ID :
210629
Sat, 10/01/2011 - 16:50
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/210629
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Javelin Ace Thorkildsen Backs Doha's 2017 Bid
Doha, October 01 (QNA) - Norwegian javelin ace Andreas Thorkildsen is backing Doha's bid to host the 2017 IAAF World Championships.
Thorkildsen will be visiting Doha this week, the Doha 2017 Bid Committee said in a media statement. His visit to Doha coincides with the IAAF Evaluation Commission visit here on October 5 and 6.
"I had a great experience competing in Doha and I can see that their experience in and commitment to athletics will continue to grow. If athletics wants to set new standards for a World Championships that will take my sport to the next level then Doha is without doubt the right place," said Thorkildsen.
Doha is competing with London to host the 2017 IAAF World Championships. These are the only two candidate cities in the fray after Barcelona withdrew from the race.
President of the Qatar Association of Athletics Federation (QAAF) and Executive Director of Doha 2017 Bid Committee Abdulla Al Zaini said, "We are honoured to have Andreas' support for our bid and glad to have him here for the evaluation visit. We want to have a World Championships in 2017 that exceeds expectations for everyone, including the athletes."
During the visit, the IAAF Evaluation Commission will also see the launch of the Schools Olympic Programme. Children's athletics is at the heart of this successful youth programme.
Last year, with the support of the Qatar Olympic Committee and the QAAF 17,492 students took part over the five-month programme.
Qatar's Schools Olympic Programme has received both regional and international recognition for its rapid achievements in expanding Athletics participation.
Thorkildsen will be visiting Doha this week, the Doha 2017 Bid Committee said in a media statement. His visit to Doha coincides with the IAAF Evaluation Commission visit here on October 5 and 6.
"I had a great experience competing in Doha and I can see that their experience in and commitment to athletics will continue to grow. If athletics wants to set new standards for a World Championships that will take my sport to the next level then Doha is without doubt the right place," said Thorkildsen.
Doha is competing with London to host the 2017 IAAF World Championships. These are the only two candidate cities in the fray after Barcelona withdrew from the race.
President of the Qatar Association of Athletics Federation (QAAF) and Executive Director of Doha 2017 Bid Committee Abdulla Al Zaini said, "We are honoured to have Andreas' support for our bid and glad to have him here for the evaluation visit. We want to have a World Championships in 2017 that exceeds expectations for everyone, including the athletes."
During the visit, the IAAF Evaluation Commission will also see the launch of the Schools Olympic Programme. Children's athletics is at the heart of this successful youth programme.
Last year, with the support of the Qatar Olympic Committee and the QAAF 17,492 students took part over the five-month programme.
Qatar's Schools Olympic Programme has received both regional and international recognition for its rapid achievements in expanding Athletics participation.
