Supporting Programme

To mark its 40th anniversary the IAKS Congress once again lived up to its reputation as the worldwide think tank for the sport and leisure industry. Around 550 guests and delegations from more than 40 countries seized the opportunity to inform themselves about the latest trends. In addition to guests from Russia, Poland and the Ukraine, among others the event also welcomed participants from the USA and Canada, Chile, Brazil and Venezuela as well as from Israel, Gambia, Malaysia and New Zealand. Dr. Stephan Holthoff-Pförtner summed up the key features of the event: "Networking was the core element of this year's Congress. Be it on themes such as barrier-free facilities, demographic change, application of technology, major sporting events or stadium infrastructures - once again this year the IAKS Congress offered excellent possibilities for the exchange of information between experts and decision-makers from all over the world." That was also confirmed by the presence and active involvement of many top-ranking representatives from leading international institutions such as for example Dr. Thomas Bach, Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee, Professor Walther Tröger, Chairman of the IOC "Sport for All" Commission, Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, and Dr. Michael Vesper, Director General of the German Olympic Sports Federation (DOSB). On the evening of the first day of the fair exemplary sports and leisure facilities already in use were presented with the IOC/IAKS Award 2009 and IPC/IAKS Distinction. The delighted winner of the competition was China with two gold, two silver and a bronze medal as well as two IPC/IAKS Distinctions. In this connection the Olympic Stadium in Beijing known as the "bird's nest" not only won the gold medal in the stadiums category but also the IPC/IAKS Distinction for barrier-free facilities. All 28 prize-winning entries for the IOC/IAKS Award for exemplary sports and leisure facilities along with the 10 IPC/IAKS Distinctions for barrier-free sports facilities were presented in a special show on the IAKS trade fair stand.

IAKS
Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 3
D-50933 Cologne
kongress@iaks.info
www.iaks.info

Tel: + 49 221-1680230
Fax: + 49 221-16802323

Please download the  IAKS Special including the IAKS Congress Programme 2009: