Coe, the double Olympic 1500 metres champion, will deliver a key-note speech as the European Athletics Association (EAA) announce details of their new Strategy for the future which Edwards, the world triple jump record holder, has played a full part as a member of the EAA's ruling Council. 

 

Coe, the chairman of London 2012 and the vice-president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), told insidethegames: "This is an opportunity for the sport in Europe to address some of the issues facing it in the build-up to the London Olympics and I hope that to play a full part in helping them to do that."

 

The Convention programme has been expanded to replace what was formerly known as the “Calendar Conference” and is packed with worthwhile activities and forums, culminating with the European Athletics Awards dinner tomorrow night.

 

Hansjörg Wirz, the president of the EAA, said: “Primarily, we want to add more content and more substance to our Member Federations and offer additional opportunities for education, networking and socialising along with the usual activities.

 

"Secondly, we will offer a much better platform for the media and sponsors, especially in light of being able to attract the top European stars on an annual basis.

 

“Since my election at the Congress in Cannes in April 2007, we have put a lot of work into our new strategy and I am very happy with the outcome of which we will announce details at Saturday’s press conference."