[Source: SportAccord Convention] During the session ‘Between Events’, delegates who register for SportAccord will hear about ground-breaking initiatives from UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), and the tremendous impact these initiatives are having at both governmental and grassroots levels.

With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now accounting for the majority of health-related deaths in Asia and the Pacific, especially among youth[1], interventions to increase or improve the quality of spaces in urban planning, can have a transformative effect on the lives of individuals and the community.

Caroline Baxter Tresise, International Consultant for Sport, Social and Human Sciences Sector, UNESCO Paris, will reveal how they are working with IFMA (International Federation of Muaythai Amateur) in Thailand as part of the initiatives, Sport is Your Gang and The New Urban Agenda. Together, these programmes are helping to combat the rise of NCDs as a result of the increase in dedicated urban green public spaces for sport and physical activity such as Muaythai.

“Parks and celebrated public spaces for sport are rapidly disappearing across the world in favour of shopping malls and highways. Sport federations can play an important role at the local level to reverse this trend through dynamic, multi-stakeholder partnerships involving Governments. Join us at CityAccord to find out how!”

Jérôme Lacroix, Business Development Manager, Union Cycliste Internationale will reveal the latest insights from its global initiative UCI Bike City label, including the work they are undertaking in Bangkok. The programme rewards cities and regions that invest in everyday cycling and related infrastructures, as well as elite cycling events. Its long-term vision is to develop a network of UCI Bike Cities enabling them to maximise the impact of sport regardless of age, level of fitness or cycling activity.

“IFs have a fantastic opportunity to not only grow sport followers, but also encourage active and healthy individuals of all ages. This can be done in partnership with cities and regions hosting their events. In return these same hosts can also greatly benefit from such events to showcase and develop areas, including outside of the sports sphere. Lacroix went on to say:

“The UCI Bike City label recognises cities and regions that act as inspiring examples of how elite and everyday cycling can contribute to creating better, safer, healthier and more sustainable communities.  We look forward to sharing examples from this programme with the audience at CityAccord.”

SportAccord is also delighted to confirm the Co-chairs for this year’s CityAccord and City-to-City: Melanie Duparc, Co-ordinator of Smart Cities & Sport Network and an Official Supporter of SportAccord; and David Simon, President of the Los Angeles Sports Council.

Organisations looking for opportunities to connect and increase their visibility at this prestigious global gathering and take advantage of the opportunities associated with becoming an Exhibitor or Partner, should contact the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 (0)79 126 08 42.

As part of the Official Schedule, SportAccord will host well over 20 networking events, a 3-day Exhibition as well as an extensive Conference programme to include: the Summit (Plenary), CityAccord, LawAccord, MediaAccord and HealthAccord.

Other key features include: Speakers’ Corner, the Thai Pavilion, the Opening Ceremony and Closing Event. Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #sportaccord, as well as LinkedIn and on Facebook.