Paris, 14th January 1998 -
For immediate release

FAI PRESIDENT AT INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC HEADQUARTERS

Mr Eilif Ness, FAI President, visited Lausanne on 7 January for discussions with the Director of Sport of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Mr Gilbert Felli. Discussions ranged over a variety of subjects including the marketing of TV rights to the World Air Games and other air sport events, the possible inclusion of parachuting in the Olympic Games, and relations between the IOC and the International World Games Association, in which FAI plays a leading role. This meeting marked a further stage in FAI's efforts towards integration into the Olympic movement.

MANAGING DIRECTOR APPOINTED FOR 2ND FAI WORLD AIR GAMES

Mr Srecko Medven (Slovenia), who was FAI's Air Sports Co-ordinator during the 1st World Air Games in Turkey last September, has been appointed World Air Games Managing Director (WAGMD) for the next event, due to be held in 2001. A four-year part-time contract was signed by both parties at FAI Headquarters in Paris on 7 January 1998. The WAGMD will be responsible for administering FAI's share of the planning and preparation process for the 2nd World Air Games.

In addition, Mr Medven will provide technical assistance and advice, as Air Sports Coordinator, to the organising country of the 2nd World Air Games, which will be selected at the FAI Council meeting in May 1998. The candidates are Austria, Poland, Spain and Turkey.

Mr Medven, a private pilot and well-known parachuting expert, has a long track record of successful major event organisation, not only in air sports, but also in winter sports.

NEW FACE IN FAI OFFICE

When you next telephone the FAI office in Paris, the chances are you will hear a new voice, belonging to Alison McDonald, who joined us on 6 January in the post of bilingual administrative secretary.

Resident in Paris since early last year, Alison McDonald previously worked in accountancy in Glasgow, Scotland. She has settled into the FAI team very quickly and will be pleased to try and help you with your queries.

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