The International Olympic Committee will officially sponsor the 2008 World Festival of Traditional Sports, which will be held in the southern port city of Busan in September next year.

Organizers said that the IOC sponsorship will enable them to promote the sports event to member countries of the international sports body.

The organizers added that two U.N. agencies --- the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization and the World Health Organization --- also promised sponsorship.

The World Festival of Traditional Sports has been held by the Trim & Fitness International Sport for All Association every four years since 1992. Busan was chosen as the fourth host city last year.