14 Nov 2016
Doha, 14 November 2016. International Olympic Committee President Dr. Thomas Bach accompanied by H.E Sheikh Saud Bin Abdulrahman Al –Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to Germany, took time to visit Aspire Academy on Monday afternoon.
The high-profile delegation included officials from IOC was met, welcomed and taken on a tour of the Academy premises by the CEO of Aspire Zone Foundation, Mr. Mohamed Khalifa Al -Suwaidi, Dr. Mohamed Ghaith Al-Kuwari, Aspetar Acting Director General, Mr. Ali Salem Afifa, Aspire Academy Deputy Director General, and Aspire Academy Director of Sports, Mr. Markus Egger who conducted the tour.
During a comprehensive tour, the delegation learnt about the educational and sports training programs the Academy provides for its students in support of Qatar’s future athletes. IOC President Bach was invited to autograph book copies of the recently completed Kun Riyadi - Be an Athlete project. This program is a jointly produced project by Qatar Olympic Committee and Aspire Academy. Bach also had the chance to show his footballing skills by trying out the Footbonaut.
In acknowleding the work and facilities of Aspire Academy, Dr. Thomas Bach revealed the cooperation that’s exists between International Olympic Committee and Aspire Academy saying, “ It’s two years since l was last here at Aspire Academy and this place which is a benchmark for World Sport development has already changed and keeps raising the standards of excellence. IOC is proud that through its Olympic Solidarity program and in closely working relationship with Qatar Olympic Committee athletes from all over the world have been able to come to Aspire Academy for training and use of the great facilities here", said Bach.
International and local media were present at the tour that concluded with Mr. Bach answering questions from the media, signing the academy wall of Fame and receiving an academy memorial token from AZF CEO Mr. Al -Suwaidi.