ANOC Chief: General Assembly Showcases U.S. Hosting Potential -- ATRadio

(ATR)Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah tells Around the Ringsthat ANOC leadersare excited about returning to the U.S. for the first time since 1994.

The annual general assembly is being held this week in Washington, D.C. Atlanta was the last U.S. host.Ahmad spoke withATReditor Ed Hula after arriving at the Washington Hilton hotel in D.C. on Tuesday.

"I am very happy after two decades to be back in the United States with a very important event, with 206 NOCs and a lot of IF and IOC and different sport organizations," Ahmad said.

The ANOC chief referenced the Salt Lake City scandal and the hangover from the Atlanta Olympics as reasons for why the Olympic Movement shied away from hosting events in the U.S.

The U.S. Olympic Committee has devoted significant resources, working for three years to make sure the meeting is a success. The USOC is especially eager to please since it now has a city, Los Angeles, in the race for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

"I think now is the right time after all those years to bring the states back as a main area for sport events."

Ahmad also touched on the IOC's recent suspension of the Kuwait NOC. He was president of the Kuwait NOC from 1991 to 2001.

The suspension comes as recent change in sports legislation in the country took effect on Oct. 27, which the IOC believes undermines the autonomy of the NOC and violates the Olympic Charter.

Written and produced byNicole Bennett

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