Mubarak al-Boainin, board member, Sports Press Committee, Qatar Olympic Committee, during his address at the 78th AIPS Congress in Paris on Wednesday.
By Our Correspondent/Paris
Doha would be hosting the 79th AIPS Congress in 2016, it was decided during the Paris edition of the Congress that concluded on Wednesday.
The four-day Congress witnessed a record participation by more than 300 delegates from 101 nations.
Speaking on the occasion AIPS President Gianni Merlo praised the efforts made by journalists and AIPS members in organising the 78th edition of the Congress at a short notice after the Sports Journalists Association of Uruguay had to pull out as hosts following the unfortunate situation in Montevideo.
However, the most landmark event to take place during the event was Doha bagging the right to award the next edition in 2016 following an enthralling presentation by Mubarak al-Boainin, Board Member - Sports Press Committee, Qatar Olympic Committee.
“This is certainly a historic moment for us. I want to thank the AIPS president Mr. Gianni Merlo and the members of the Executive Committee for keenly following our presentation and also awarding us the right to host the 69th AIPS Congress,” said al-Boainin.
Earlier, while addressing the delegates, he said: “We need your support and help in achieving the Sporting Excellence that Qatar has been aiming for. And the 79th AIPS Congress would be a Corner Stone in our efforts.”
“The 2006 Asian Games was a landmark event for Qatar. Earlier that year the 69th AIPS Congress was held in Doha, which witnessed participation from 86 countries. While that year saw re-written Statutes and By-Laws of AIPS being presented, the 79th edition, we are certain will set a new chapter in our goal towards international solidarity and brotherhood.”
“Not to speak of the fact the event would give you the opportunity to take a look at the development in Qatar in the 10 years following the 2006 AIPS Congress.”
Earlier, the member of the Executive Committee discussed the importance of the ‘Sport Media Pearl Awards’. It was agreed that the success of the awards depended on the active collaboration and communication between the national journalist associations.
AIPS President Gianni Merlo said: “These Awards are very important, because in a difficult moment for our profession it is necessary to return the spotlight onto the value of our work. Sport means culture and these awards will help the public recognise the social value of sport journalism.
“It is especially significant for our association that the awards were announced in Paris, the birthplace of AIPS the peak body representing the international sports media, founded 90 years ago at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games.”
