Jordan unveils long-term strategy

Prince Faisal Al Hussain, President of the Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC), has unveiled the Kingdom's long-term sporting strategy that could help revolutionise the way smaller countries bid for major sporting events.

After sharing his vision recently with Shaikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, Prince Faisal underlined Jordan's strategy of using sport as a vehicle for complementing economic and social reform programmes as well as promoting the Hashemite Kingdom to the world.

"Sport has gone through some major progressive changes within Jordan over the last two years and we are now in a strong position to plan for the long-term future," said Prince Faisal.

"The Jordan Olympic Committee is now a 100 per cent non-government organisation in full compliance with the International Olympic Committee's Charter, and we have just started our first four-year cycle with a fully democratically elected Board.

"It is important that we continue on the path of development with plans that will not only benefit Jordan but will also benefit countries that are of a similar size and financial footing as us which could change the future pattern of bidding for major events like the Asian Games and even the Olympics."

Jordan had put its name forward to bid for the Asian Games in 2014, but has decided to withdraw with the full backing of the OCA in order to develop a blueprint for a "sustainable development" initiative to be unveiled at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.

It then plans to use this model, should it be approved by the OCA General Assembly, to bid for the 2018 Asian Games.

"We have identified an opportunity to pioneer a system that could help mould the future of bidding," added Prince Faisal, who has been President of the Jordan Olympic Committee since 2003.

Jordan is working with an internationally-recognised bidding specialist to formulate its sustainable development concept to make major events more manageable, affordable and sustainable. This would be achieved through the building of temporary facilities where no business plan can be developed for long-term use. These temporary facilities can then be re-used for subsequent events.

The overall aim is to host affordable sporting events that leave a lasting legacy in sports infrastructure, participation and achievement.

Prince Faisal believes that by adopting such an approach it is possible for smaller countries to bid for and host major events. This model could add value to rights owners such as the OCA and underlines Jordan's progressive and ambitious approach to sport, placing it at the cutting edge of thought leadership and international matters.

While 2018 is Jordan's long-term objective, Prince Faisal has stressed that the JOC will be active immediately in bidding for events such as the Asian Indoor Games, Islamic Games and West Asian Games.