Islamic Sports Ministers on Religious Extremism; YOG Team Leaders Announced

OIC Concludes Ministers of Youth and Sports Conference

The second Organization of Islamic Cooperation of Ministers of Youth and Sports conference discussed the threat to sport from religious extremism in the Muslim world.

Meetings took place this week in the Saudi Arabian capital of Jeddah and ended on Wednesday.

The Kuwait News Agency says OIC secretary general Iyad Ameen Madani opened the conference on Monday with a speech highlighting challenges faced by young people in the Muslim world. Madani specifically referenced environments filled with "sectarian division and the rejection of others in addition to extremism."

According to a report on the All Africa website, the conference also passed resolutions calling for better inter-religious dialogue and help for youth sport in Islamic countries.

Turkey will host the third OIC Ministers of Youth and Sports conference in 2016.

Fiji AGM Postponed

Oceania National Olympic Committees president and Athletics Fiji mediator Robin Mitchell has intervened in a dispute with the federation.

Mitchell said the AF Annual General Meeting, originally scheduled for March 19,was postponed until March 29, one day before a constitutionally-mandated deadline.

Rival groups and internal conflict has plagued the organization.

Speaking to reporters, Mitchell saidthe next nine days will be used to "ensure only the affiliated members are identified for voting rights purposes."

All executives positions will be up for election.

Canada, Great Britain Name Chefs de Mission for 2014 YOG

Sandra Levy and Sarah Winckless will respectively serve as chefs de mission for the Canadian and British Youth Olympic Games teams.

Two-time Olympian Sandra Levy told reporters, "This is anamazing opportunity to share what I've learned in sport and in life with some of the most promising young athletes from across our great country." In a statement, Canadian Olympic Committee president Marcel Aubut said Levy has the "the experience and the inherent understanding necessary to excel in this position."

Winckless serves as the BOA athletes commission chair. In a statement, she said she is "thrilled" to have received the opportunity. BOA CEO Bill Sweeney says Winckless’ work on the Team GB ambition program for London 2012 "gave her an insight into the value of an introduction to the Olympic environment.

Written byNicole Bennett

For general comments or questions,click here.

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics isAroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.