Los Angeles (December 13, 2011) – – The International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games today announced the initial line-up of distinguished speakers slated to participate in the 5th IOC World Conference on Women and Sport, which will take place Feb. 16-18, 2012 in Los Angeles. Themed ‘Together Stronger: The Future of Sport,’ the three-day event will play a meaningful role in identifying ways to improve and increase participation of women in the world of sport around the globe.

"The IOC is working hard to provide equal opportunities for women in sport, and it is encouraging to note the progress that has been made in this field,” said IOC President Jacques Rogge. “This conference will allow us to look at ways of building further on this positive trend.”

“This conference will provide a relevant forum for essential discussions on ways to globally advance women in sport,” said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. “We look forward to supporting this conference and are grateful to the IOC for entrusting us to host their important event in the United States.”

Marking the first time the quadrennial conference will be hosted in the United States, the growing list of featured speakers to date includes:

• Jacques Rogge – President, International Olympic Committee
• IOC members
• IOC Women and Sport Commission members
• Presidents and secretary generals of International Sports Federations
• Lord Sebastian Coe – President, London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
• Geena Davis – Academy Award-winning actress; Founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
• H.E. Aloysia Inyumba – Rwandan Minister of Gender and Family Promotion
• Alan Abrahamson – Olympic journalist
• Christine Brennan – Olympic journalist
• Gary David Goldberg – award-winning writer and producer; Women in Film Lucy Award winner
• Mellody Hobson – President, Ariel Capital Management; named a Global Leader of Tomorrow by the Davos World Economic Forum
• Nancy Hogshead-Makar – Olympic medalist; expert on Title IX
• Dr. Richard Lapchick – Director, Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports
• Dr. Diana Meehan – Founder, Archer School for Girls; Founding Partner, VU Productions at Paramount Studios
• Paralympians and Olympians
• Representatives of United Nations entities and international non-governmental organizations
• Youth speakers from all five continents, including one who made history by becoming the first female ever to represent her country and winning a medal in the equestrian competition at the Youth Olympic Games.

In addition to a growing list of presenters, the conference will feature in-depth programs, workshops and sessions aimed at energizing efforts to address the remaining issues that block access for women in sport. Additional speakers will be announced as they are confirmed.

“Our esteemed speakers will engage participants and prompt thoughtful and intelligent discussion,” said Anita DeFrantz, chair of the IOC Women and Sport Commission. “Delegates can anticipate a lively exchange of ideas at this not to be missed event, and enjoy our beautiful Los Angeles destination.”

As with past World Conferences on Women and Sport over the last 16 years, noted delegates are drawn from a broad spectrum of the Olympic family. The conference historically attracts more than 600 participants, representing National Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations, non-governmental bodies, universities, the United Nations system and other organizations. Also in attendance will be approximately 30 members of the IOC Women and Sport Commission, which will hold a meeting at the conclusion of the conference.

“In just a few short months hundreds of delegates from around the globe will descend upon Los Angeles to attend the most significant international conference on women and sport,” said Barry Sanders, chairman of the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games. “The ambitious agenda for this event is designed to turn a spotlight on the role of women in sports and will explore additional steps needed to elevate more women to sport leadership positions.”

SCCOG, in partnership with the USOC, will be responsible for the organization and staging of the event, which will be held at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Previous IOC World Conferences on Women and Sport were held in Lausanne, Switzerland (1996), Paris, France (2000), Marrakech, Morocco (2004), and at the Dead Sea in Jordan (2008).

For more information, visit www.womenandsport2012.com.