LAUSANNE, Switzerland – International sporting leaders will address the important subject of the relationship between sport and government during the eighth SportAccord Convention from April 25-30, 2010 in Dubai. The SportAccord Convention features the topic of The Autonomy of Sport on its conference agenda at a time when regulation and the role of non-sport authorities in the governance of sport is the focus of increasing debate and consultation around the world.
Confirmed speakers for this momentous session are: Sheikh Amhad Al-Fadad Al-Sabah, President, Olympic Council of Asia (OCA); Joseph S. Blatter, President, International Football Federation (FIFA); Christophe de Kepper, Chief of Staff, International Olympic Committee (IOC), and Nawal El Moutawakel, former Sports Minister, Morocco, and Chairwoman, Rio 2016 Coordination Commission.
The year 2010 marks a turning point in the area of sporting regulation after the passage by the European Union’s Treaty of Lisbon in December 2009 endorsed an expanded role for Brussels in this area, a move that has implications throughout world sport. For the first time, the EU has a so-called supporting competence in sport. While the majority of sport-related actions remain in the hands of sporting organisations and national governments, consultations are underway as to the future shape of European policy. The EU’s new Pierre de Coubertin Action Plan contains more than 50 proposals for action in sport, addressing its role in society, economic aspects and organisation.
“The subject of regulation and The Autonomy of Sport is a crucial one for our stakeholders and all actors in the world of sport, including commercial operators,” said Anna Hellman, executive director of SportAccord Convention. “We are delighted to provide a platform for global sporting leaders to shed light on this area of growing importance.”
The groundbreaking SportAccord Convention session of The Autonomy of Sport will be moderated by Michael Lenard, Senior Managing Director, Paladin Realty Partners; Member of the International Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The eighth annual SportAccord Convention will take place in Dubai from April 25-30, 2010 at the Atlantis Palm Resort. It is the first edition of the SportAccord Convention to be held in the Middle East.
To learn more about the 2010 SportAccord Convention in Dubai, visit www.sportaccordconvention.com
Every year SportAccord Week features a dynamic exhibition, numerous networking receptions and top-level conference sessions, including the City Forum, as well as the annual general meetings of the Sports Governing Bodies. The Convention attracts over 1,500 leading representatives of international sport.
About the SportAccord Convention
The SportAccord Convention annually brings representatives from the 100 international sports federations and organisations affiliated to SportAccord/GAISF (General Association of International Sports Federations), ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations) and AIOWF (Association of the International Olympic Winter Sports Federations), as well as the International Olympic Committee Executive Board, together with sponsors, bidding and host cities, architects, sports lawyers, broadcasters, games organising committees, rights holders and other specialists to discuss the key issues facing the sports industry.
Owned by SportAccord/GAISF, ASOIF and AIOWF, the SportAccord Convention encompasses the annual Congress and General Assembly of each association, while offering the sports community a powerful opportunity to come together in an exclusive and authoritative networking environment to build relationships, exchange knowledge and develop ideas.
