The Olympics

The Olympics

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News, information and stories about the Olympic Games in Athens 2004 and the Olympics in general up until 2007.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Unions Back Paris Olympics

Five French trade unions, including the CGT and CFDT, have delivered a declaration to the mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe, supporting Paris's bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

The Paris 2012 bid leader, Philippe Baudillon, is quoted as saying:

"A candidature can only work if everyone is informed and up to date ... whether it is the ecologists or the unions..It is an open discussion and never closed."

This sudden burst of enthusiasm is in marked contrast to the strikes and street protests against government policies that crippled public transport, during March, when the IOC delegation visited Paris.

Doubtless money, and the fact that French political pride has been wounded by the death of the EU Constitution, has more than a little to do with this volte face.

China Pushes Ahead

The Chinese are proving to be no laggards, when it comes to organising the 2008 Olympics.

Putting many previous host countries to shame, the Chinese will being formulating their plans for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics this year.

The tickets for the 2008 Olympic Games will be going on sale in 2006.

A production team for the ceremonies will be selected in September. The Chinese are working on a spectacular opening ceremony, which is hoped will outdo all previous ceremonies.

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Ali Backs Olympic Bid

Muhammad Ali, the former world heavyweight champion, will form part of the USA delegation in Singapore when the International Olympic Committee picks the 2012 host city July 6.

Ali won a gold medal in the 1960 Rome Olympics, and lit the cauldron in the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Ali is quoted as saying:

"When I look back and remember my greatest, most exciting moments as a boxer, competing in New York and competing in the Olympics are at the top of that list. To bring them together and hold the Games in New York City would be unforgettable for everyone involved, including myself."

Monday, June 20, 2005

Race For 2012 Games Hots Up

New York's chances for hosting the 2012 Olympics are still strong.

That is according to the Around the Rings Olympics Bid Power Index.

The index ranks Olympic bid cities based on inspections by the IOC and Around the Rings, bid books and bid strategies.

Paris is top, with a score of 89 out of 110.

London has 87 and New York 83.

Madrid comes in with 74, and Moscow trails at 64.