International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) recognises Arab Games athletes, making the regional sporting event a stepping stone for greater aspirations Doha, Qatar – December 13, 2011: The Arab Games Doha 2011 track and field athletics competitions have been officially recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) the international governing body for track and field athletics as qualifying events for London 2012 Olympic Games. Technical officials of the event, including referees and judges, have also been recognized by IAAF as qualifying participants for the summer Olympic Games. A total of 316 Arab athletes are participating in the Arab Games track and field athletics events, including 28 Qatari athletes. Commenting on the announcement, Abdullah Al Mulla, Director, Media & Broadcasting, Arab Games Organising Committee (AGOC), said, “We are proud that any athlete from any nation competing in Arab Games Doha 2011 will have the opportunity to participate in London 2012 as a result of any world-class performances in track and field athletics. Beyond the pride of winning an Arab Games medal and representing their country this hugely significant announcement should act as a further incentive for athletes to be at their very best.” “This achievement is testament to the thorough preparations and world-class standards that Arab Games Doha 2011 has delivered and reflects the growing stature of the Arab Games from which all Arab nations will benefit,” he said. The recognition from IAAF comes as a second victory for Arab Games Doha 2011 – in October, the event’s swimming competition was officially recognized by Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), the world governing body of swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming, and open water swimming, as a qualifying event for London 2012 Olympic Games. According to Al Mulla, AGOC is keen on inviting different international federations to recognise other events from the different sports which will be featured during the regional multisport event. With the Arab Games featuring 29 exciting sports and 6,000 athletes from 21 Arab countries, Qatar stands alongside the leading sporting nations as a trusted partner and renowned sporting hub, showing real leadership in every aspect of the event – from the competition itself, to transport, security, and environment. Carrying a stellar track record of having successfully hosted international sporting events, like the Asian Games, IAAF World Indoor Championships, Diamond League, Asian Cup, and World Volleyball Championships, fans and spectators are currently witnessing Qatar deliver a game of exceptional standards across 14 state-of-the-art competition venues. For more information on Arab Games Doha 2011, including scores and competition schedules, visit http://www.arabgames2011.qa/newen/.

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