Madrid - An IAAF delegation, led by President Lamine Diack, is participating in “Sportaccord”, the first ever international sports convention to bring together representatives of GAISF (General Association of International Sports Federations), ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations), AIOWF (Association of Olympic Winter Sport Federations) and ARISF (Association of IOC recognised International Federations). Sportaccord is taking place in Madrid’s impressive Palacio Municipal de Congresos from 12 -16 May.

President Diack, who has been discussing leading issues with other sport leaders in Madrid said: “The concept of gathering together all the major figures of world sport under one roof for one week, to allow an exchange of ideas as well as for each association’s routine meeting, makes perfect sense. “

But Sportaccord was not only about meetings, but also offered exhibition space for companies involved in the business of sport as well as a five day Conference with expert speakers and interactive workshops. Among the themes being covered are: Sport in Society; Hosting and Managing Sports Events; Sport business 2003; Sport Broadcast and Sponsorship; Contemporary Sports Law and Sport and Technology.

The International Olympic Committee are also closely involved in Sportaccord, organising an Executive Board Meeting on 16 – 17 May as well as joint meetings with the various sporting associations.

At the close of Thursday’s session, Lamine Diack summarised the most important conclusions of that day’s ASOIF joint meeting with the IOC’s Executive Board.

“Many on-going matters were discussed, including the vital role in the Olympic Movement that is played by ASOIF, which was founded 20 years ago by my predecessor as IAAF President Primo Nebiolo.

“Many important points were made by our ASOIF President Denis Oswald. The first is a desire amongst all ASOIF members that they should be represented, individually, at all IOC Sessions. Secondly, ASOIF expressed concern regarding the proposed IOC Code of Ethics. In particular, there is concern that the current proposal suggests that cities who wish to bid for the Olympics, should not try to host other major sporting events in the lead up to a bid decision. The IOC President agreed that more fine-tuning of the Code would be necessary."

"Another hot topic is the role and status of the World Anti-doping Agency WADA in world sport. Both ASOIF, and  the IAAF, believe strongly that a WADA communications policy needed to be discussed and agreed and, most importantly, that WADA had been created to be a service provider and not as some sort of political authority or world governing body.”

In a separate meeting on Thursday, it was agreed that the athletics programme of the 2006 Commonwealth Games will take place from 20-25 March in Melbourne.

IAAF General Secretary Istvan Gyulai, speaking after his meeting with the Chairman of the Melbourne 2006 Organising Committee Ron Walker, and Simon Allatson, Chief Executive of Athletics Australia, said: “A decision has been taken to move the athletics to the end of the sporting programme, [in Manchester it was at the beginning] to encourage more interest from the public and Media. Athletics will now be the climax of the Commonwealth Games and we all hope that Melbourne will be able to match the sold out crowds, and marvellous atmosphere, of the Sydney Olympic Stadium.”

For more information about the first international sports convention go to www.sportaccord.com