The International Association of Sports Newspapers (IASN) was recently formed to “defend and promote the interests and freedom of the sports press,” according to a news report by the News Association of Newspapers (WAN).

Olé in Argentina, Lance in Brazil, El Mundo Deportivo and Marca in Spain, and two additional sports newspapers formed IASN to be a “marketing tool” for sports brands. In addition, IASN will “promote sports and reading among children; encourage volunteerism in the sporting world; fight against racism and xenophobia in sport; promote the use of sport as a tool in development policies; and safeguard the ethical and economic interests of sports newspapers,” added WAN’s news report.

IASN is based in Paris and the editor of El Mundo Deportivo will act as its first president.

To become a member e-mail Rosarita Cuccoli, Executive General Secretary, at rcuccoli@press-iasn.org. To learn more, go to http://www.wan-press.org/article18033.html.