LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Sochi has been selected to host a major sports convention next year, despite global criticism of Russia following the downing of a Malaysian airliner over Ukraine. SportAccord, an umbrella body representing Olympic and non-Olympic sports federations, announced Tuesday that it would take its annual convention in 2015 to Sochi, the Russian city which hosted the 2014 Winter Games. SportAccord President Marius Vizer says Sochi is “a city that demonstrated its passion for sport and capability through the successful organization of the Winter Olympic Games.” The meeting will be held in April or May. — AP
