QSi 2004 World Sports Conference begins

Being held in Doha, Qatar, the 2nd QSi World Sports Conference will run until Wednesday and discuss three major topics: The Power of Sports, Sports Events and Economic Success and Women and Sports.

"The Qatar National Olympic Committee feels that sport has a tremendous power," said HE Sheikh Saoud. "Sports has always played a vital role in the social lives of Qatar's residents and, with a growing number of prestigious International Sports Events, hosted here in recent years, Qatar has gained a reputation as the sports capital of the region. Sport is powerful as it brings people together. It gives ideals to youngsters, it has an educational role, it creates employment opportunities and is above all developing fitness and thus improves the health of the population," added HE Sheikh Saoud.

"QNOC is fully aware that sport is also a main catalyst to boost the image of our nation worldwide and we spare no efforts to attract the world's top athletes to Qatar and give them the media attention they deserve. In that context, the Al Jazeera Sports Channel was created as a powerful sports communication vehicle," HE Sheikh Saoud concluded.

The day started with the first topic: the Power of Sports. The session included 7 panel members from around the world and was moderated by renown broadcaster and journalist, Riz Khan. Panel members included Mr Giovanni di Cola, ILO Focal Person on Sport and Development, Universitas Program Coordinator; Dr Ju-Ho Chang, NOC Korea; Lord Seb Coe, twice Olympic Gold medalist; Mr Robert Davies, Chief Executive The Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum (London); Mr Frank Leboeuf, Professional football player with Al Saad Club, Qatar and former French International; HE Mr Joel Libombo, Sports Minister, Mozambique.