The world of sport is looking forward to the 2018 SportAccord Convention held at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention in Bangkok the capitol of the Kingdom of Thailand. Bangkok is always among the world’s top tourist destinations. The city is a true tourist paradise, proved by the growing number of travelers coming each year.

Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World is in the very heart of Bangkok’s shopping and business district, with easy access by road and via the BTS Skytrain. This five-star hotel, the flagship of Centara Hotels & Resorts, is therefore ideal for those shopping, sightseeing, or on business. With another 3 5-star hotels within five minutes walking distance, it is the perfect location for the next edition of the convention.

There was buzz of excitement when Bangkok was announced as the next host in Aarhus and since then, 2 site visits have taken place, led by SportAccord Convention CEO Nis Hatt and the LOC led by the deputy governor of the Sport Authority of Thailand Col. Ruj. The former Sport Minister of Thailand made an emotional presentation in Lausanne during the recent IF Forum detailing the plans made for the Sport Festival as an external addition to the convention.

GAISF Vice President Stephan Fox put the idea forward at the last GAISF General Assembly, and extended version of the Sport Demo Zone in which the Thai public and the many tourists can enjoy activities of all kinds to promote sport and active society and at the same time promoting sport as a tool for cultural understanding.

The first coordination meeting took place with all three government departments joining for the planning; the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the Sport Authority of Thailand and the Department of Physical Education along with 42 National Sport Federations which participated at the meeting and now launching into action with their relevant International Federations to plan the various activities.

Stephan Fox stated that the festival has many objectives; to promote grassroots sport, establish closer relationships between the Thai national federations and their international federations, promote and establish sports which do not yet have national federations in Thailand and to promote sport simply for what it is – a way of life.

The festival area will include a main stage for nightly activities, a centre court for the various games, a combat zone and an active society playground. Other activities will be held at different locations and the involvement of the international and national schools, universities and social projects are planned during the festival.

This should add another dimension of excitement to the convention as well as serve as a reminder of the mandate given to us to work for our most important asset, our Youth.