Against a backdrop of global financial turmoil and political uncertainty, International Olympic Committee leaders meet in Quebec City this week to select a shortlist of finalists for the 2020 Summer Games.

It boils down to a risk assessment of the five cities in contention — Istanbul, Madrid, Tokyo, Doha and Baku, Azerbaijan.

The IOC executive board likely will reduce the field to three, possibly four, finalists. Tokyo, Istanbul and Madrid look certain to make the cut, with Baku a longshot and Doha the big question mark.

All five contenders are previous bidders: Madrid is back for a third consecutive time, Tokyo a second time in a row and Istanbul a fifth time overall; Doha and Baku both failed to make the shortlist last time for the 2016 Games.

“It’s not really a question of numbers, it’s more a question of where do we have the least risks,” IOC executive board member Denis Oswald told The Associated Press.

The finalists chosen Wednesday will become official “candidate cities,” setting up a 17-month global bidding campaign that will culminate with the IOC vote in September 2013 in Buenos Aires.

Wednesday’s decision will be influenced by a technical evaluation report on the five contenders compiled by a group of Olympic experts. The report will be submitted to the board in Quebec, but the IOC will take intangible factors into account as well.

“This is the most difficult decision we have ever had to take with regard to a shortlist,” IOC Vice President Thomas Bach told the AP. “We are living in a situation where the outlook is more difficult than ever in economic terms.

“In the past, it was difficult enough to look eight years ahead and how the world will look like then. Now, it’s even more difficult. If we knew how the world would look like at the end of this year, we would already be happy.”
[read more]

Among its facilities, QNCC boasts a 2,300-seat, lyric-style theatre, a multi-purpose conference hall with 4,000 seats, three additional tiered auditoria and 40,000 square metres of exhibition space. Since opening its doors, QNCC has been the host of several high-profile events, including the recently concluded 13th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XIII) and the 20th World Petroleum Congress. In addition to hosting regional and international conventions, QNCC is a destination venue for concerts, theatrical productions, gala events, exhibitions and banquets.

“QNCC completed a full review of ticketing solutions in the marketplace. We concluded that AudienceView would provide the best and most fully integrated technology platform from which to sell our tickets, manage our customer data and provide a multilingual service to our global client base,” said John Burke, Director of IT, QNCC. “This is an ideal partnership for QNCC in that it pairs modern technology with our cutting-edge venue. We look forward to using AudienceView for our current ticketing needs.”

“We are very pleased to welcome QNCC as an AudienceView customer,” said Jeff Koets, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at AudienceView. “We look forward to a long-term partnership with QNCC and to delivering the best ticketing experience for their patrons.”

You can connect with AudienceView through Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/audienceview ) and Twitter @AudienceView ( http://twitter.com/AudienceView ).

About AudienceView Ticketing

AudienceView Ticketing provides a fully integrated, web-based ticketing, CRM and fundraising solution to more than 170 sports, arts, entertainment and non-traditional ticketing organizations worldwide. Supporting both in-house and hosted ticketing models, AudienceView’s white-label solution offers the ability to create unlimited online brands, control your venue and event data, access real-time business data and interact directly with your customers. AudienceView’s leading-edge solution opens the door to superior venue management, an enhanced customer experience and ultimately, increased revenue. For more information about AudienceView Ticketing, please visit AudienceView.com.

About Qatar National Convention Centre

A member of the Qatar Foundation, QNCC features a conference hall of 4,000-seats theatre style, a 2,300-seat lyric style three-tier auditorium and a total of 52 flexible meetings rooms to accommodate a wide range of events. It also houses 40,000 square metres of exhibition space over nine halls, and is adaptable to seat 10,000 for a conference or banquet. The Centre’s stunning architecture and state-of-the-art facilities are ideal for hosting local, regional and international conventions and exhibitions, gala events, theatrical productions and banquet functions.

QNCC has already garnered the following awards: “Middle East’s Leading Exhibition & Convention Centre” by World Travel Awards 2012; “Best Congress and Convention Centre 2012″ by Business Destinations Travel Awards; and “Best Convention Centre in Middle East” by MICE Report Awards 2012.

QNCC is proudly managed by AEG Ogden ( www.aegworldwide.com ), one of the largest facility and entertainment management specialists in the world. For more information, visit www.qatarconvention.com .

Primoris Group Inc.
Christine Payne
+1 416-489-0092
media@audienceview.com

[Read More]

Citi IPB EMEA provides a comprehensive international wealth management proposition through its offshore booking centres in London and Jersey for clients who are looking to benefit from international investment opportunities to broaden their portfolio.

Dedicated and specially trained investment managers based in the Citi IPB EMEA Qatar Service Centre will be able to help clients build investment portfolios tailored to their individual needs. Clients will have access to a diverse range of global investment products as well as multi-currency bank accounts, time deposits, foreign exchange services and 24/7 internet banking.

“Since we began operations in Qatar in 2007, we have been committed to providing value added services to our clients in Qatar and the region,” commented Dr. Izzat Dajani, CEO of Citibank NA Qatar. “Citi International Personal Bank EMEA services are an integral part of our investor offer which caters to the financial aspirations of local investors, while fulfilling the requirements of expatriate investors who seek one point of contact for their global investment needs.” he added.

Vipul Kapur, Business Head, Citi IPB EMEA said: “Qatar is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and has the sophisticated investor profile that will benefit from our offering. This makes our presence in Qatar an important step in our expansion in the Middle East region. We provide a unique palette of global investment opportunities and easy access to the international market with advice and support provided at the client’s doorstep. We will ensure we put our accumulated wealth of global knowledge at the disposal of our clients residing in Qatar and offer a strong value proposition that satisfies their financial needs and objectives.”

Akash Samaiyar, Citi IPB EMEA Regional Director, MENA added: “With the launch of the Citi IPB EMEA Qatar Service Centre, discerning target market clients residing in Qatar will gain access to the bank’s highly trained and certified investment staff based in Qatar, whose extensive relationship management advice will advantage clients’ wealth portfolios. Clients will be able to open their accounts and take advantage of world-class financial products and services from either London or Jersey, two of the world’s best known financial centres.”

Citi has a long history, deep roots and strong relationships in the Middle East as it’s been present in the region for nearly 50 years now. Citi established a full presence in Qatar in 2007, when it opened its office at the Qatar Financial Center. Since then, Citi has established itself as a key player in Qatar in terms of corporate and investment banking services.
[Read More]

For years together migration in search of greener pastures has been part and parcel of Mangaloreans irrespective of their religion and language. While initially it was erstwhile Bombay (more Mangaloreans migrated to Bombay than Mumbai perhaps) that beckoned us, the lure of big wallet steadily but surely paved way for us to land abroad. But be it GCC and Middle-East, US, Europe or even Australia, New Zealand, we have not only acclimatised ourselves to the local customs and culture but have also made efforts to preserve and nourish our own roots. While ‘Be a Roman while in Rome’ has been our mantra for survival, the love, affection, and bond with our native culture, traditions and language have hardly been sidelined.
This is the reason perhaps why we have numerous associations founded and run by Mangaloreans wherever they are. These associations not only are identity of us Mangaloreans but are also cause and reason behind our unity.

One such association which has not only become identity of Mangaloreans but has also played its role in preserving, promoting and enhancing the culture, language and traditions of Mangaloreans in the State of Qatar, the jewel of the Arab world is the Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC). The MCC which was the dream baby of a few like-minded people, who were working and living in Qatar, has completed glorious 20 years of existence in Qatar.

Founded in 1992 by a few bachelors Mangalore Cricket Club today has grown up into a big family. The MCC is the first club from Karnataka to get the affiliation from the Indian Embassy in Qatar. Inspired by the work, activities and exuberance of MCC, today many more associations have come up in Qatar.

Initially it was decided to name the club as ‘Mangalore Catholic Association, Qatar’. But as was the situation then in Qatar, the laws of the country prevented them from doing so. But this hindrance right at the beginning did not dither the committed youngsters. They did not want to lose their identity of being Mangaloreans and at the same time did not either want to do something against the law of the land. Finally they arrived at the conclusion to register the association as a sports club and thus Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) came into existence legally. [Read More]

QMA will also be celebrating its new membership in the International Council of Museums (ICOM) during the event which will take place on May 21, 2012 from 9am to 3pm at the Museum of Islamic Art auditorium.

Four international speakers will be participating in this event including ICOM President Dr Hans-Martin Hinz; Damodar Frlan, President of ICOM Europe; Ossama Abdel Meguid, director of Nubian Museum in Aswan and Chedlia Annabi, Curator at the Museum of Carthage in Tunisia.

The speakers will stress on this year’s theme which recognises that institutions and museums today exist in a field that is becoming increasingly fluid. They will also be tackling the role of museums in the society, in an era of numerous changes since IMD 2012 is as much about museums growing and shaping their future as it is about displaying and interpreting new issues like climate change, new media or social responsibility.

“QMA is proud to be a member of the International Council of Museums and the ICOM Qatar National Committee and to host this conference. QMA and ICOM share the commitment to the conservation, continuation and communication to society of the world’s historical and cultural heritage, including Qatari art and heritage. We invite all Qatari and local residents to be part of the IMD 2012 and to attend this conference,” said Nasser Al-Hammadi, Vice Chairman of ICOM Qatar National Committee.

The ICOM established the International Museum Day in 1977 to encourage public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society. International Museum Day activities focus on the importance of museums as a platform to spread and underscore knowledge, science and human heritage. It is also a platform for cultural exchange and a means to preserve world heritage that will enhance cooperation between people and spread peace in the world.
[Read More]

Felix won a pair of 100-meter races in Kawasaki, Japan, and Doha, Qatar, within a week’s time, the latter in a career-best time of 10.92 seconds over a strong Diamond League field that included reigning Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica. That triggered renewed curiosity about whether Felix might attempt to qualify for the Olympics in track’s most glamorous individual event along with her personal favorite, the 200, where she is a three-time world champion and two-time Olympic silver medalist.

She was ready for the question. “I’m just going to start saying, ‘Ask Bobby,’” Felix said, referring to her coach, Bobby Kersee. “I will run another event, and Bobby will make that decision closer to [U.S. Olympic] trials.”
[+] Enlarge
Allyson Felix Adam Pretty/Getty ImagesAllyson Felix said Sunday her coach will made the decision on whether she runs two events at the London Games.

Last season, Felix focused on a 200-400 double and upped the amount of endurance training in her regime. She raced both events at the world championships and ran a personal best in the 400, which comes first in the event schedule, good enough for a silver medal. But she felt spent in the 200 and lost her title to her Olympic nemesis, Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown. She has refocused her training on more speed work this season and attributed her recent showing to improved technique in the blocks.

“I was surprised I put it together,” Felix, 26, said of Friday’s Doha race, where she also defeated Campbell-Brown. “For me, the speed has always been there. It’s been my start; I’ve always put myself at a huge deficit from the beginning. So I think I was just more shocked that, finally, I’m strong enough to compete with these women and I can actually put my speed on display. I was happy. I’ve worked a lot on that portion of the race and to finally see it paying off is a cool thing.”

Felix won’t rule out running the 400 this summer, but has spoken of the 100-200 as a more natural dovetail. Running the 100 is not exactly a new concept for her — she raced that distance in high school and was the 2010 national champion in the event. Regardless of what she and Kersee settle on, she said the 200 is her priority. “I’ve had almost eight years to think about being a silver medalist,” she said, putting a slight emphasis on the color.

She’s also familiar with the argument that she should just focus on what is most dear to her: winning Olympic gold in the 200.

“Sometimes you do spread yourself too thin,” she said. “It’s hard, but I think it also makes it difficult when you know you have potential at something and you want to fulfill that. For me this year, I said, ‘OK, the 200 is my main focus.’ If I do another event, it’s going to come second to that.”

Felix, looking fresh despite a 16-hour flight from Qatar, fielded a variety of other questions, including one from a British reporter who asked if she lamented track and field’s low profile in this country.

“If you were in Britain, you’d be an absolute superstar,” he said. “Here I sense that you’re in the second tier,” at which point Felix laughed ruefully.

“Second?” she joked, then got serious.

“We’re definitely not one of the premier sports [in the United States],” she said. “It’s very clear. We barely race on U.S. soil. It’s sad. It’s such a great sport. I have such a passion for it, I want other people to.”

There is a “disconnect,” Felix added, between the number of talented young people who run in high school and college but take the sport no further.

“I don’t necessarily feel undervalued,” she said. “Because that’s not, for me, what it’s about. I didn’t come into the sport saying I want to be famous or I want to get a lot of money. I truly love track and field and I think that’s what it has to be about to continue on.”

Felix also said she hopes that having high-level competition in the Middle East is making a difference in the lives of women who face cultural obstacles in participating in athletics there.

“I’ve been going to Doha since I was 19 years old and I’ve seen a big change,” she said. “Of course, it’s not, I think, anywhere near where it needs to be, but I think it’s progressing. It’s just really cool to go there and see them excited about it and see the girls excited about competing. Even the lifestyle portion, even if they just pick up on that, you don’t have to be this elite athlete, but just adopting that type of lifestyle, making it part of your daily routine, being active.”
[Read More]

Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt will be absent, however, having preferred to make his season debut on home soil last weekend (with a world lead of 9.82 seconds over the 100m) and European bow in Ostrava, Czech Republic, later this month.

But a top-quality field has nevertheless been assembled for the kick-off of the global circuit that also sees events held in Shanghai, Rome, Eugene (USA), Oslo, New York, Paris, London and Monaco before the London Olympics.

The second part of the season recommences in Stockholm on 17 August, and takes in Lausanne (Switzerland), Birmingham (England) and Zurich before climaxing in Brussels.

World 800m champion David Rudisha of Kenya was in no doubt about what the season had in store.

“This year is an Olympic year and that is my main focus, my priority,” said Rudisha. “Doha is the first stepping stone towards that goal.

“To win the Olympics is important and that is what I’m so far missing.”

Comments echoed by many of the athletes gathered in a sweltering Doha where day-time temperatures are currently topping 40 degrees Celsius (104F) and organisers are hoping to attract more people into the stadium than last year’s distinctly average attendance for the early-evening event.

Star draws include not only Rudisha, who was deprived of an early season showdown with Ethiopian upstart Mohammed Aman (late withdrawal), but also former joint world record holders Asafa Powell and Justin Gatlin facing off in the men’s 100m.

“We’ve competed against each other nine times and I’ve won six,” said Gatlin, who bounced back from a four-year doping ban in remarkable style by claiming a second world indoor 60m title in Istanbul in March (after his previous gold in 2003).

“It feels good to be in strong competition again. I’m always a competitor at heart.

“It will be a great gauge for me going into the next phase of my season.”

Gatlin actually matched Powell’s then-record 9.77 seconds over the 100m in Doha in 2006, the result later rescinded after the American failed a doping test, but he insisted he had only good memories of the Qatari capital.

“The night I broke the record was a magical night,” said the 30-year-old Brooklyn native.

“I could see history being made on the track.

“Doha’s a very special place for me and definitely an important part of my journey.”

The US will be hoping for a sprint double with American Walter Dix, silver medallist in both the 100 and 200m at last year’s world championships in Daegu, the strong favourite in the 200m.

Ethiopian running legend Kenenisa Bekele also runs in the 3000m, likely to be pushed all the way by a strong Kenyan contingent led by Augustine Choge and Edwin Soi, recently crowned world indoor silver and bronze medallists, Eliud Kipchoge.

The defending 5000m and 10 000m Olympic champion, and world record-holder in both events, Bekele has spent almost two years on the sidelines due to a string of injuries, making his comeback last September when he won the 10 000m in Brussels.

In his first ever outing in Doha, the Ethiopian has also opted to put himself under pressure by opting to race a 3000m – an event he has not competed in since his triumph at the World Athletics Final in Thessaloniki in September 2009.

The women’s 3000m will feature the reigning world champion in both the 5000m and 10 000m, Kenya’s Vivian Cheruiyot.

Cheruiyot will be joined by team-mate Pamela Jelimo, the Olympic 800m champion and recently-crowned world indoor champion going for a morale-boosting victory in the two-lap event on the long road to London. [Read More]

ATHLETICS – Diamond League, Doha (11 May); Doha hosts the first major outdoor event of 2012 as the Diamond League season gets underway. Among those in action are 800m world record holder David Rudisha of Kenya, while Jamaican sprinters Asafa Powell and Nesta Carter aim to make an early impression in the absence of team-mates Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake. Live coverage on the BBC red button, 1700-1900 BST

TRIATHLON – ITU World Series, San Diego (10-12 May); last month’s opening round in Sydney saw GB’s world champion Helen Jenkins finish second behind Erin Densham of Australia. She continues her build-up to London 2012 in this second round, as does men’s medal hope Jonny Brownlee, although brother Alistair is still recovering from injury. Coverage on the BBC red button.

GYMNASTICS – Women’s European Championships, Brussels (9-13 May); 252 gymnasts from 36 countries are competing in Belgium, including British champion Hannah Whelan and three-time Commonwealth champion Imogen Cairns. Beth Tweddle is unable to defend her European uneven bars title after undergoing minor knee surgery. Live coverage on the BBC red button.

MODERN PENTATHLON – World Championships, Rome (7-13 May); GB is sending a team of seven to Italy and, with only four Olympic places available, there is more than a World Championship medal at stake. Heading Britain’s bid are Mhairi Spence and Nick Woodbridge, both of whom are ranked in the world’s top 10. Follow Mhairi Spence on Twitter.

CANOE SLALOM – European Championships, Augsburg, Germany (11-13 May); Great Britain’s recently-selected Olympic team travel to Germany, along with some of those who just missed out on a London 2012 place, including Athens silver medallist Campbell Walsh. Follow David Florence on Twitter.

CYCLING – ROAD – Giro d’Italia, Denmark/Italy (5-27 May); the 95th Giro d’Italia continues with Mark Cavendish – riding for Team Sky – targeting the pink jersey and victory in the team time trial. He has a strong team riding with him, including Geraint Thomas. Follow Mark Cavendish on Twitter.

CYCLING – BMX – Supercross World Cup, Papendal, Netherlands (12-13 May); the latest World Cup meeting is a chance for elite riders to find some form ahead of the World Championships in Birmingham later this month.
[Read More]