Anti Doping Policy Hailed

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, Jacques Rogge, has hailed 2004 as being a breakthrough year in the war against Olympic drug cheats.

"It's a positive year, if I dare say, for the fight against doping..."

Rogge said that the increasing influence of the World Anti-Doping Agency, and the change of attitude by US anti-doping authorities had been the main improvements. Quote:

"This changing position has led to its first results...We also made major scientific breakthroughs. From the detection of (the blood-boosting drug) EPO to blood testing in Athens, we've made constant progress...".

Rogge welcomed the scandal surrounding the Balco laboratory in the US, in the sense that it sends a strong message out to the cheats that they will be hunted down.

Royal Mail Joins In

In an attempt to drum up support for London's bid to host the 2012 Olympics, the Royal Mail will be postmarking every letter with a bid postmark during Christmas and up to 6 July 2005.

It is hoped that the postmark will encourage people to sign up to support the bid for the Olympics.

Babies

In rather a bizarre publicity stunt, organisers of the London bid for the 2012 Olympics have offered every child born today the chance to play a part in the 2012 Olympics; if London wins the right to host the event.

The children will be offered parts in the opening and closing ceremonies.

Monday was chosen as 2012 day, because it is the 20th day of the 12th month.

Lord Coe, bid leader, said:

"To mark 2012 Day we wanted to do something special which benefits the whole country and provides a legacy.."

The offer may be difficult to fulfill, if London wins, as there are on average 1,855 babies born each day in December in the UK.

If you want to register your child, then email childrenspromise@london2012.com