London will host a key business event for sport leaders
London is to host the 2011 international SportAccord Convention, one of the key business events for international sports leaders, London Mayor Boris Johnson has announced.
Hosting the six-day international sports convention from April 3 will initially be worth over £3 million to London's economy.
More than 1,500 delegates from 60 countries including representatives from international sporting federations, the International Olympic Committee's executive board, rights holders of major sports events, media, sponsors and other commercial businesses in the global sports industry are expected.
Mr Johnson said: "This is a truly fantastic opportunity for the capital. Delivering a legacy for London after the Games is crucially important and SportAccord will now play a significant role in helping us achieve this.
"Sport is at the heart of this great city and I am looking forward to welcoming all sports leaders, IOC (International Olympic Committee) members and Olympic bidding cities to London in 2011 to give them a taste of what's in store for 2012 and after."
Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said: "The SportAccord Convention is an excellent opportunity for UK businesses to showcase their expertise gained from working on London 2012 to key players in the international event supplier sector.
"With preparations for the London Games reaching fever pitch in 2011, SportAccord will be a vital forum for British companies looking to capitalise on the business benefits of 2012 and take their experience overseas."
Hein Verbruggen, chairman of SportAccord Convention, said: "Our constituents comprise the top leadership in all areas of international sport and have a vested interest in any city that is hosting an Olympic Games and other top-level sporting events.
"With London preparing to welcome the world for the Games in 2012, there is no better time for the SportAccord Convention to come here and witness the final preparations taking place in your city."
