Federations and councils set to kick off convention

The eighth annual SportAccord International Convention – the biggest sports networking event in the world – will be launched today in Dubai at the Atlantis Hotel Palm Jumeirah with a series of meetings and events organised exclusively for participating sports federations and councils.

The SportAccord Convention announced that its 2010 edition will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It is being held in the Middle East for the first time.

Sheikh Mohammed's patronage of the international event reflects his vision towards establishing Dubai's position as a premier sports destination while ensuring economic diversification of the emirate.

He is also a major sporting figure himself as the founder of Godolphin Racing, the foremost stable in thoroughbred racing, and creator of the Dubai World Cup, the world's richest race, whose home is the spectacular new Meydan racecourse.

The SportAccord Convention's list of participants will include former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan, Fifa President Sepp Blatter, cricket star Rahul Dravid and swimming legend Ian Thorpe.

Organisers of this year's event report that more countries and cities than ever before are represented among the 60 exhibitors with stands in the exhibition centre.

"We're very pleased by the turn out from around the world," said Anna Hellman, Executive Director of SportAccord Convention. "The reach and influence of SportAccord Convention is undeniable, and hosting the convention in Dubai has greatly contributed to this year's success."