PRESS RELEASE: Tentative programme for Play the Game 2009

The tentative programme for the five days of debate on visions for sport in times of crisis, when Play the Game 2009 visits Coventry, UK 8-12 June 2009, is now ready.

"We are grateful that once again some of the world's leading experts are ready to help find solutions for the most pressing challenges to modern sport", Play the Game Director Jens Sejer Andersen says.

"A growing number of sport practitioners agree that problems are never solved by keeping silent and pretending that they do not exist. Thanks to those people, we can look forward to debates that are critical, outspoken and constructive.

"The opportunities for networking across professional and geographical barriers will be second to none, and there will be plenty of inspiration to bring home afterwards for the delegates' future work in journalism, research and sports management.

Jens Sejer Andersen also commends the city of Coventry for its dedication to give the delegates the same rich experience as in former editions of Play the Game.

"Choosing a historic setting like Coventry Cathedral for the conference is one of many signs that the local organisers want to give their absolute best to Play the Game 2009".

At this point, 70 speakers from 22 nations have already agreed to talk at Play the Game 2009 and an impressive number of abstracts and invitations are still to be confirmed.

Director Jens Sejer Andersen expects approximately 100 speakers at Play the Game 2009, making this sixth world communications conference on sport and society the most extensive Play the Game conference to date.

For more information about Play the Game 2009, the sixth world communications conference on sport and society, go to www.playthegame.org/2009