million more people in the country have been regularly participating in sport.

“The British Government is investing more than £2 billion in sport from grassroots all the way through to the high performance system UK Sport is responsible for, to build a strong and enduring legacy,” Morton told The Daily.

“We have been in the fortunate position to actually increase investment in Olympic and Paralympic sport since London 2012, while our athletes have already made more than 6,000 appearances at schools and in communities.

“Through our Gold Event Series we have also secured the right to host world-class sporting events at all the permanent venues in the Olympic Park, including the IAAF World Athletics Championships in 2017.

“This aims to support the ambition of using events to inspire. Our findings show 57% of spectators are more inspired to participate in sport having attended major events.”

City impact by Sport has the power to transform communities. And a well-executed event has the power to redefine a city or even a nation.

Beijing: Investment in future growth

The unrelenting deadlines in place for mega-events allow emerging markets to accelerate their long-term development by a decade or more, bringing with that acceleration the accompanying economic growth. Beijing ranked highest on a 2012 list of 27 global cities in a measure of economic clout beyond its own borders, according to PwC’s Cities of Opportunity.

Much of China’s $42 billion Olympic budget for the 2008 Summer Olympics can be attributed to infrastructure spending on a new airport with vastly improved capacity, mass transit that expanded access from a two-line subway into the world’s largest network, and other city-wide improvements.

Source: It’s how you play the game: Matching a region’s priorities with the right mega – or not so mega – event, PwC, April 2014

The UK’s Major Events Legacy programme

28 70 Sports

Events

Infostrada’s new deal

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MILLION Live Spectators

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LONDON 2012 VENUES REVISITED

Infostrada Sports will deliver all biographies and historical data for a third Asian Games in a row after signing a deal for this year’s edition of the multi-sport event in Incheon, South Korea.

Following delivery of similar content to the Doha (2006) and Guangzhou (2010) Asian Games, full service sport and media company Infostrada Sports was selected by Ssangyong Information & Communications Corp to provide all background content for Incheon’s Games Information System (GIS).

The GIS will be the main source of background and reference information for the 10,000 members of the broadcast and print media who will cover the Games, which will run from 19 September to 4 October.

More than 9,000 athlete, coach, team and NOC biographies will be accessible, as well as more than 60 years of Asian Games history, including recent results on major competitions for more than 36 sports at the Games.

“We deliver to the premium events on the sporting calendar, and consistently show that we have the skills, expertise and experience to deliver first-class content,” Infostrada Sports CEO Danny Menken said.

“Over the last 15 years we have developed a significant results and common data platform for nearly 300 sports. We have been collating and validating results and athlete biographical information, which has then been made available to more than 60 major event organisers.”

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sports must react to changing world

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he International Rugby Board needs to evolve to meet the demands of a changing landscape and become an “inspirer” as well as a custodian of the sport, according to the governing body’s Secretary General, Brett Gosper.

Rugby union has flourished in recent years, with 6.6 million men, women and children now playing the game across the IRB’s 119 member nations.

With the addition of Rugby Sevens to the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games programme set to thrust rugby into the global spotlight like never before, and the sport enjoying unprecedented commercial, broadcast and social media growth, Gosper acknowledged that the IRB is ready for the next step.

“The sports world is changing, with entertainment, marketing, converging broadcast and digital media, brand and event management being more central to success,” he told The Daily.

“This changing landscape will require the IRB and its member Unions to evolve, to be in greater direct contact with a public which demands to be entertained, informed and interacted with, and who will also demand greater transparency and direct involvement with our mission to grow and safeguard the game.

“Against this backdrop, there must be a shift in the IRB’s emphasis from simply being a game regulator or custodian, to being a game inspirer, one that engages with the public and its views, and works hard to inspire audiences.”

The men’s and women’s competitions at the Olympics are set to provide the sport with an unprecedented opportunity to establish itself as truly universal.

With the IRB broadening its horizons by taking its flagship tournament, the Rugby World

opportunity: Brett Gosper Cup, to Japan just a year before Rugby Sevens features on the programme for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, the sport has a chance to make an impact in new markets.

“For the IRB, the opportunity is much more than simply having rugby represented on sport’s biggest stage,” Gosper said. “It is the key that has unlocked the door to participation in emerging and new markets, and there is great excitement throughout the rugby family.

“As an Olympic sport, rugby is benefiting from dedicated National Olympic Committee (NOC), government and Olympic solidarity funding, access to high performance facilities and inclusion in school sports programmes.

“The impact in emerging rugby nations will be profound. For example, rugby was added to the 2013 Chinese National Games programme, USA Rugby is a member of the US Olympic Committee and the Netherlands Rugby Union is funding women’s players with the assistance of its NOC. “The more established rugby nations are also benefiting. For example, Sport New Zealand is

Overcoming obstacles There have been many battles fought for equality in sport, but there still appear to be obstacles facing women in the industry, according to Donna de Varona.

The former swimming superstar, who is a renowned figure in the movement to encourage greater equality in sport after having joined tennis legend Billie Jean King in establishing The Women’s Sport Foundation in the 1970s, still sees numerous barriers for women in comparison to men.

“Sport has an outdated system for getting women embedded in it, and it takes an extraordinary combination of opportunity and an incredible individual for women to make it,” De Varona told The Daily. “We have come a long way in offering sports opportunities and that has come also as a result of the media.”

De Varona spoke about the positive examples of women operating in leading positions in the governance of sport. One such individual is International Triathlon Union President and IOC Member Marisol Casado. “She is being incredibly creative in terms of establishing events that are interesting, hosting them around

the world, increasing prize money and advocating having a team competition at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games,” De Varona added. “As a leader, you can take a lot from the example she has set.”

Media coverage of women’s sport has unquestionably increased in recent years, but it is still disproportionately overwhelmed by coverage of men’s sport.

De Varona made an early entrance into broadcasting, making her debut on US network television at the age of 17.

However, she fears that the dominance of men in TV producer and director positions means that women do not have a level playing field in terms of sports coverage.

“We need those decision-makers in broadcasting,” she said. “However, it’s different for women. If we make a mistake, it is magnified, so you really have to know what you are talking about.”

De Varona believes that legislation is key, and added: “I spend most of my life in Washington D.C. lobbying to protect the civil rights legislation as it applies to sport and education. There has been an incredible amount of change, but we still have a long way to go.”

now funding an Olympic rugby programme, while the boost in profile and engagement across rugby has been incredible.

“With Rio 2016 just around the corner, the game is thriving in Brazil and a dedicated development plan is already bearing fruit with 25 per cent more players than two years ago.”

As mentioned by Gosper, women’s rugby is a major growth area, with 1.5 million women and girls playing the game across 110 countries.

“Strength in women’s rugby makes the game as a whole stronger and helps us reach new audiences and markets,” he added.

“Olympic inclusion has undoubtedly delivered a huge boost, prompting considerable interest in the likes of Brazil, China, Netherlands, USA and Canada and the Women’s Sevens World Series is going from strength to strength.”

With player safety – and particularly concussion – being a big topic in rugby at the moment, the IRB is continuing to invest heavily in welfare and medical initiatives.

“Player welfare is our top priority,” Gosper added.

“Concussion is a public health issue that affects all sports and we are committed to ensuring the best possible standards of care and education for

our athletes. We urge all members of the rugby family to recognise the symptoms of concussion and immediately remove from playing or training any player displaying any clear or suspected symptoms.”

Looking ahead, Gosper believes that there are three main drivers of growth in rugby.

“Rugby World Cup showcases the sport and its

‘Olympic inclusion has undoubtedly delivered a huge boost to rugby’ values and delivers the financial platform for the game,” he said.

“There is also the Olympic Games and the growth of sevens, which are unlocking the door to participation in emerging and new markets, and the IRB’s investment strategy, which will see £330 million invested in the development of the game between 2009 and 2016.”  Brett Gosper will be speaking on the Plenary Panel Session, ‘The New Face of Leadership’, at 14.00-15.00 today.

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making a mark

A

woman who served as Director of Marketing at the British Olympic Association for 10 years admits she is as guilty as anyone when it comes to failing to promote the achievements and abilities of women in sport.

However, Marzena Bogdanowicz will take a step towards addressing that when she lines up at SportAccord Convention today on a panel which will discuss sporting equality. She told The Daily there are signs in the competitive environments of the sporting arena and in the sporting corridors of power that women are making their mark.

Bogdanowicz, Founder and Managing Director of b-focused ltd, said: “At the London 2012 Olympic Games women were frequently taking centre stage and gracing the front pages, and we saw another female-led medal charge for Team GB in Sochi.

“But these moments are not maintained as the sports pages soon become male-dominated again.

“We need to influence the channels that young women read in order to influence their career paths and maintain profile.”

Bogdanowicz suggested that such coverage can attract women into sport as an industry, where they will then discover more opportunities and fewer obstacles than in the “city business culture”. Greater awareness may generate more applications from women for jobs in sport by demonstrating that the doors are not closed and that women will be considered on merit and not just as part of a quota policy.

She said: “The challenge is that women probably don’t shout loudly enough about the roles. We have to inform other females of what is possible. I am as guilty as others of this, as it is not easy to do so without the

CHALLENGE: Marzena Bogdanowicz

risk of being seen as a female lobbyist and just being on a big profile boost.

“We do our jobs and we do them well, but men are more confident in speaking out about what they have achieved.

“Today women hold key leadership roles – CEOs of UK Sport and Sport England, Director of BBC Sport, CEO of England Rugby 2015.

“Given any opportunity, I will encourage women from other business areas or at university to become involved in sport. Sport is now a major employer and a career in the industry can follow many different avenues. We just don’t shout about it enough.”  Marzena Bogdanowicz will take part in the Panel Session, ‘A Women’s World: The Journey Towards Sporting Equality’, in the Main Auditorium during the Conference Programme today from 12.00-13.00.

Come and see us at stand 121 Federation of International Bandy

news Hassell outlines benefits of groundbreaking event The “complexities” of running the men’s and women’s events of the Hockey World Cup alongside each other are outweighed by the considerable benefits on offer, according to Brett Hasell, the Media and Marketing Coordinator at the FIH, hockey’s global governing body.

Around half of the tickets available for the event, which will run from 31 May to 15 June, have been sold, showing the appetite for hockey in the host country of the Netherlands and the host city, The Hague.

“There will be world-class hockey matches, amazing sports presentations and in-event entertainment coupled with a brilliant online experience,” Hasell said. “It is a certainly a large project to co-ordinate with the volume of players, officials and fans.

“Although it has added complexities, there are many benefits for the host country [of staging the men’s and women’s tournaments alongside each other].

“Over the same period we will also see the Beach, Youth, Street and Masters Hockey World Cups take place. The Netherlands is one of the biggest hockey nations and we are confident the fans will come in numbers to watch this massive

event. In terms of capitalising on the World Cup from a social media view, it does make it a much bigger event with more audience share potential.

We plan to treat fans to behind the scenes content, Google Plus hang-outs, photo opportunities and online goodies to share.”

With regard to logistical challenges, Hasell acknowledged that co-ordinating players, teams, staff members, suppliers and volunteers will be a challenge.

“We are focusing on making sure the increased workload doesn’t impact on the overall quality of the tournament and that everyone involved has a great time,” he added.

“We are working closely with the local organising committee and are confident it will run smoothly.

“The Netherlands is experienced in running great hockey events and, with the 15,000-capacity Kyocera Football Stadium being converted into a hockey pitch along with a second temporary 5,000-capacity stadium at the same location, we think it will result in a great atmosphere.”  Brett Hasell will speak on the Session, ‘The Rulebreakers and Game Changers’, from 16.00-17.00 today in the Main Auditorium.

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news

Q&A

jon tibbs

Chairman, jta

The Daily: From a personal perspective, what have been your impressions of the development of SportAccord Convention over the past 12 years, and how has this mirrored the development of JTA over the past 15 years?

Jon Tibbs: “I attended the firstever SportAccord Convention in Madrid in 2003 when it was by no means certain that the event would be the phenomenal success that it has become.

At the time, only a few hundred delegates attended, but now SportAccord Convention is the largest event of its kind in the global sports movement.

“This is testament to the commitment of the SportAccord Convention leadership and the excellent job they have done in making it an integral part of the sporting calendar. I am privileged to have attended every single SportAccord Convention since its inception.

JTA has grown at a considerable rate over the past few years, but I would have retired by now had we grown at the same rate!”

The Daily: This year JTA is a Silver Partner of SportAccord Convention. Why is it such an important event for JTA, and why did you decide to become a Partner?

JT: “SportAccord Convention is a hugely important networking event for JTA and

‘We are bringing a larger team than ever before to the Convention’ our clients, and this year we are bringing a larger team than ever before to the Convention. As we have taken the strategic decision not to have a 2022 bid client, we are in a position to be able to partner with SportAccord Convention for the first time and it is great to be working together to meet our business objectives.”

The Daily: Looking back, what are your reflections of JTA’s involvement in the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, and how are you looking to use the experience of the Games in your future projects?

JT: “It has been an amazing experience for us to be involved in a bid from the first week that Dmitry Chernyshenko was appointed as bid leader in 2005, through the planning and preparation stages, during the Games themselves, and now on the handover to Pyeongchang 2018 and legacy implementation. We are honoured to have been involved in the Olympic cycle from start to finish and it is a tribute to the loyalty and depth of the relationships that we have built with the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee

canada on a roll

city that has hosted Games and major Canadian sport is on a roll thanks to the legacy of the memorable 2010 Vancouver sports events, the focus is leveraging on these opportunities and building on Winter Olympic Games, according to them for the future.”

Charmaine Crooks, C.M. Crooks, who is a Member of the Order Crooks, who was involved in the of Canada, a five-time Olympian and Vancouver Games from the initial bid an Olympic silver medalphase through to the delivery winner, will moderate today’s of the event, is delighted that Conference Programme Panel Canada will be able to give Session, ‘A Women’s World: visitors a taste of the country’s The journey towards sporting sporting appetite again next equality’, which will be the year. first of its kind at SportAccord The Pan American and Pan Convention.

Parapan Games will take place Crooks added: “We in Toronto in July and August 2015, just weeks after the FIFA infrastructure: collectively share the notion Charmaine Crooks that while there has been a lot Women’s World Cup is held across the country, from Vancouver in the of progress for women in sport, there is still more to be done. west to Moncton in the east.

“I think that panels like this highlight, “Next year in Canada we have the Pan under the umbrella of sport, an American Games and also the Women’s important and vital perspective. I World Cup, with the final taking place in applaud the organisers for this initiative Vancouver,” Crooks told The Daily. and hope it will be a pattern for years “On the fifth anniversary of 2010, to come. There have been strides taken these major events will really allow us towards equality in sport and you see to showcase our country again through the actual participation levels going up. sport.”

Sport also has an opportunity to partner Vancouver has benefited from a with the corporate sector and to build number of long-term infrastructure networks for women in sport. legacy projects that were developed for “I believe it’s important to continue to the 2010 Games. work with all levels of the sport system, “We have been able to accelerate as well as those outside of sport, to bring necessary infrastructure projects due equality.” to the Games, including new road constructions, sport facilities and an  Charmaine Crooks, C.M. will expanded SkyTrain system,” she added. moderate the Panel Session, ‘A Women’s “However, we have also been able World: The journey towards sporting to build a legacy in terms of athlete equality’ in the Main Auditorium today development and volunteerism. For a from 12.00-13.00.

that we have been able to do this. I’d also like to think that it is because we have delivered what we promised we would!”

The Daily: What are your current projects in the industry?

JT: “As always, JTA is involved with a large number of high-profile sports projects. Our client list currently includes Manchester United, the Association of National Olympic Committees, the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, European Olympic Committees, Generations For Peace, the Jordan Olympic Committee, the Russian International Olympic University, Federal Tyres, and the Turkmenistan Government.”

The Daily: The theme of this year’s SportAccord Convention is ‘Sport’s New Frontier’. What do you think will be the biggest talking points and issues in the industry over the next year or two?

JT: “The rise and growth of emerging nations in Central Asia such as Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, and how sport will be used to open up these countries and showcase them to the rest of the world.”

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SportAccord Convention Gold Partner PwC has presented its latest Thought Leadership publication on how the hosting of sporting events can contribute to regional and city development.

The presentation took place at a special breakout session by PwC following the annual City to City Breakfast, which is a private meeting of city administrators from around the world.

The publication, entitled “It’s how you play the game: Matching a region’s priorities with the right mega – or not so mega – event”, was presented by PwC’s Cities and Local Government Sector Leader Hazem Galal and PwC’s Asia Pacific Head of PPP and Infrastructure Yumiko Noda.

The duo led a discussion with David Simon, of the Los Angeles Sports Council, Iain Edmondson, of London & Partners and Rakel Liew, of Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development, on the role of sports events in city and regional development.

“The appeal of marquee sports events such as the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup is undeniable, with cities the world over competing to host these high-profile events, undeterred by the substantial costs, extensive planning and inflexible timelines,” Galal said. “However, not every city or region is ready or able to host a marquee mega-event. Some may not have the resources, the infrastructure or the capacity.

“Instead, cities and regions are better served by assessing their long-term priorities for development and then bidding on the events that best correlate with those priorities.”

PwC’s new publication presents a framework for helping a city or region decide which event to host, based on key questions under the categories of overall readiness, venues, legacy, supporting infrastructure and intellectual capital. To see the publication, visit www.sportaccordconvention.com.

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Innovation is key to development T

he FIS, the global governing body of skiing, is ready to innovate its top competitions in order to keep the sport relevant in an increasingly competitive international sporting calendar, according to Secretary General Sarah Lewis.

Lewis will participate in a Conference Programme Session later today focusing on ‘The Rulebreakers and Game Changers’. The Session will focus on how sports can reinvent themselves to attract new followers, as well as retain fans.

Lewis told The Daily that disciplines such as freestyle skiing and snowboarding have “done an excellent job of developing the events to appeal especially to youngsters”.

She added: “These competition formats have also been developed in view of the terrain parks on offer in many ski resorts, thereby giving many youngsters the chance to develop their skills locally that can be transferred to competitions.”

However, Lewis highlighted the innovations that have been introduced within the International Federation’s oldest discipline, cross-country skiing, which has been on the Winter Olympic Games programme since 1924. “The sport was struggling for credibility and even existence after eight high-profile doping cases at the 2001 FIS Nordic World

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appeal: Sarah Lewis Ski Championships and then the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games,” Lewis said.

“However, we saw this situation as an opportunity to break from the traditional and non-media friendly competition formats to try to revitalise cross-country skiing.

“There were two main approaches – the first was to limit the formats to four unique and identifiable individual competitions, namely a sprint, an individual start (time-trial) race, the skiathlon, where both the classic and free techniques are combined in one race, and a long distance race, as well as the relay and team sprint for both genders.

“The second step was the introduction

Agberto Guimarães, the Executive Director of Sport and Paralympic Integration for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, will be the main guest at the Around the Rings Newsmaker Breakfast this morning from 09.00-09.30 at the SAC Café.

SportAccord Convention Media Partner SportBusiness International will unveil the ‘SportBusiness International Team 200’ today, marking the 200th issue of the magazine.

The virtual hall of fame, featuring the 200 most influential

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of the Tour de Ski, which is a stage format taking place over the New Year period that comprises eight to 10 stages across three nations, concluding with a now infamous final climb.

“We have positioned the Tour de Ski as a high-profile event that rewards the athletes with additional World Cup points and prize money. It has captured the attention of the media and become a key focus of the crosscountry season.

“We are continually looking at ways to keep the FIS disciplines relevant, both on the snow and in their communication.”

The FIS also has an “endless list” of projects, including ongoing analysis of the most recent winter competition season in collaboration with the competition management of each of the six FIS disciplines (Nordic combined, Alpine skiing, crosscountry skiing, ski jumping, freestyle skiing and snowboarding).

“We are in the final preparation phase for our three 2015 FIS World Ski Championships, which will take place next winter in Vail-Beaver Creek (Alpine), Falun (Nordics) and Kreischberg (freestyle/ snowboard).”  Sarah Lewis will speak on the Session, ‘The Rulebreakers and Game Changers, from 16.00-17.00 today.

individuals to have appeared in the magazine, will be revealed at a Champagne reception at stand No.68 at 16.00.

The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), SportAccord Convention’s Official Integrity Partner, has invited the media to a preview briefing today on a report to be released in May on sport integrity. The event, which includes drinks and supper, starts at 19.30 in the Ankara Room, Level 1, before the briefing at 20.15.

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news endurance event crucial With a global event at its core, increasing interest from automotive manufacturers and a strategy to develop TV markets north and south of the United States, Andrew Craig is backing the FIA World Endurance Championship to grow.

Craig, the CEO of The Craig Company LLC and the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Permanent Representative for North America, will today join a Panel Session entitled ‘The Rulebreakers and Game Changers’ at SportAccord Convention to be asked how they would change the rules of a sport.

He may find plenty of examples of progress in sport from the activities of his own company, which was involved in advising the winning bids of the Vancouver 2010, London 2012 and Sochi 2014 Olympic Games.

However, he told The Daily that the immediate focus is on building the World Endurance Championship for the FIA, the global governing body for motorsport, and in particular demand: on the six-hour Circuit of the Andrew Craig Americas at Austin, Texas in September.

The Championship was launched in 2012 and comprises eight races worldwide, but Craig is confident of expansion.

“The Championship has at its core the world famous Le Mans 24 Hour Race which rates among the best-known motor sports events in the world,” he said.

“Demand to be included in the Championship is high and it is highly attractive to auto manufacturers as an opportunity to showcase the very latest automotive technology. The number of races will grow in the years ahead.”

Craig said that a successful event in Austin will help to support manufacturers by strengthening the TV presence, but he added: “Our role is not limited to the US and we are responsible for developing the Canadian and Mexican markets for the future.”  Andrew Craig will speak on the Panel Session, ‘The Rulebreakers and Game Changers’ during the Conference Programme today from 16.0017.00.

NEW TAIPEI CITY

the big interview

L

ast September, Brian Cookson was elected as the new President of the UCI, cycling’s global governing body, on a promise to reform a sport that had been tainted by a string of doping scandals.

Replacing Pat McQuaid at the helm, Cookson has wasted little time in attempting to clean up cycling’s reputation after a damaging few years, with the nadir reached when fallen idol Lance Armstrong admitted to long-term doping offences early last year.

On Thursday, Cookson will provide an unmissable Keynote Address to SportAccord Convention delegates about ‘The Challenge of Restoring Confidence in International Cycling and Lessons for the Sporting Family’. It is a story that should strike a chord with the whole sports movement, and although Cookson acknowledges that cycling has a long way to go on the journey to redemption, the UCI chief ’s intentions are clear.

“We have made progress but there is still some way to go and it’s not something that you can put a timeline on,” Cookson told The Daily. “Ensuring cycling’s credibility is something that must be at the heart of everything the UCI does. It is something that must underpin our everyday operations in the short, medium and longer term.”

When he took the reins, Cookson established an independent commission to examine the sport. The Commission’s investigation is expected to conclude early next year and will form the building blocks of the sport’s future.

“It is partly about understanding the past and also about going through a full,

 Brian Cookson will deliver a Keynote Address and then be interviewed on the topic, ‘Grinding through the gears: The Challenge of Restoring Confidence in International Cycling and Lessons for the Sporting Family’, from 10.15-11.15 during the Conference Programme today.

uci back on track in m Jo fro y ! da pm 4

thorough and independent process in order to help restore credibility to our sport,” Cookson added.

“The Commission will conclude its investigation by early 2015 and it will publish its report and recommendations.

This transparency is important.

“Crucially, the Commission’s recommendations will also play an important role in shaping UCI future anti-doping processes and other practices.

So this is not just about looking back, it’s about looking forwards.”

However, it should not be forgotten that the UCI has multiple areas of focus while it faces up to the problems of the past.One such area of focus is the World Tour Calendar, and the restructuring of elite cycling.

“There is a consensus for a reformed calendar and improved team structure and these changes will take effect in 2017 through the creation of a two-tier World Tour,” Cookson said. “There will be an open application process with clear criteria around technical standards, financial criteria and how applicants can help build an exciting narrative for the World Tour.

progress: Brian Cookson

to

‘Ensuring cycling’s credibility is something that must be at the heart of everything the UCI does’

“An independent commission will oversee the awarding of team slots which will be ratified by the Professional Cycling Council.

The reforms around the Tour Calendar will provide an exciting opportunity for cycling to reach new fans and markets, working innovatively with sponsors, broadcasters and event hosts to showcase our great sport on a global stage.

“A lot of focus and resource is also going into developing cycling in new territories, and the work of the World Cycling Centre and growing its satellite centres will be important in this.

“We will also look to be much more innovative in the way we engage with existing and new fans – whether that is in the way we use social and digital media, how we broadcast our events or modernising our technical rules.”

Cookson is also committed to improving the standing of women’s cycling on a global basis and at an elite level.

“Developing women’s cycling is another priority and you will see more progress in this area over the coming year,” he added.

“Women’s road racing is caught in a negative cycle where lack of exposure is putting off sponsors. This means that women find it hard to earn what they should do, which limits the talent attracted.

“It’s a good case where the governing body can step in and provide leadership to grow the sport so it can become selfsustaining.

“I appointed Tracey Gaudry as VicePresident of the UCI – the first woman to hold that position. I have also established a Women’s Cycling Commission, chaired

by Tracey, with representatives from across the sport and supported by a full-time staff position dedicated to the development of women’s cycling across all the disciplines.

“In addition, there is now at least one woman on every UCI Commission.

“We must also work on rewarding the efforts of elite women riders by guaranteeing a minimum wage and ensuring modern employment standards are introduced for the top-level teams. This is something that the Women’s Cycling Commission will look at and report back on.”

Few sports can have experienced such a turbulent recent history, but Cookson is determined to steer the UCI to a prosperous future to allow cycling to fulfil its potential worldwide.

“It has been a year of significant change – not just for me, but also for the UCI,” Cookson said.

“I campaigned for the Presidency of the UCI on a manifesto of restoring trust and leading change, doing much more to tackle the doping culture that took hold of our sport, being more creative in order to grow and promote our sport globally, being committed to developing women’s cycling and being more transparent as an organisation.

“Six months into my Presidency and I think we are making good progress, but there is of course much more to do and I’m relishing the challenge.”

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You will have the chance to taste some of the best single cask malt whisky from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Edinburgh.

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Silver Partner of SportAccord Convention 2014

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sports demo zone takes centre stage

T

he ever-popular Sports Demo Zone got off to a flying start yesterday as draughts, judo, sambo and basketball gave delegates a taste of what they have to offer.

Today, from 11.00-12.15, a beach volleyball demonstration hosted by the FIVB, the sport’s global governing body, will feature top Turkish and German players as well as a Media versus Consultants challenge.

The volleyball showcase will take place at Susesi Luxury Resort’s private beach, in front of the water park.

“As spokesperson for the consultants’ team, they are training hard for this one-off event and hope that the media are doing the same,” JTA Chairman Jon Tibbs said. “So please come and show your support for this beach volleyball showcase.”

Over the next two days, the Sports Demo Zone will also feature various other sports, starting today with Muaythai at 10.00 outside the Exhibition Hall and then, after beach volleyball, surfing will take place in the outdoor swimming pool at 12.45. Karate will be the demonstration sport outside at 15.15 before draughts takes place inside at 16.30.

Swimming (see p3), draughts, taekwondo and sambo will be the sports in the zone tomorrow.

It should also be remembered that the IAAF,

welcome: International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach addresses delegates at last night’s SportAccord Convention Opening Cermony the global governing body of athletics, will host United Nations and the IOC to develop the a morning run until Friday (see details right). programme, alongside 12 ‘Athlete Patrons’ – including Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Marie-José IAAF President Lamine Diack Pérec and Paula Radcliffe – with many more announced plans yesterday for ‘Athletics for a Better World’ – a new social responsibility organisations and athletes expected to follow.

“Our position as the No.1 Olympic sport programme that will use the universality of the sport to make a positive difference in the world. gives us a global responsibility – to use the power and reach of athletics to make a The IAAF will co-operate closely with difference in the world,” Diack said. organisations, including Peace & Sport, the

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social Today at a Glance ALL DAY – SportAccord Convention Exhibition 10.15-17.30 – SportAccord Convention Conference (Main Auditorium) 10.15-11.15 – Keynote Address & Interview (Brian Cookson) 12.00-13.00 – A Woman’s World: The journey towards sporting equality 14.00-15.00 – The New Face Of Leadership 16.00-17.00 – The Rulebreakers & Game Changers MEETINGS 09.00-10.30 – IOC EB/ASOIF Joint Meeting (Press Briefing Room) 11.00-12.00 – IOC EB/AIOWF Joint Meeting (IOC EB Meeting Room) 12.00-13.30 – AIOWF/ASOIF Councils Meeting (Meeting Room 1) 14.00-16.00 – SportAccord Doping-Free Sport Unit Session (Press Briefing Room) 14.00-18.00 – IOC EB (IOC EB Meeting Room) 18.30-20.00 – SportAccord Convention Executive Board Meeting (IF Meeting Room) OTHER 09.00-09.30 – Olympic Round-up Breakfast with Around the Rings (SportAccord Convention Café) 18.30-19.00 – IOC Press Briefing (Press Briefing Room) SPORTS DEMO ZONE Muaythai, Volleyball, Surfing, Karate, Draughts SOCIAL 13.00-14.00 – Lunch (Exhibition Area) 17.00-18.30 – Exhibition Showcase cocktail (Exhibition Area) 19.00-23.30 – SportAccord Convention AfterHours Official Bar MORNING EXERCISE TODAY: 06.30-07.30 – Group Run/Walk (lobby of official Convention hotels at 06.15), 06.4507.30 – IFMA Morning Muaythai Boxercise Class (Sports Demo Zone) TOMORROW: 06.30-07.30 – Group Run/Walk (lobby of official Convention hotels at 06.15)

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