Lamine Diack, President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, arrived at the Nassau International Airport’s VIP Lounge last night and was warmly welcomed by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Neville Wisdom and members of the Bahamas Association of athletics Associations.
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(Photo By Dahalia Smith) |
| IAAF CHIEF WELCOMED – (from left) The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations President-Mike Sands, President of the International Association of Athletics Federation- Lamine Diack and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Neville Wisdom addresses the media, dignitaries and the public at a press conference held at the Nassau International Airport’s VIP Lounge last night. |
In New Providence for the next six days, Diack’s visit to The Bahamas will be for business and pleasure.
At the press conference held for his arrival, Minister Wisdom spoke of the government’s desire for the IAAF’s Hall of Fame Headquarters to be based in The Bahamas.
In addition, Diack touched on one of the federation’s objectives, pushing the development of youth programmes.
While Diack acknowledged that these issues will be examined fully in the near future, for the most part he will attempt to rest during his visit to The Bahamas.
This morning according to an itinerary provided the media, Diack will pay a courtesy call on the Minister of Sports Wisdom at 11 a.m. Following the meeting a presentation on the proposed IAAF Hall Of Fame here in New Providence will be made. It is expected that after that presentation, Minister Wisdom will host Diack to a private luncheon.
Also on Diack’s slate today will be a meeting with high school/junior athletes set for 4 pm today in the VIP lounge at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium.
Diack is also scheduled to be the guest of honour at the BAAA’s banquet set for Friday night, December 30 at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Spa.
Diack has held numerous positions in the world of athletics including serving as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture in the Senegalese Government and Mayor of Dakar.
He is the former President of the Senegalese Athletics Federation and the African Athletics Confederation. Diack was also the IAAF’s Senior Vice President before being ratified as the president at the Edmonton Congress in 2001.
As the IAAF president, he is responsible for leading the world’s governing body for track and field, cross country and road running.
The IAAF is the largest international sports body with a membership of 210 national federations.
In 2002 Diack became the first IAAF President to visit The Bahamas when he attended the Carifta Games. He was also the first and only IAAF president to attend the Carfita Games.
Diack is due to depart the country on January 2.
- Austin DWI - New York DWI