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