MESSAGES

Lamine DIACK - IAAF President

It gives me great pleasure to write this message for the promotional brochure of the 20th edition of the WMRA World Trophy which will take place in Sauze d'Oulx, in Italy, as it gives me a chance to record on paper, the extremely close links that exist between the WMRA and the IAAF.

Although the World Trophy is back in Europe, and particularly in Italy which is a powerhouse for the speciality and has been a previous host in 1985, 1986, 1992 and 2001 (a record!), I should point out that the WMRA, like the IAAF, shares an ambition to develop the sport globally. In 1998 the World Trophy was held on the Island of Reunion (Africa), in 1999 the event was in Malaysia (Asia), while in 2003 the event is being held in Alaska (USA). Only Oceania needs now to host mountain running's top event for the WMRA to reach each corner of the globe.

Returning to 2004, the organizers are confident to attract more than 40 international teams to Sauze d'Oulx, which is a famous place for sport, specially winter sports like skiing. It was the birthplace of Piero Gros, an Olympic Champion at slalom, and will be one of the venues used in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.
Of course, what is particularly important from my point of view, is that towns that have a reputation for winter sports open their arms to runners in the summer, by supporting mountain races.

In the past, Sauze d'Oulx has organized WMRA Grand Prix races and many editions of the National Italian Championships, so the place is very well known within the mountain running community. The course will be interesting for athletes and also for television and spectators because it will cross through the village of Sauze d'Oulx, with the finish line on top of the mountain.

It remains for me to wish the organizers and all competitors the best of luck.


Read the other messages:
Lamine DIACK / Gianni GOLA / Danny HUGHES / Enzo GHIGO / Ettore RACCHELLI / Roberto VAGLIO / Silvana ACCOSSATO / Maria Evelina BERTERO / Roberto FAURE