SportAccord Convention has boosted experience of hosting major events, claim Turkish officials

By Nick Butler

April 11 - The SportAccord International Convention in the Mediterranean resort of Belek in Antalya has been hailed by the Turkish Olympic Committee (TOC) as another success in the country's growing portfolio of hosting major events.

The annual six-day Convention, bringing together 1,636 delegates from across the sports world, consisted of high-level meetings including of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board as well as opportunities for presentations, announcements and networking.

It was held in a region billed as a "developing sports hub" which recently hosted the 2013 World Archery Championships and, next month, will host the 2014 Turkish Airlines Ladies Golf Open, part of the Ladies European Tour.

The Convention, as well as these other events, was welcomed by figures from the Turkish Olympic Committee as they continue to battle the disappointment of Istanbul failing to be chosen as the host city for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

"The Turkish Olympic Committee is very happy and honoured to have successfully welcomed the biggest and most important annual sports gathering in the world in the beautiful city of Belek," reflected TOC President and IOC Executive Board member Uğur Erdener.

"It has been a great opportunity for us to welcome so many delegates from every corner of the sports world in meetings that will shape the next year in sport."

Thomas Bach met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan following the Convention ©Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Similar satisfaction was displayed by TOC secretary general Neşe Gündoğan when she thanked SportAccord President Marius Vizer when speaking alongside him at the end of the week.

"The SportAccord Convention 2014 has been a fantastic success," she said.

"We are so thankful to SportAccord President, Marius Vizer, for trusting us and our country to deliver the Convention this year, and we are delighted with how the event has gone.

"President Vizer and the whole SportAccord team has ensured that it has been yet another excellent and fruitful opportunity for all parties involved in the sports movement to come together to share expertise.

"We hope that we have proven Turkey's passion for sport and ability to host major international sporting events and we look forward to having the opportunity to do this again in the near future."

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