Economics, society and politics focus of World Sports Conference

The conference, which will run for three days, has attracted speakers and delegates from around the world who are involved in the sporting industry and the business of sports. Scheduled to run from April 5th to 7th, the Conference is promising a range of topics that will cover various economic, social and political components - all very timely topics for the State of Qatar - host of the 2006 Asian Games.

"This is the second QSi Sports Conference being held in Qatar which is being managed in partnership with Swiss based international experts, World Sports Forum, an association linked to the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI ), the platform of the world's leading sports manufacturers and brands such as Mizuno, Adidas-Salomon, Reebok, Asics, Puma, New Balance and Nike," explained Mr Ahmad Al Mawlawi, Organizing Committee Director of QSi 2004.

"The conference programme will feature topical sports issues, being discussed daily by a panel of experts with radically differing views. Key items on the agenda include The Power of Sport, focusing on the impact of sport on the economic, social and political interests of a nation or host city. This session will be moderated by world famous Riz Khan, ex presenter from CNN," said Al Mawlawi.

Panel members include H.E. Mr. Joel Libombo, Sports Minister of Mozambique; Mr. Frank Leboeuf, professional football player with Al Sadd Club and ex-French International; and Lord Seb Coe, twice Olympic Gold medalist.

"Sports Events as a Foundation of Sustainable Success is the topic for the 2nd day and will explore how major sports events can be used for broader strategic economic development," added Mr Al Mawlawi.

Predicted to be the liveliest topic, will be "Women in Sports" Al Mawlawi said. "The issue proved so popular at the first QSi conference in 2002, where over 500 women participated, it had to be included again in order that the advances made in understanding these complex issues, were sustained." This topic will be moderated by two times Olympic Gold medallist, Ms Donna de Varona.