The Daily - Issue #2 - Tuesday 8 April 2014

>inside 4 >robison

Minister excited by Scotland’s sporting future

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7 >diack

President leaving IAAF on sound footing

>foucan

Freerunning founder on the philosophy of sport

The>Daily

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

www.sportaccordconvention.com @saconvention

tuesday, april 8, 2014

issue 2

New IWGA chief in World Games pledge T he new President of the International World Games Association (IWGA) outlined a plan for development and modernisation as he stepped into the role at SportAccord Convention

yesterday.

José Perurena also welcomed two new Board members who will join the task of building the World Games and helping to develop its member IFs. Furthermore, he applauded the decision to add a new sport to the IWGA, recognising kickboxing as an exciting and high-quality addition to the ranks.

Perurena succeeded Ron Froehlich, who was President for more than two decades, and his programme starts today, with a breakfast meeting of his new-look Board at SportAccord Convention and the promise: “We will bring The World Games to the next level.”

New faces at the table following their election yesterday will be Anna Arzhanova, President of the World Underwater Federation (CMAS), and Professor Fumio Morooka, a Board member of the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF).

They join fellow Board member Tom Dielen, the Secretary General of World Archery, Treasurer Lukas Hinden, First Vice President of the World Dance Sport Federation, and Vice President Max Bishop, a former Secretary General of the FAI, the global governing body for air sports.

Their first agenda will look at the roles and

responsibilities of the new team as they work towards the World Games 2017 in Wroclaw, Poland. Central to that discussion will be the need to raise the profile of the IWGA, its members and their sports, with steps including the launch of a new media channel and a relocation of their headquarters.

Perurena revealed that the IWGA is to move its office from Colorado to Lausanne and expects to move into its new home during 2015.

He told The Daily: “We have decided to move because so many International Federations and other organisations, such as SportAccord and ARISF, are in Lausanne and it is important to our professional relationships for us to be close to them.

“Next year is a good time for us to make the change because we then still have two years until the World Games 2017.”

Perurena, President of the International Canoe Federation and a participant for Spain at the Mexico Olympics in 1968, disclosed that kickboxing would make its debut in Wroclaw as an invitation sport, following its acceptance into the IWGA. As much as he is looking forward to the action, though, Perurena feels the gap between the World Games 2013 in Cali and Wroclaw 2017 is too long and so his aim is to increase the awareness and popularity of the individual sports in between  Continued on P2

city forum’s new frontier A string of stellar speakers have been lined up to discuss the challenges facing event hosts under the Conference Programme theme of ‘Sport’s New Frontier’ during City Forum in the Press Briefing Room at Susesi Luxury Resort and Convention Centre today.

Shona Robison, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Commonwealth Games and leader: New IWGA President José Perurena after yesterday’s ballot

Sport, will set the tone with a Keynote Address on ‘Major Event Objectives’ (13.3514.00).

Robison, who is featured in an interview on page four of today’s edition of The Daily, will speak about how Scotland is meeting the challenge of staging the Commonwealth  Continued on P3

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 Çavadar, Yaşar Öztürk

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

The Daily will feature the most interesting tweets of the day in a special section. If you want to get a mention in The Daily, include #SAC2014 in your tweet – and make your opinion heard! dominic rumbles @ dominicrumbles Looking forward to #SAC2014.

Strong programme will consider the biggest topics in sport from youth engagement and leadership to integrity seven46 @seven46 Ever wanted to run with a Kenyan great? If you’re at #SAC2014, you can do so tomorrow. Wilson Kipketer leads the @iaaforg morning run.

news

The importance of being diligent T

he importance of drawing up detailed host city agreements, analysing ways to mitigate risk and paying close attention to how rules can be effectively introduced in sport all came under the microscope at LawAccord yesterday.

After a welcome by SportAccord Director General Vlad Marinescu on behalf of SportAccord President Marius L. Vizer, LawAccord Chairman Stephen Townley steered the conference, with expert panellists sharing their extensive experience in the areas of ‘Host Agreements’, ‘Risk and the Role of Insurance’ and ‘Rules, Regulations & Disciplinary Procedures’.

Panellists including Patrick Baumann of FIBA, basketball’s global governing body, stressed the importance of having thorough and balanced hosting agreements that reflect a partnership or joint venture between sport and its event hosts. Michael Lenard, of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, expanded on Baumann’s comments by outlining the importance of due diligence.

They warned that there are risks involved in open bidding processes and that event owners need to be vigilant that these agreements make reasonable business sense.

Host agreements also need to contemplate what happens if things go wrong in order to protect the event owner from foreseeable as well as unforeseeable risks. Key factors

discussion: Panellist Sarah Lacarrière, Integrity Officer at SportAccord, enters the debate at yesterday’s LawAccord include compensation provisions, contract enforcement and the potential for event postponement or even cancellation.

Jerome Pels, of ISAF, the world governing body for sailing, warned, however that it was often “make believe” to imagine an IF suing its National Federation.

With expert panellists warning that it is impossible to eliminate risk, the second LawAccord session examined

ways in which it might be significantly mitigated by insurance.

The session heard that insurance premiums for many sporting events have actually decreased as sport has developed its risk management processes. However, panellists cautioned sport to look at the exclusions in policies to ensure that they have the right type of coverage for their activities, and Gary Flynn, Practice Leader Sport Federations at

JLT Sports, commented that it was usually the things least expected that happen.

The panel noted that while claims have been relatively few, it doesn’t take many to have a significant effect on attitude to risk. Smaller organisations are particularly vulnerable as damages are awarded based on the injury and not on an IF’s ability to pay.

LawAccord also examined the question of the use of new rules to maintain interest and modernise some sports, and panellists representing IFs noted that the legal aspects of their jobs are increasing steadily, regardless of whether they have any legal expertise.

The session heard that, in common with other sectors, sport can often face resistance to change.

Sarah Lewis, of FIS, skiing’s world governing body, and Pierre Ketterer, of FIA, motorsport’s global governing body, noted that often sport needs a catalyst to enact such changes, and that even if the catalysts are negative – such as doping scandals or accidents – they can sometimes bring positive changes.

Matthieu Reeb, of CAS, said that sport’s efforts to develop internal discipline and appeals processes have been quite successful, with very few such disputes being referred.

He added that mediation is also increasingly appropriate to resolve disputes in less adversarial cases where the parties need some assistance, but are willing to work together to find solutions.

Perurena’s global strategy arisf makes progess  Continued from P1 World Games. That agenda was a key factor behind the appointment of the two new Board members.

Perurena said: “Anna Arzhanova is the first woman to be appointed to our Board and that is an important move.

“She is from Russia, which is a good market for us, and Fumio Morooka is from Japan, which will help us in Asia. Also, they are both young, and it is important for us to reach younger participants and audiences because we need to work towards 2024 and 2028.”

Espen Lund, the Acting President of WAKO, the global governing body of kickboxing, was thrilled that his sport was welcomed into the IWGA. “It is very exciting for us because we lost out last year, but we really worked hard to convince everyone that we were worthy of becoming part of the World Games,” Lund said.

“I think we made the message in a

clear way, and it is great to be a Member of this great sports family.

“It is very important for us as it gives us credibility in the world of sport and helps us to develop relationships between Associations.”

“Since we gained recognition from SportAccord in 2006 we have developed in a really positive way.”

The World Games Channel, which was launched yesterday, will receive action footage from the IFs of their own championships and other events for live streaming and highlights packages via the IWGA website.

IWGA Press Officer Hermann Kewitz said: “There will also be an athleteof-the-month feature, with athletes nominated by the Federations.

“The channel is something that we in the World Games family can show the fans about our sports.

“Maybe people will visit the site to watch one sport and also start to take an interest in the others.”

ARISF President Raffaele Chiulli reported significant progress on all aspects of his four-year plan at his organisation’s General Assembly yesterday.

Chiulli stepped into the role at last year’s meeting at SportAccord Convention with a pledge to make ARISF more relevant to all of its stakeholders, particularly with regard to recognition of IFs and assisting them with more training and education in doping issues.

This week the first ARISF-WADA Anti-Doping Coaching/Training Session will happen at SportAccord Convention.

That event takes place against a background of a strengthening relationship with the International Olympic Committee, with the establishment of a liaison committee and a reinforcement of the partnership with SportAccord that puts two ARISF representatives on the SportAccord Council.

Chiulli reported to the General Assembly that 1.2 billion people in 96 countries worldwide are practising an ARISF Federation sport, with all Federations running training programmes for coaches, trainers, judges and referees, and 97 per cent organising youth world championships. He said the ARISF strategic plan is now being compiled using feedback from a survey which attracted responses from every member Federation.

New members admitted at the General Assembly were the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).

Chiulli told The Daily: “We have created a very good working team within ARISF with co-operation, harmony and a willingness to work towards common goals that are ambitious but also realistic.”

news A busy day of panel sessions  Continued from P1 Games in Glasgow in July and August before golf’s Ryder Cup arrives in Perthshire in September.

A Panel Session will then take place (14.00-15.00) on ‘Sharing the Bidding Process and Responsibilities, featuring Susan Sawbridge, Manager of Event Prospecting and Bidding at Auckland Tourism’s Event’s and Economic Development Division, Henk Stokhof, the City of Amsterdam’s Head of Sports Department, and Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance CEO Rick Traer.

The panel will look at how sharing the burden between host countries provides a creative solution to a complex problem.

Azad Rahimov, the Azerbaijan Republic’s Minister of Youth and Sport and the CEO of the 2015 Baku European Games Operation Committee, will then give delegates an update about preparations for the 2015 event (15.35-16.00).

The penultimate session of City Forum will feature a Panel Session on ‘Establishing New Markets’ (16.00-17.00).

The panel will feature South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee President Gideon Sam, interviewed on page eight of The Daily today, as well as Masterconcept Chairman and Partner Gernot Leitner, who is also featured in The Daily today on page nine.

FIBA 3x3 Sports Director Kosta Iliev, who was interviewed in yesterday’s edition of The Daily, will also participate in the panel, alongside Yusuf Hacisuleyman, Chairman of the Mediterranean Association of Touristic Hoteliers, and Prof.

Nikolay Peshin, Pro Rector of the Russian International Olympic University.

The session will be moderated by ISportConnect Chairman Michael Cunnah.

City Forum will then round off a busy afternoon with a case study on ‘Hitting New Target Audiences’ from FISE World Series Founder Olivier Pascal (17.00-17.25).

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research shows boost for host

H

osting SportAccord Convention 2014 will give a significant boost to the economy of Belek/Antalya in Turkey, according to research unveiled today by PwC, the global network of professional services firms.

PwC, which is a Gold Partner of SportAccord Convention, announced that this year’s Convention will boost the local economy by an estimated US$3.85 million.

The 12th annual edition of the Convention will attract more than 1,500 delegates from all around the world, with most visitors staying for the entire week.

According to PwC, there will be a direct economic impact of US$2.25 million through expenditure of non-resident participants in the 2014 event.

The largest share of direct spending – 83.6 per cent – will go to hotels and restaurants. The transportation, social and cultural services, as well as retail industries, will also benefit from the direct impact of the Convention.

Meanwhile, indirect economic impact is expected to reach a total of US$1.59 million, further boosting the region.

PwC believes that SportAccord Convention will support the Turkish government’s 2023 Strategic Plan and the region of Antalya’s development plan.

The intangible benefits will include encouraging

report: Bob Gruman

business activity in areas related to the event by supporting development of social networks and intercultural contacts, attracting further major events to Antalya, promoting Antalya as an important global destination for sporting and cultural activities and inspiring healthy lifestyles by promoting sports and the hosting of sports events.

“This is the second year that we have carried out this economic impact study for SportAccord

According to PwC, there will be a direct economic impact of US$2.25 million Convention, and it is clear that there are significant economic and intangible effects,” Bob Gruman, Managing Partner of PwC’s Global Sports Mega-Events Centre of Excellence, told The Daily. “SportAccord Convention has become an important vehicle for popularising sport and healthy lifestyles worldwide.

“Hosting 1,500 delegates from global sports associations and media for a full week also

provides an excellent opportunity to promote Antalya’s beautiful landscape and rich cultural heritage, while encouraging delegates and guests to visit the city again for personal or business reasons.”

Gruman added that the model used by PwC is applicable to other events.

“We use a defined framework to answer the questions about economic impact, and the methodology we use is logical and there for everybody to see,” he added.

SportAccord Convention Managing Director Nis Hatt added: “We are extremely pleased to know that our event will deliver real economic benefit to Belek and Antalya.

“To be validated by PwC’s authoritative research means a great deal to our organisation and to our stakeholders.”

Belek/Antalya is a developing sports hub that recently hosted the 2013 World Archery Championships and will welcome the Ladies European Tour’s 2014 Turkish Airlines Ladies Golf Open next month.  To see the entire report, visit www.sportaccordconvention.com.  For more information on PwC’s Global Sports Mega-Events Centre of Excellence, including access to PwC’s Thought Leadership publications related to sports mega-events, delegates can visit: www.pwc.com/sports-mega-events

NEW TAIPEI CITY

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news

an opportunity for scotland

A

n independent Scotland would open up more opportunities for Scottish and UK athletes to compete on sport’s biggest stage, according to Shona Robison, Scotland’s Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport.

Robison is hoping for a “yes” vote when the country goes to the polls on 18 September for a referendum on becoming independent from the UK. The vote is sandwiched by two major sporting events in Scotland this year, with Robison looking forward to the “massive opportunity” presented by the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from 23 July to 3 August followed by golf ’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Perthshire from 26-28 September.

“Scotland already has a number of world-class competition training facilities, coaches and set-ups,” Robison told The Daily. “We compete as a nation on the world stage in most major competitions and world championships.

“Our national agency for sport, sportscotland, has responsibility for all aspects of community and performance sport up to Commonwealth Games level. In an independent Scotland, they would be able to expand their role to include the Olympics

benefits: Shona Robison and Paralympics. Having an independent Olympic Team Scotland will open up more places for Scottish and UK athletes at the top level.

“We have many sportsmen and women who are on the fringes of selection to the Olympic squad and this would allow more athletes to compete for both nations.

“Scotland would continue to receive its fair share on existing funding and be in a position to develop its own ways to support sport. It would be for the Parliament of an independent Scotland to decide how best to support Scottish sport.”

Robison indicated that the Scottish Government is already working towards strengthening its sporting foundations, using this year’s major events as incentives.

“We have encouraged Scottish firms to bid for contracts for both events and to develop their products and services to meet their requirements,” she added. “As well as immediate economic benefits, this knowledge will be available to future events and for export.”

Robison is also aware that major sporting events in Scotland need to make an impact across the country, and not just in the host destinations.

“We are very aware that the benefits of international events need to be felt across the country,” she added.

“Right from the start, our strategy has been to focus on the bigger picture, ensuring our sport at a grassroots level is ‘fit for purpose’ and in position to harness the increased interest in sport.

“Our Ryder Cup legacy programme, ClubGolf, has already introduced 300,000 young Scots to golf, helping children get active and nurturing an appreciation for the sport.

“We have invested in new or upgraded facilities, like the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow and a National Performance Centre for Sport in Edinburgh, while communities and

sporting groups have been able to draw on funds and put in place programmes to encourage young people into sport.”

Another element of the legacy will be to ensure the events of 2014 are the sort of success stories that will attract more top-level sport to Scotland.

Robison said: “We will showcase the best of Scotland as a major events destination to a global audience through our world-class sporting venues, our vibrant culture, outstanding natural beauty and our warm welcome for visitors.

“This is a worldwide market, and Scotland cannot sit still. In the 10 years since EventScotland was formed in 2003, Scotland has hosted 97 World Championships and World Cup events.

“Our national events strategy ‘Scotland: The Perfect Stage’ outlines our vision for attracting and hosting events up to 2020. Scotland has earned its place and reputation in hosting major world-class events and, through this visionary and aspirational events strategy, will continue to do so.”  Shona Robison will give the Keynote Address, ‘Major Event Objectives’, as part of the City Forum Programme from 13.3514.00 today in the Press Briefing Room.

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.

A sleek win for San Francisco: The America’s Cup

The 2013 America’s Cup generated a positive economic impact of more than $550 million for the San Francisco Bay Area. Key legacies include: Sustainability – The Port of San Francisco adopted a zero-waste event policy and installed new shore-side power facilities to offset event-related air emissions.

Legacy infrastructure – Several public-access waterfront projects will benefit the community in the decades ahead.

International standing – The races were broadcast globally, raising the profile of San Francisco and confirming the city’s reputation as an exciting travel and tourism destination.

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

New events lifted Sochi Sarah Lewis, the Secretary General of FIS, the global governing body of skiing, has hailed the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games as a “huge success”.

Lewis, who will be speaking on the Panel Session, ‘The Rule-breakers and Gamechangers’, on Wednesday 9 April from 16.00-17.00, told The Daily that the new freestyle skiing, women’s ski jumping and snowboarding events at the Games were a big hit.

“Sochi 2014 was a huge success and our competitions received great acclaim,” she said.

“It was a real privilege for FIS to have played such an integral role in these great Games.

“Based on the feedback we received in Sochi and subsequently from experts, media and many fans, the opinions about

the new events were universally positive.”

Sochi served as a high-profile peak of the 2013-14 season, with Lewis adding that other FIS competitions produced some thrilling spectacles.

“From a competition standpoint, it has been terrific, with many exciting competitions and battles until the final competitions of the season,” she added.

“At the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup finals, seven of the 10 crystal globes for the discipline titles were up for grabs in the last week of the season.

“A similarly tight battle for the titles was true of the FIS World Cups in cross country, ski jumping and freestyle ski cross.

“Naturally, Sochi was a true highlight of the season and it also increased interest in the World Cup competitions building up to the Games.”

news Craig takes ISAF Cup role The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has appointed renowned international race officer John Craig as the new Head of the Sailing World Cup. The Sailing World Cup is the annual circuit of Olympic sailing for elite and professional sailors, and its flagship World Cup Grand Final brings together the top 20 boats in each Olympic event for a four-day regatta.

Full implementation of the new Sailing World Cup vision will begin at a regatta held from 6-14 December in Melbourne, Australia.

There are five regattas planned for the Sailing World Cup 2015, plus the Grand Final.  SportBusiness Intelligence, the market intelligence and advisory arm of SportBusiness Group, has launched an events advisory division to develop bidding and hosting strategies for cities and International Federations.

Major events veteran Paul Dunphy has joined SportBusiness Intelligence as a Major Events Consultant and will provide specialist advice. Ben Speight, Head of SportBusiness Group, said: “Adding Paul’s vast experience to the team now means that we can offer professional services to our clients in this sector.” SportBusiness International is a Media Partner of SportAccord Convention.

Q&A

5 Paul Smith

Chief Executive Officer, Repucom

The Daily: Tell us about Repucom’s current projects...

Paul Smith: “Repucom works with a diverse range of clients across rightsholders, broadcasters and brands all over the world. The FIFA World Cup will be a key highlight for us this year and as the sport calendar runs its course, we will be busy working on major broadcast rights and major sponsorship rights agreements, and of course the important pulse of our business is providing regular reports and data to all our clients.

“A significant development this year is our work in government, tourism and events. We strive to support our clients to achieve their individual objectives, like revenue increases for rights-holders or communication and business objectives for sponsors. We do this through tailored advisory services based on market research, media evaluation and digital services analysis.

“Core to our work is insight and knowledge about how both fans and the general consumer receive information, the impact of messages and the effectiveness of the investment in sports.

Indeed, our clients use our information to optimise their sports marketing decisions to reach their commercial objectives.”

The Daily: From the perspective of a market research company, what are the sorts of general trends you are seeing in the sports industry?

PS: “The key strategic trend we are seeing is the ever-increasing demand for data.

Following on from this, fundamental to our work is identifying the trends which will help our clients to make the most informed decision possible to achieve objectives.

“Digital is certainly here to stay. The entire digital expansion, fuelled by social media, will become the primary tool for fan interaction with sport content by 2020 in the home, in the stadium and on the move.

Connecting with the global fan base and key influencers through social media has enormous power for any sports organisation.

“Our clients that are venues are driving us hard to support them in increasing fan engagement.

Rights-holders, stadium operators and brands need to work together and invest in stadium technology to bring these venues to life and take connected fan experience seriously; otherwise, especially for new builds, they risk becoming ‘white elephants’.

“Emerging markets like the Middle East and Asia increasingly competing for investments in sports is another major trend as the financial ‘centre of gravity’ in the global sports industry will move further east. However, understanding their consumers better, collecting as much data on them as possible and building a clear picture on their sponsorship assets like athletes is critical to strategies of any sports investor. These are some of the hundreds of sports industry developments we

have identified. We don’t just provide insight to our clients, but we also help them prioritise trends.”

The Daily: Tell us about the questionnaire prepared specifically for the Convention...

PS: “As the Official Sports Marketing Research Partner of SportAccord Convention, Repucom has conducted a survey focusing on understanding how the 2,500 delegates of the participating IFs, governing bodies, organising committees, bid cities and commercial organisations from around the globe see sports developing over the next five years.

“To have an influence on how sports events will be structured and marketed, you need to understand how the world of sports business is changing. The outcomes of our pre- and post-event research for the Convention will help to draw a picture of the status quo of the IF business and shape the future of sports events.”

The Daily: To what extent has the outlook of IFs changed in recent years?

PS: “Sponsorship and hosting and bidding have the greatest revenue growth potential for many, but competition for sponsorship and hosting investment has become more intense and sponsors have become sophisticated in measuring returns.

“Many IFs rely more on data and expertise in order to present their unique value proposition. At Repucom we help them to identify and quantify their strengths and build the case to present to potential partners. Our business with IFs has grown and we count over 60 per cent of the Olympic Federations amongst our clients.”

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news

Sochi is a ‘blueprint’ for hosts – Chernyshenko D

mitry Chernyshenko, the man responsible for delivering a successful first Winter Olympics in Russia, believes the Sochi 2014 Games will act as a “blueprint” for future hosts.

The President and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee told The Daily that the transformation of the Russian resort and the resulting success of the Games have set a new benchmark for the world’s biggest sporting event.

“We have shown the Olympic Movement that what may have seemed impossible at times was in fact possible,” he said. “We have set new standards for organising the Games with a distinctive Sochi 2014 patchwork that will stand the test of time.

“We have transformed Sochi into a world-class winter sports destination in seven short years, a process that could have easily taken 20 years to complete had we not had the Games as a catalyst.

We had great support from our friends in the Olympic Movement.

“The Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are now the blueprint for other organisers to follow.”

Chernyshenko also spoke of the “thrilling

advice to future hosts would be competitions” and “wonderful to appreciate the importance of weather” during the event, but careful preparations before the he added that the efficiency and event. excellence of the infrastructure “Meticulous planning and coupled with the enthusiasm testing for all eventualities is of the spectators will drive the the key to success for all sports legacy of the Games. events hosts,” he said.

“Every day, every session, “A thorough test events the venues were packed,” programme and early legacy Chernyshenko said. “There were planning are extremely a lot of Russian spectators who important. supported all of the athletes and “The biggest challenge, but the atmosphere was amazing. praise: Dmitry Chernyshenko also the biggest advantage, was “We were extremely pleased that almost all infrastructure for the Games had with our ticket sales. We sold 1.1 million tickets to be built from scratch, from venues and hotels for the Olympic Games and over 320,000 tickets to roads and transport hubs, just to name a few. for the Paralympic Games.”

I believe that for all client groups it was the most Chernyshenko also praised the people of Russia compact and the most comfortable Games ever.” for their overwhelming response to the search for From a competition point of view, volunteers.

“The enormity of the volunteer programme was Chernyshenko said he was delighted that new sports proved so popular. On organisation, he a challenge, but thanks to support from our 26 highlighted safety and security, the quality of the volunteer centres throughout Russia, we selected venues and facilities, and the effectiveness of the and trained a fantastic team of 25,000 volunteers transport links. to help us during the Games.”

“Our unique transport plan delivered great With Sochi having been transformed in order to stage the Games, Chernyshenko added that his connectivity,” he added. “In total we transported

4,380,000 passengers - including spectators, journalists, athletes and members of the Olympic family, as well as Sochi residents - without delays during the Games.”

Chernyshenko credited the Sochi Games for opening up new opportunities in terms of the environment and accessibility across the country.

“We put green issues right at the top of our agenda with rigorous green building standards in place to minimise damage to the environment and the amount of waste created by the Games,” he said.

“Brand new recycling facilities have been commissioned in Sochi, and a range of innovative carbon offset programmes have been undertaken.

“The creation of a barrier-free environment in Sochi, enabling people who have an impairment to access both the city and sports facilities more easily, is a model for other Russian cities to follow.

“The online accessibility map plots accessible facilities and venues in cities throughout Russia, enabling local residents to get the most out of what is available.

“The palpable shift in attitude towards people in Russia who have an impairment is heartening to see.”

HISTORY IN THE MAKING THE FIRST EUROPEAN GAMES

baku2015 BakuGames2015

THE FIRST EUROPEAN GAMES will take place in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, in June 2015. All 49 National Olympic Committees of Europe will participate in the Games – more than 6,000 athletes will compete in 20 new or refurbished competition venues, across 19 sports

+Baku2015 baku2015

baku2015.com

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news

diack to leave iaaf with sound legacy

L

amine Diack believes he will leave a sound financial legacy at the IAAF when he stands down as President of the global governing body of athletics next year.

Diack, who will step aside after 16 years in the role, will feature in an IAAF Q&A session in the Internet Lounge at 12.45 today alongside American heptathlon and long jump legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a three-time Olympic gold medalwinner and a four-time gold medal-winner at the World Championships.

Having steered the IAAF through the global financial downturn, Diack is delighted with the International Federation’s financial outlook as he enters his final few months in charge.

“Following turbulent years for the global economy – from which the IAAF was not immune – we have successfully re-managed the Association’s finances,” Diack told The Daily.

“With our central reserves secured and broadcasting and marketing agreements in place through to 2019, I leave a sound platform for my successor.”

The IAAF and its marketing partner, AMS/ Dentsu, attracted seven Official Partners for the Moscow 2013 World Championships – with four from Japan and one each from China, Germany and Russia.

Additionally, the IAAF has an Official Supplier from Italy, an Official Broadcaster from Japan and a title sponsor of the IAAF Kids’ Athletics programme from Switzerland, demonstrating the global nature of the International Federation’s portfolio.

However, Diack is keen to look beyond the figures when he speaks of such commercial successes.

“Those solid economic foundations fund a US$15 million annual development programme for the sport worldwide,” Diack added.

“This includes the IAAF’s flagship school and youth project, Kids’ Athletics, which is one of the biggest grassroots development programmes in the world of sports and has been activated in over 120 of the IAAF’s 212 national Member Federations worldwide.

“Athletics has returned to the school curriculum, its basic physical elements of ‘run, jump and

foundations: Lamine Diack throw’ acknowledged as the foundation for all other sports and general fitness.

“In an era when all sports are potentially victims of doping, age falsification and betting manipulation, the IAAF is acknowledged as the pre-eminent International Federation in the fight against cheating in sport.

“The publication of a new Code of Ethics and the establishment this year of the independent IAAF Ethics Commission underlies the IAAF’s reputation as a morally robust organisation.”

However, Diack is not ready to sit back and reflect quite yet. The IAAF President, from Senegal, is focused on achieving further goals before he hands over the baton to his successor.

“In 2013 the IAAF Council agreed on a new strategic initiative called the IAAF Strategic Plan which will closely scrutinise every aspect of the IAAF’s organisation and management from now until 2016,” he added.

“I am also determined to make the IAAF’s relationship with the IOC a key priority so as to underline and enhance the IAAF’s role in the Olympic Movement and the continuing contribution of athletics to the success of the summer Olympic Games.

“We will also strongly support the work of the Sustainable Development Commission who are finalising a new Social Responsibility programme for athletics which will help us to build a better world.

“Finally, I would like to see our landmark programme, Athletics for a Better World, really take off, with key organisations, athletes and

foundations getting involved. Using the power of athletics to make a real difference in the world is something I hold close to my heart.”

Looking ahead to the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, Diack is confident that the Bird’s Nest Stadium will produce more sensational athletics moments, echoing memories of the Summer Olympic Games at the same venue in 2008.

“China and Asia in general is a fast developing area for athletics and, with its vibrant economy, has the resources to develop the sport,” Diack added.

“The Chinese Athletics Association is an experienced and trusted host of IAAF competitions and in the next 12 months will also be staging the 2014 IAAF World Race Walking Cup and 2015 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

“So we confidently look forward to a marvellous edition of the IAAF World Championships in Beijing’s famous Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium.

“We have already seen the great public appetite for athletics in the Beijing Olympics, where all the sessions in the 90,000-seat stadium were full with spectators each day.”

When discussing important markets, though,

Diack was keen to stress that SportAccord Convention 2014 is taking place in a strategically important destination for the IAAF, with Turkey occupying an increasingly significant role in the IAAF calendar.

“While the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships marked the first time Turkey had hosted an IAAF World Athletics Series competition, the country and the region as a whole are important to the development of athletics worldwide,” Diack added.

“Turkey geographically and culturally straddles athletics’ traditional heartland of Europe and the new markets of Asia.

“Turkey’s economic strength and stability underlines its attraction as a host for major sporting events. In a time of worldwide financial instability Turkey’s economy has continued to buck that global trend.

“It is the fastest growing economy in Europe with one of the quickest growth rates worldwide that has seen eight-per-cent increases in GDP in recent years.”  Lamine Diack and Jackie Joyner-Kersee will participate in the IAAF Q&A Session in the Internet Lounge from 12.45-13.30 today.

8

FEI aided by new bidding process

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Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games he FEI, the global governing have also boosted confidence within the body of equestrian sport, Federation. The Games will take place in is anticipating a bumper Normandy from 23 August to number of bidders for the 7 September.

2022 World Equestrian Seventy-two National Associations Games following a marked increase in have confirmed their attendance – a interest for the organisation’s premium record for the competition. Ticket sales to properties. strategy: stakeholders topped 120,000, even before Lisa Lazarus, the Federation’s Chief Lisa Lazarus they were made available to the public, and of Business Development and Strategy the total attendance is expected to exceed 500,000. has been buoyed by the outcome of a process to “The growing excitement of the entire equestrian streamline the FEI’s bidding procedures. community in the countdown to this event is clear,” The exercise has improved the number and said Lazarus. quality of candidates for the Federation’s major “The global spotlight will be on equestrian events, with four destinations in the running for sport. Spectators will be able to watch the world’s the 2017 FEI World Cup Finals and three having best riders and horses competing against picturetabled bids for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian postcard backdrops, such as the iconic Mont Games.

Saint-Michel and the superb Haras du Pin estate, “We have seen wide-ranging and immediate the French National Stud founded in 1715 by benefits, which include greater transparency of the decree of Louis XIV and known as ‘the Equestrian bidding process and improved pre-bid consultancy, Versailles’.” and support from the FEI for organising The FEI may be one of the oldest IFs, established committees,” Lazarus told The Daily. in 1921, but it takes a modern approach to market “That has helped us attract more bids, which data. Gathered over many years and embracing in turn are better prepared, higher quality and competition results and valuable breeding submitted earlier. We are able to allocate events at information, the data can drive development of the an earlier stage and the organising committee can sport in a number of directions. deliver better events.

“We are seeing spectacular growth in equestrian “The FEI expects to see even more bids for the sport around the world, with a huge increase in FEI World Equestrian Games 2022.” the number of events and in spectator interest,” Record-breaking figures for the forthcoming

Lazarus said. “That brings about extensive digital opportunities and, with such a visually stimulating sport, we certainly have the content.

“The FEI’s strategy is to create opportunities for athletes around the world to compete and make sure that there is a global support structure to sustain this. Our current and future partners clearly see the value of equestrian sport and the obvious brand affinity.”

The riders are the focus of FEI Solidarity, launched in 2011 and focused on providing opportunities for the next generation of athletes and all those working in equestrian communities around the world.

The needs of the horses are being addressed by a collaboration between the FEI, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) on developing the concept of “high health, high performance horses”.

Lazarus said: “It would enable sport horses to travel more easily to international competitions and would be a major boost to increased international participation. It will be voted on at the OIE General Session in Paris next month.”

 Lisa Lazarus will take part in the Panel Session, ‘A Women’s World: The Journey Towards Sporting Equality’, in the Main Auditorium during the Conference Programme on Wednesday 9 April from 12.00-13.00.

news Events can heal Africa Gideon Sam, the President of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, believes that major sporting events can act as a vehicle for peace across the continent of Africa.

The Committee is supporting Durban’s bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, while South Africa Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula recently said that the country would also like to bid for the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Africa is a virgin territory for mega-events,” Sam told The Daily.

“Getting such sport on the continent will, in my opinion, reduce the wars that are ravaging our continent. Both of these events have never been hosted on the African continent.

“The Commonwealth Games would be the perfect dress rehearsal for the Olympic Games.

“We will have an opportunity to test our infrastructure for the Olympics.

“According to our bidding and hosting strategy, now is the time to host major events in Africa and specifically South Africa.”  Gideon Sam will speak on today’s City Forum Panel Session, ‘Establishing New Markets’, from 16.00-17.00.

Welcome to Sweden Sweet Spot for Sport events

www.sweetspotsweden.se

9

news

Experience is crucial to Serenas’ success

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ustafa F. Gürbüz, the Chief Executive Officer of Serenas Group, Partner Company of GL-events, believes his company’s extensive experience of operating events will allow SportAccord Convention delegates to have an unforgettable experience in Belek/Antalya.

Serenas, a market-leading exhibition and event organiser as well as a convention centre operator in Turkey, will host 180 events this year and has staged more than 60 at Susesi Luxury Resort & Convention Centre alone.

“We know the Susesi Resort really well, so we know the best way to stage events here,” Gürbüz told The Daily.

“The best thing about the event is that there are lots of really good halls here for meetings and conference sessions, and also the accessibility to nearby hotels – as well as the hotel on site – is very easy.

“The weather is good and delegates will be able to have fun and dine well, with the food and drink at the Convention Centre being of a very high standard and variety.

events: Serenas CEO Mustafa F. Gürbüz, and Susesi Luxury Resort & Convention Centre “The fact that the food and drink are allinclusive also makes things easier for delegates.”

Serenas, which is majority-owned by GLevents and offers expertise in a number of areas, is as well placed as any company to handle the challenges of SportAccord Convention.

“Our events serve 35,000 people every year and our experience allows us to react quickly to lastminute requests and situations,” he added.

“We have 230 people working full-time in our offices in Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir, and

developing a masterplan is key It is much easier to establish new Patience is the key for newcomers summer or winter sports if a city already looking to make an impact with hosting has experience.” bids, according to Gernot Leitner, Leitner said that such a strategy the CEO of major events specialist enables candidates to assemble and then Masterconcept. prove their credentials across the key Leitner, who is also Chairman of the Austria-based consultancy, told The Daily criteria.

“The ambitions of a city or region need that major event rights-holders should to be authentic and realistic in terms prioritise the track record of bidding of scale, sports to focus on and events destinations, while candidates should aiming to host,” he said. “It takes time plan long-term programmes with a to build competence, reputation and strong commitment to the grassroots. a positive track record, which is why it Masterconcept has been involved in bidding processes and major events such is so important to start with long-term programmes that are politically well as the Olympic Games for more than 15 supported and funded. years and works mainly on integrating the infrastructure of a city and region “The IOC’s benchmark to qualify based on geographic information should be linked more closely to the systems. existing track record of hosting events.

According to Leitner, who will speak Olympic Games or World Championships at today’s Panel Session ‘Establishing are usually the peak of a region’s sport New Markets’, the high costs involved commitment. Some cities prefer to start in bidding and hosting a major event with the largest events in the world, demand a cautious without having organised approach. anything big before and they “Infrastructure is expensive think or hope that this will to build and expensive to then help to make up for maintain, so the sports their lack of structures and masterplan of a city needs experience.” to reflect the needs of high  Gernot Leitner will performance sports as well participate in the Panel as grassroots sports,” he said.

Session, ‘Establishing “Start with the hosting of New Markets’, in the Press regional and national events, Briefing Room from 16.00build a fan base and create 17.00 today. sports centres of excellence. plan: Gernot Leitner

another 162 people here on a part-time basis. We offer a turnkey service, with IT, media relations, decorations and many more aspects to our business. This makes communications between departments very straightforward, and our response times are very quick.”

The opportunity to host sport’s No.1 global gathering has allowed Serenas to focus on a unique event. “We have been preparing for this event for a long time, and we are very happy as it has presented us with a valuable new challenge,”

Gürbüz added. “The level of delegates here is very impressive, and in that respect it is a new experience for us.

“It is also very valuable for Turkey, as there is a drive for the development of sport in the country.

“There is considerable investment being put into sport in this country, and the most important members of the international sporting community will have an opportunity to experience Turkey’s renowned hospitality and check out the excellent facilities.

“Hosting SportAccord Convention is a very good step for the country, as it will encourage the sports industry to come to Turkey in the future.

“Our aim is to make everyone happy and make life as easy as possible for participants in the event, allowing high-level networking to take place.”

Gürbüz also said that the support of the Turkish Government and National Olympic Committee had been invaluable in preparing for the event.

“The role of the Government as well as the National Olympic Committee, led by President Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener, has been crucial,” he added.

10

news

Malaysia a perfect host for major sports events M alaysia offers the perfect destination, value-for-money, culture and track record for hosting leading sports competitions, according to Malaysia Major Events.

The country has welcomed a number of big sporting events in recent years, including Formula One motor racing and MotoGP motorcycling, and is also a hotbed of major entertainment shows that have all combined to enhance the reputation of the nation as a destination of choice.

“Malaysia is strategically located between two giant economies (China and India) and sits right in the middle of Asia, where over 55% of the world’s population reside,” Malaysia Major Events told The Daily.

“Malaysia has an impeccable track record for hosting some of the world’s major international events.”

The country is also a popular tourist destination and regularly registers impressively in rankings for aspects such as ‘value for money’, with Malaysia being the eighth most visited country in the world in 2013 and the capital,

Kuala Lumpur, being voted as the second best shopping city in the Asia-Pacific, according to the 2012 Globe Shopper Index.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Major Events provides a range of services to support event organisers, such as bid support, site inspections, product and service selection, planning advisory services, event promotion, itinerary development, government liaison and on-site support.

“At SportAccord Convention, we are hoping to meet as many of the decision-makers within the international sports community, including International Federations, Organising Committees, rights-holders and sports events representatives.

“SportAccord Convention is a platform of international recognition. Such a gathering of influential sports representatives sets the best atmosphere to network and do business.”

Malaysia offers a stunning environment for sporting contests, with an extensive and affordable choice of exotic, beautiful and exciting experiences within one destination, from tropical rainforests to idyllic island resorts and historic towns.

It is also a multi-lingual destination, with most

‘2014 is primed to be another big year for the tourism industry’

Malaysians able to speak at least three different languages, including the national language, Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin and Tamil. English is also widely spoken.

Additionally, the country offers a range of venue options, with capacities ranging from intimate arenas of 1,000 to 87,000. Some of the country’s leading sports venues include the Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, Sepang International Circuit and Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil.

“Visit Malaysia Year 2014 is the nation’s biggest

tourism celebration, bustling with non-stop excitement from dazzling parades, colourful cultural shows, fabulous food festivals, exciting sports, music and arts festivals, shopping extravaganza and much more,” Malaysia Major Events added.

“Ask any Malaysian why tourists should visit his country, and the answer will range from the mouth-watering food, diverse cultures, the nature, enchanting islands and beaches, to great shopping.

“The country has never been more welcoming to both international and domestic tourists, and 2014 is primed to be another significant year for the country’s tourism industry, as it is the fourth time it has celebrated Visit Malaysia Year.”  Visit Malaysia Major Events at exhibition stand number 79.

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

11

the big interview

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decisive penalty kick, the last-second touchdown pass, the final-round knockout; sport at its most compelling showcases the fine line between winning and losing.

This element of competition lies at the heart of the world’s leading events to such an extent that it is impossible to imagine them existing without the tantalising knife edge between glory and failure.

However, in an age when such showpiece occasions are more readily accessible to fans around the world than ever before, a comparatively young sport from outside the mainstream is growing in popularity.

Freerunning combines athleticism, skill and imagination as many of the best sports do, but most intriguingly, it is non-competitive.

“Young people are getting involved in it because of its simplicity, its reality – it is accessible no matter where you come from,” Sébastien Foucan, the pioneer of freerunning, told The Daily.

“You just need a pair of trainers and your imagination. It is the true symbol of freedom for them, as it reminds them of who they are; a person who likes to explore the world.”

Freerunning is an offshoot of ‘parkour’, a creative movement activity that was first popularised by Foucan alongside David Belle and other teenagers in a close-knit Paris group during the 1980s.

Belle was inspired by his father Raymond, a fireman. In awe of his dad’s athletic prowess, Belle learned it was rooted in a form of French military training, le parcours du combatant. Translated as ‘the path of the warrior’, parkour is a training discipline

‘It was natural for us and made us feel real’ using an outdoor and natural environment, as instructed by French naval officer Georges Hebert in the early 20th century.

“My friend and I started the entire movement,” Foucan said. “We did it because it was natural for us and it makes us feel real – we could use our skills here and now. There was no need for mats, special clothes or anything like that.”

It is perhaps an unusual lineage for a craze that came to occupy and define a small number of young urban Parisians, but, about 100 years on from the moment Hebert witnessed a catastrophic volcanic eruption while serving on the Caribbean island of Martinique and became convinced of a need to combine athletic skill and altruism, parkour burst into the public consciousness.

French filmmaker Luc Besson became associated with Belle and Foucan’s group of traceurs – the name given to an exponent of parkour. They were known as ‘The Yamakasi’ and in 2001 Besson, inspired by their exploits, released a film of the same name. Around the same time, as is inherent in parkour’s aim to overcome physical and mental barriers in an expressive way, Foucan was beginning to develop his own strand of freerunning.

Although a definition between the two disciplines is hard to pin down and

is something Foucan himself avoids, freerunning places equal emphasis on the creativity of movement alongside parkour’s principle aim of getting from one point to another and overcoming obstacles in the most efficient way possible.

After curating his first freerunning show in Frankfurt in 2001, Foucan became an overnight sensation in the UK through the Channel 4 documentary ‘Jump London’.

The 2003 programme featured Foucan and fellow traceurs Jérôme Ben Aoues and Johann Vigroux demonstrating their skills around many of the English capital’s most famous landmarks. As they wowed audiences with their exploits at the Royal Albert Hall and HMS Belfast, the term ‘freerunning’ was established.

On the back of his new-found fame, Foucan appeared in Madonna’s video for her single ‘Jump’ and took part in the pop star’s ‘Confessions’ tour in 2006. In the same year his freerunning skills garnered worldwide acclaim through a scene-stealing performance at the start of the James Bond ‘Casino Royale’ movie.

Endorsements by global sportswear companies NIKE and Fila followed, but Foucan remains wholly committed to growing his sport and has found the UK to be a particularly fertile location.

“I am the ambassador for Parkour UK, the world’s first and currently only national governing body for parkour and freerunning,” he explained.

“They are doing an amazing job and I have been working with the sports councils of the UK to gain recognition for the sport of parkour/freerunning.”

Foucan’s collaboration with sports administrators in the UK has led to the development of the world’s first nationally recognised coaching qualifications for parkour and freerunning, and the 39-yearold is hugely encouraged by these steps.

“They continually work hard to meet the interests of young people and protect our discipline,” he said. “I think many other countries could learn a lot from what Parkour UK has pioneered, achieved and continues to do for our sport.”

As freerunning continues to grow, Foucan’s work with national and international bodies is also set to increase.

He is an ambassador for the Fédération Internationale des Arts Du Déplacement (FIADD), an organisation that aims to unite the different strands of parkour and freerunning.

“FIADD will unify the world’s parkour/ freerunning communities under an inclusive and progressive International Federation that will represent our discipline in the true spirit that it was created with,” said Foucan, who accepts the need for increased finance to fuel his ambitions.

“International recognition is very important for the sport, but I think it is most important to get funding.

“Personally, it would be good to get more support, so that I could be a more efficient ambassador – to meet with people with a real vision for development and who get the power to decide and make change.”  Sébastien Foucan will speak about ‘Rediscovering the Soul of Sport: A perspective from 007 to the inner city’, from 10.30-11.00 during the Conference Programme on Thursday 10 April.

explore: Sébastien Foucan

freedom & movement

2014 is an exciting year for Scotland as the country gears up to host the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

Looking ahead, Scotland has secured major sporting & cultural events with bids beyond 2015 already in progress.

For more information please visit EventScotland.org and follow @EventScotNews

SILVER PARTNER 2014

12

opening ceremony on stage at susesi

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urkey’s rich and ancient culture will be the principal theme of a dazzling ceremony to officially open SportAccord Convention 2014 tonight at Susesi Luxury Resort & Convention Centre.

A culture formed by Turkey’s enviable location between Europe and Asia, surrounded by three seas (the Mediterranean to the south, the Aegean to the west and the Black to the north), it will be portrayed in all its vibrancy by a host of different dances.

Each Turkish region has its own unique dancing style, and guests of the 12th edition of sport’s No.1 global gathering will be treated to some traditional folklore dances during the Opening Ceremony.

The Akdeniz Güneşi Dans Grubu, a local group consisting of 20 students, will light up the stage with three magical performances.

They will be accompanied by traditional euphonious music, which will complement their charming dances.

The dances will come before four leading figures from the world of sport will welcome delegates officially to Belek/Antalya, with the Main Conference Programme getting underway on Wednesday.

Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener, President of the Turkish Olympic Committee, will start proceedings by welcoming delegates and guests

cheers: Delegates enjoy last night’s PwC Cocktail Reception

to the Convention in Belek/Antalya.

He will be followed by Akif Çağatay Kılıç, the Minister of Youth and Sports in Turkey, who will invite delegates and guests to make the most of their visit to the country.

Thomas Bach will then make his debut speech at SportAccord Convention as President of the International Olympic Committee, the position to which he was elected last September

in Buenos Aires. Marius L. Vizer, who was voted in as President of SportAccord and SportAccord Convention nearly a year ago, will close the official part of the evening.

The ceremony, which will start at 18.30 in the Main Auditorium, is due to finish at 22.00.

However, networking can then continue in an informal and relaxed atmosphere in the afterhours official bar until 23.30.

news Today at a glance

ALL DAY – SportAccord Convention Exhibition 13.30-17.30 – CITY FORUM (Press Briefing Room) 13.35-14.00 – Keynote Address: Major Event Objectives (Shona Robison MSP) 14.00-15.00 – Sharing the Bidding Process & Responsibilities 15.35-16.00 – The First European Games (Azad Rahimov) 16.00-17.00 – Establishing New Markets 17.00-17.25 – Case Study: Hitting New Target Audiences (Olivier Pascal) MEETINGS 08.00-12.00 – AIMS Plenary Session (Press Briefing Room) 09.00-12.00 – ARISF Council Meeting (Meeting Room 2) 09.00-17.00 – ASOIF General Assembly (Main Auditorium) 14.00-17.00 – AIOWF General Assembly (Meeting Room 1) OTHER 09.00-10.30 – City to City (The Studio, by invitation only) 12.45-13.30 – IAAF Q&A Session (Internet Lounge) SPORTS DEMO ZONE Draughts, Judo, Sambo, Basketball SOCIAL 08.00-08.30 – First Comers Breakfast (The Studio) 12.00-13.30 – Lunch (Exhibition area) 17.00-18.30 – Exhibition Showcase cocktail (Exhibition Area) 18.30-22.00 – SportAccord Convention Opening Ceremony (Main Auditorium) 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) TOMORROW: 06.30-07.30 – Group Run/Walk (lobby of official Convention hotels at 06.15), 06.45-07.30 – IFMA Morning Muaythai Boxercise Class (Sports Demo Zone)

FILMMASTER EVENTS With branches operating in Rome, Milan, Dubai, London and Rio, and 35 years of experience, Filmmaster Events is one of the leading international events companies, three times awarded as Best Event Agency and one of the few companies in the world accredited for creation and production of Olympic Ceremonies.

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

Filmmaster, together with SRCom, in 2011 was appointed by the Rio 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Organizing Committees, to be Producer of Opening & Closing Ceremonies and Torch Relays. Thrilling people, allowing them to dream, transmitting values. With passion. With typically Italian flair. This is the mission of an organisation that fully covers all the phases of creation, planning and production of events.

The company has left its mark on four Olympic events, starting with Salt Lake City 2002 (Flag Handover), continuing with Turin 2006 (Ceremonies) and London 2012 (Flag Handover), ending with Sochi 2014 (Paralympic Ceremonies Concept).

Many other international events have been produced by Filmmaster Events: the UEFA Euro 2012 opening and closing ceremonies, the America’s Cup opening ceremony in 2012, the spectacular opening of the Juventus Stadium in 2011, the inauguration ceremony for the Donbass Arena in Ukraine in 2009 and the opening ceremony for the Mediterranean Games in 2009.

Filmmaster Events is increasingly expanding its expertise in the world of entertainment.

Thanks to its incredible creative and productive ability, the company has been asked to devise the storyline for the Cinecittà World Theme Park in Rome, for which it will also develop the permanent shows and entertainment contents.

Filmmaster Events has created and planned the renovation of the Luneur Park in Rome, one of the most famous fun fairs in Europe, which it will also operate.

Uefa Euro 2012 Opening Ceremony / June 8th 2012, Warsaw.

Juventus Stadium / September 8th 2011, Opening Ceremony - Turin, Italy.

PRODUCER OF RIO 2016 CEREMONIES SAC DELEGATE

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

Donbass Arena / August 29th 2009, Grand Opening Ceremony - Donetsk, Ukraine.