D.C. Ready to Host World's Olympic Leaders -- ATRadio

(ATR) Local leaders in Washington D.C. tell Around the Rings that they want the over 1,200 sports figures attending the 2015 ANOC General Assembly to see the city in a new light.

"Washington D.C. is a sports town, not just a political town," Sunil Sabharwal, chairman of the D.C. host committee for the ANOC assembly, said in speaking with ATR on Tuesday.

Bob Sweeney, president of the local host committee, echoed Sabharwal's sentiments.

"This is an opportunity to get leaders in sport to understand that Washington is not just what they see on CNN every night.

"We can make a difference in the world through sport."

Delegates from the IOC, the Association of National Olympic Committees, and 206 NOCs will gather in D.C. for this year's general assembly, Oct. 29-30.

IOC president Thomas Bach, ANOC president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, and IOC executive board member Gunilla Lindberg are among the roster of Olympic leaders who will be in D.C. for the event.

Sweeney told ATR that working with the U.S. Olympic Committee to prepare for the ANOC assembly has been a rewarding experience.

"Chris Sullivan, chief of bids and protocol for the USOC, has been leading this effort.Working with the USOC has been awesome."

Sabharwal added, "I give practically all the credit to the teams of Gunilla Lindberg, ANOC, and Chris Sullivan at the USOC for what will be a great event next week."

Written and produced 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.