President Diack leads delegation on Beijing visit

Beijing, China – A delegation led by President Lamine Diack and including Council Member Helmut Digel, General Secretary Essar Gabriel, Deputy General Secretary Nick Davies and marketing consultant Papa Massata Diack is halfway through a visit to Beijing, host of the 2015 IAAF World Championships.

Yesterday, the IAAF delegation revisited the Olympic Stadium, scene of so many wonderful performances during the Beijing Olympic Games, and followed up today with meetings with the Acting Mayor of Beijing Wang Anshun, China’s Sports Minister Liu Peng and with Xu Bin, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of IAAF Partner Sinopec (China Petrochemical Corporation). It was also the occasion to catch up with key members of the Chinese Athletics Association led by President Duan Shijie.

"China plays a very important role in international athletics and this trip allows us to achieve two main goals – to show our appreciation and respect to the Chinese Athletics Association for all their hard work promoting the sport and also to the City of Beijing and Government authorities, as well as a key partner like Sinopec, who have shown their deep commitment to our sport," said President Diack.

"With a TV audience of 8 billion and more than 200 countries and 2000 athletes likely to compete, the IAAF World Championships is the most attractive property in international athletics and I have every confidence that our Chinese colleagues will do everything in their power to make the 2015 edition unforgettable."

"The hospitality shown to us during this visit to Beijing shows the extent to which the leading political figures here support the IAAF and athletics worldwide. A high level of support from the authorities will help us develop promotional campaigns which ensure full crowds in the Bird’s Nest. I am confident there will be a wonderful atmosphere for the competing athletes," concluded President Diack.

IAAF