Chinese sports scientists have for the first time been invited to speak at the International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sport, which will be held in Guangzhou, the capital city of southern China's Guangdong Province, from August 1-5 next year.

The convention, which wraps up three days before the start of the Beijing Games, will run under the theme of "Sport Sciences and Harmonious Society in the 21st Century."

It is being co-organized by four organizations - the International Paralympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee, the International Council for Sport Science and Physical Education and the International Federation of Sports Medicine.

It will be the first time the four have joined forces in this way and will provide a unique opportunity for experts in all areas of sports science, sports medicine and physical education to exchange their latest scientific research and solutions.

"We have done great research work in the sports field in recent years, but due to some historical problems and communication obstacles, no Chinese scientists have previously served as keynote speakers at the convention," said Jiang Zhixue, director general of the Science and Education Department of China's State General Administration of Sports.

"As the host of the 2008 convention, we hope some Chinese sports scientists will have a chance to present keynote speeches in the main forum," he added.

The convention, comprising 10 categories and 45 themes, is expected to attract 2,500 researchers and professionals from all over the world.