Qatar Association of Athletics Federation, in collaboration with Qatar Olympic Committee, has the pleasure of announcing their official candidacy for the Doha 2017 IAAF World Championships.

Everything for this bid is in place for a fantastic Championships. From our top stadiums to the highly anticipated development of "Athletics' City" which will accommodate the Athletes and IAAF, there are no question marks. We are ready to host an unforgettable event!

The IAAF World Championships is an opportunity to not only showcase Athletics at its very best, but also to develop solutions for the sport. Doha 2017 has the strength and vision to achieve both.

"We look forward to sharing our ideas for a fantastic 2017 World Championships over the coming months. As a committed partner to the IAAF, we are eager to build a strong event and even stronger sport for the future." Said Doha 2017 Chairman, Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

Fans and media alike can look forward to hearing more about Doha 2017's vision for the World Championships in the next editions of this newsletter or on our website at www.doha-2017.com.

From major sport events such as the Asian Cup 2011, 2006 Asian Games, Doha 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships and the upcoming Arab Games in 2011, 2015 Handball World Championships and 2022 FIFA World Cup, Doha has received unprecedented international recognition for the leading role in sports development.

With our wide selection of top quality training venues, accommodations that meet the needs of all participants and spectators, state of the art media and broadcasting facilities, medical and doping testing facilities and easy transportation throughout the city, Doha 2017 is committed to exceeding the standards of the IAAF.

IAAF President Lamine Diack had this to say about his experience at the Doha 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships, "It is mainly a deep feeling of satisfaction and happiness which is overwhelming all those who were lucky to attend this important event hosted for the first time by a country of the Middle East and the Arab world."

Doha 2017 is the right partner for a fantastic Championships, but also the right partner for a stronger future for Athletics. One of the key elements of the 2017 World Championships revolves around developing concrete solutions to the challenges faced by Athletics.

Hand-in-hand with the IAAF, we will work to overcome technical and mental barriers such as:

• How can Athletics events be hosted in different climates – whether it is too hot or too cold opening the opportunity for many new regions to host Athletics events?
• How can Athletics protect its tracks from being removed in stadiums around the world?
• How can a tradition for Athletics at the grassroots and the elite level be developed quickly in new countries around the world?
• How can fans from different cultures celebrate together despite their own cultures and traditions?

We have invested enormous hard-work and resources into overcoming many of the same challenges within our country and our region, and we believe that in partnership with the IAAF we can create a stronger future for Athletics worldwide.

We are committed to ensure that the sport that leaves Doha in 2017 will be a stronger sport that is ready to expand!