1 décembre 2008 - Conférence Mondiale sur les Femmes et le Sport à Sydney en Australie (anglais)

International Working Group on Women and Sport Sydney, Australia Sydney (AUS) – 1 December 2008   Australia takes the lead in the global women's sport movement - Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce supports the 5th IWG World Conference on Women and Sport   The International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) announces the 5th IWG World Conference on Women and Sport which will be held from 20 to 23 May 2010, at Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre as well as in Sydney Olympic Park. Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia will act as Patron in Chief of this event.   "The IWG offers women a platform on which to display their vigour and tenacity; their leadership and creativity; and their boundless sense of fun," said Ms Bryce.   "It was not so long ago that women were excluded from many sports; indeed today they still lag inexcusably behind men in sponsorship, media coverage and opportunities for professional play. Nevertheless, societies around the globe are changing and government and non-government organisations support and promote their participation," Ms Bryce added.   It will be the first time the IWG World Conference is held in Australia or the Oceania Region. "IWG Conferences are landmark events that raise the profile of women and sport issues and highlight the host community's contribution to success in this area," said Johanna Adriaanse, Chair of the IWG and Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology, Sydney. "There is no doubt that this conference will be the most significant women's sport event in the history of our country."   An expected audience of over 700 delegates will feature top decision makers of the women's sport movement, members of the United Nations, the International Olympic Committee, National Olympic Committees, national and international sport federations as well as leading government representatives, academics, athletes and coaches.   The conference aims to foster promotion of opportunities for girls and women in sport and physical activity throughout the world. "It is important to encouraging women's participation and achievement in sport; providing a safe space in which women play, think, change and reach their full potential," said Ms Bryce.   "I am delighted with the support of Her Excellency, Quentin Bryce," Ms Adriaanse said. "Together with our other patron, Justice Michael Kirby of the High Court Australia they strongly reflect the values of the women's sport movement. The World Conference aims to leave a powerful legacy in terms of gender equality and human rights." said Johanna Adriaanse.   The International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) was established in 1994 at the 1st World Conference on Women and Sport held in Brighton in the UK. The Group is an independent coordinating body consisting of representatives of key government and non-government organisations. It aims to be a catalyst for the advancement and empowerment of women and sport globally.     The IWG is proudly supported by NSW Sport and Recreation, the University of Technology Sydney, Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Sport Employment Australia and Business Events Sydney.   FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT: Nicole Gruber International Working Group on Women and Sport E-mail: nicole.gruber@uts.edu.au Phone: +61 2 9514 5626 Website: www.iwg-gti.org