Third Edition of Global Forum to be Held in November

Doha , September 02 (QNA) - The premier platform for world leaders to advance social and economic change through sport, is back for a third successive year on November 3 5 at the Aspire Academy in Doha. The Doha GOALS Forum is held under the high patronage of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Doha GOALS Forum said in a press release. Last year, the Doha GOALS Forum was attended by 1,500 participants from 70 countries, including 150 speakers and 30 sporting champions. Past years have included prominent speakers such as former President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, President of Gabon, Ali Bongo, FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, and Olympic medalists like Lord Sebastian Coe, Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, Mark Spitz, Hicham El Guerrouj, Marie Jose Perez and Nadia Comaneci.This year will feature tennis legend Boris Becker along with star athletes Wilson Kipketer, Tegla Loroupe and Jonathan Edwards, to name a few. Executive Director of Doha GOALS Forum, H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Mubarak Al Thani said: "To watch initiatives go from ideas in discussion to concrete programs implemented across the globe is a remarkable experience, one which fills us with pride. Doha GOALS Forum helps build the very foundations for youth development and provides means for support in the community. Sport is one of the most powerful tools to instil proper values and build character, through our initiatives we create opportunities unique which would otherwise not exist for many young athletes." Executive producer, Richard Attias said: "Sport is a powerful game changer! Doha GOALS Forum is a real community of leaders who share this vision and at the 2014 edition we will go beyond this vision and implement impactful initiatives and actions with the support of the private and public sectors." Dikembe Mutumbo said: "Sport promotes healthy society and individuals. We need a coalition between government, athletes, international institutions, and corporations to create positive opportunities and provide support for todays youth. We also need to thank the organizers of Doha GOALS and the country of Qatar for supporting athletes who have a strong commitment to making a difference in society. We need to keep this movement going and we need to continue coming here to Doha GOALS. Two days can change the world and secure the future of our children." During the second year, the first Ministers of Sport summit yielded the Doha GOALS Accord while the Forum itself produced three concrete social initiatives.(QNA)