A host of major names from across the professional sports industry are to meet in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, later this month to discuss the key conflict areas that pose threats to the integrity of sport.
Taking place from November 26-30 at the Van der Valk Hotel, ‘Play the Game’ will feature 400 experts and sports officials from around the world. Registration is still open, although spaces are now limited.
Topics up for discussion at the 10th anniversary edition of the conference include the global anti-doping crisis, widespread sports corruption and the increasing number of revelations of sexual abuse cases.
Jens Sejer Andersen, international director of Play the Game, said: “Every day brings new evidence that world sport needs more democracy, transparency and freedom of expression, and we are most grateful that the Dutch government shares and supports these goals.”
Among those due to feature in Eindhoven include Sir Craig Reedie, president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, who will discuss a call for fundamental reform, while representatives from the International Olympic Committee and athletes’ organisations will also add their proposals for change.
Meanwhile, Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of the Qatar 2022 organising committee, will also speak at the event, touching on some of the issues related to preparations for the country’s hosting of the 2022 Fifa World Cup national team football tournament.
Other key discussion points at Play the Game will include esports and what can be done to protect the integrity of this new form of sport, as well as the fight for better policies for grassroots sports and technological innovation to benefit all people in society.
The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport made it possible for Eindhoven to host the event with a €100,000 ($117,900/£89,100) grant.
The detailed programme and a full list of around 200 speakers can be found at www.playthegame.org/2017
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