International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) president Lamine Diack has stressed that the Diamond League track and field series remains in a strong position, despite having suffered the setback of losing title sponsor Samsung last month.
Although he acknowledged that a new title sponsor has yet to be found, Diack said the loss of revenue would not affect the series or the $8 million (€6.1 million) prize money at stake. The new Diamond League season is set to begin tomorrow in Doha, Qatar, with events due to be held at venues around the world on a regular basis until September.
Diack told the Associated Press: “While we are working hard to find a new partner for the circuit, it is not a question of life or death either.”
Diack also said athletics as a whole has continued to thrive despite ongoing economic difficulties, with the IAAF having secured Canon as its latest blue chip sponsor in November – joining Adidas, Seiko, Sinopec, TDK, Toyota and TVB. Diack added: “As to how athletics is adapting to the financial crisis, I believe very well. The number of international corporations being attracted to the sport confirms that reality.”