Mayor Backs London As Doha Offer Prize Funds

On the day that the hosts of the 2017 World Athletics Championships will
be decided, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson has revealed his backing
for the London 2017 campaign, while sole competition Doha have offered
to pay the entire £5m bill for prize money – if they are awarded the
event.

The International Association of Athletics Federations will announce the winner on Friday afternoon.

‘The idea is that the prize money could be used for the future development of athletes,’ Sheikh Saoud said.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson is set to join a top delegation in Monaco to
lend his support to London’s bid to host the Championships.? ?

The Mayor will be part of the team – including Sports Minister Hugh
Robertson MP, IAAF Vice-President and LOCOG chair Sebastian Coe and UK
Athletics chair Ed Warner – presenting to IAAF members before they cast
their votes this afternoon. ?

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: ‘London is the perfect place
to welcome the global athletics family in 2017 and has put together a
great bid that will deliver a memorable world championships. Both
competitors and spectators will be spoilt for choice in a capital with
so much to see and do during their stay.’? ?

‘The world’s finest sports men and women will be able to compete in one
of the finest athletics venues on the planet, packed with passionate
fans cheering them on to break new records. And in a city where more
than 300 languages are spoken, they will be able to count on strong
support from their respective expatriate communities.’

The World Championships were first staged in 1983 and were originally
designed to be every four years, but in 1993 became a biennial event.