2008 International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sport was held in Guangzhou on the afternoon of August 1, 2008. As the biggest scientific convention held before the Olympic Games, the Convention theme is “Sport Sciences and Harmonious Society in the 21st Century”. 2008 ICSEMIS attracts 2000 participants including scholars, experts and officials representing about 70 countries in the world.

On behalf of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, Mr. Huang Huahua, President of the Organizing Committee and Governor of Guangdong Province delivered the message at the opening ceremony. Mr. Huang Huahua said, “2008 ICSEMIS is not only the prelude to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games but is also an international sports science convention. The Convention is a grand occasion for the world sports community discussing about sport science and social exchanges. The Guangdong economy will also be improved by hosting the Convention. We aim it as our target to host the world-class convention with high level organization, high quality services in a well-equipped venue.

Prof. Dr. Gudrun Doll-Tepper, President of the ICSSPE, Sir Philip Craven, President of the IPC and Prof. Dr. Walter Frontera, President of the FIMS also presented messages on the Opening Ceremony. They said, 2008 ICSEMIS is a convention with a large number of scientific categories and a rich program. This convention provides an opportunity both for the communication and networking between scholars and practitioners.

Jacque Rogge, President of the IOC and Ms. Liu Yandong, Member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, Member of the State Council and Vice President of BOGOC also sent messages to the convention. Rogge said in the DVD, he appreciates the hard work of the LOC. The Convention is an excellent opportunity for sports sciences exchange and development.

The ICSEMIS will be held before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games and will take place in the same country as the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is the first time in history for the ICSSPE, the FIMS, the IOC and the IPC to co-host this event and for the General Administration of Sport of China and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province to co-organize the convention.

2008 ICSEMIS is designed to allow for interaction between the research and practice so that information can be shared and understood, to support young scholars from developing countries and regions and to promote health and living development.

During the 4 day Convention program, there are more than 30 symposia with invited speakers from different countries and regions.

Mr. Lin Musheng, Executive President of the 2008 ICSEMIS and Vice Governor of Guangdong Province hosted the opening ceremony. Mr. Duan Shijie, Executive President of the 2008 ICSEMIS and Vice Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China read the message from Madame Liu Yandong, Member of the State Council and Vice President of the Organizing Committee of Beijing Olympics. Mr. Lv Shiming, Vice President of Chinese Disable Federation also attended the Ceremony.