I reiterate what I have said before, that there is not a hope in hell of Britain hosting the 2012 Olympics.
My view has been confirmed by the decision to abandon Silverstone, as part of the Formula One 2005 calendar.
Bernie Ecclestone, F1 superemo, is also heavily involved in the bid for the 2012 Olympics. He is reportedly to be of the view that Silverstone is outdated, and does not receive the level of support from the government that it deserves.
The decision to axe Silverstone will send a very clear message to the IOC, that Britain simply does not have the money or the will to host major sporting events.
It is of course, classic brinkmanship, a last ditched attempt to embarrass the government into funding a rejuvenation of Silverstone.
Friday, October 01, 2004
Thursday, September 30, 2004
London's Bid
The Labour Party conference, in Brighton, tried to give London's bid to host the 2012 Olympics a kick start on Tuesday.
The culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, reportedly said "Let's unite as a country to work for it, win it and give the world an Olympic Games that none of us will ever forget....This is about how ambitious and bold we are as a country. In sport there is no higher place than the Olympics. That must be our goal...."
UGHH!! Utter claptrap.
Mayor Ken Livingstone at least tried to inject a note of realism, by noting that London still had "some way to catch up" in respect of infrastructure.
The bottom line is simple, London does not have the infrastructure to cope with hosting the Games; and will not have it in place in time.
There is not a hope in hell of London being awarded the 2012 Games.
The culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, reportedly said "Let's unite as a country to work for it, win it and give the world an Olympic Games that none of us will ever forget....This is about how ambitious and bold we are as a country. In sport there is no higher place than the Olympics. That must be our goal...."
UGHH!! Utter claptrap.
Mayor Ken Livingstone at least tried to inject a note of realism, by noting that London still had "some way to catch up" in respect of infrastructure.
The bottom line is simple, London does not have the infrastructure to cope with hosting the Games; and will not have it in place in time.
There is not a hope in hell of London being awarded the 2012 Games.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Frosty Games
The mascots for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, starting on 10 January 2006, have been unveiled.
They are Neve a snowball, and Gliz a block of ice.
They were launched at a ceremony yesterday and, after a cartoon show introducing them, made an appearance in person.
They are meant to represent the spirit of the Olympics namely; competition, friendship and fair play. I will look at the contents of my ice box with new respect in the future.
Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is a tad worried about the laid back attitude of the Italians with respect to meeting deadlines. He is reportedly not wishing to see a repeat of the last minute rush to complete, that occurred at the Athens Games.
The Italians are sanguine, and feel that there will be no problem.
They are Neve a snowball, and Gliz a block of ice.
They were launched at a ceremony yesterday and, after a cartoon show introducing them, made an appearance in person.
They are meant to represent the spirit of the Olympics namely; competition, friendship and fair play. I will look at the contents of my ice box with new respect in the future.
Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is a tad worried about the laid back attitude of the Italians with respect to meeting deadlines. He is reportedly not wishing to see a repeat of the last minute rush to complete, that occurred at the Athens Games.
The Italians are sanguine, and feel that there will be no problem.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
A Lot of Fuss
Paul Hamm's hearing, regarding the disputed gymnastic medal, was held in Lausanne yesterday. It seems that it was quite an ordeal; lasting over 11 hours.
The decision has yet to be announced. However, it seems that all the "stops" were pulled out to make sure that the hearing seemed to be important.
Hamm had 6 lawyers with him, there were also 40 people speaking 7 languages attending the hearing.
The arbitrators will now take a fortnight to deliberate over the issue.
The decision has yet to be announced. However, it seems that all the "stops" were pulled out to make sure that the hearing seemed to be important.
Hamm had 6 lawyers with him, there were also 40 people speaking 7 languages attending the hearing.
The arbitrators will now take a fortnight to deliberate over the issue.
A Jolly Junket
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) team, who will be judging which city hosts the 2012 Olympics, have announced the schedule of their jolly junket.
They will kick off in Madrid then visit London, New York, Paris and finally Moscow.
The IOC claim that the order of cities is logistical. However, from my modest grasp of geography, I would have thought it should be Madrid, Paris, London, New York then Moscow.
The team will be led by Nawal El Moutawakel, Morocco's 1984 Olympic 400 meters hurdles champion. They will meet bid leaders, and city/government officials during their visits.
They are scheduled to report in May 2005.
This will be an especially nice trip for the "lads" from the IOC; as they have not been allowed to travel, since the Salt Lake City corruption scandal in 1998.
Let us hope no one takes any bribes this time round!
They will kick off in Madrid then visit London, New York, Paris and finally Moscow.
The IOC claim that the order of cities is logistical. However, from my modest grasp of geography, I would have thought it should be Madrid, Paris, London, New York then Moscow.
The team will be led by Nawal El Moutawakel, Morocco's 1984 Olympic 400 meters hurdles champion. They will meet bid leaders, and city/government officials during their visits.
They are scheduled to report in May 2005.
This will be an especially nice trip for the "lads" from the IOC; as they have not been allowed to travel, since the Salt Lake City corruption scandal in 1998.
Let us hope no one takes any bribes this time round!
Monday, September 27, 2004
The Waiting Is Over
The waiting is finally over for Paul Hamm; winner, for the time being, of the men's gymnastic Olympic medal.
Today the Court for Arbitration for Sport will hear the appeal from the South Korean gymnast, Yang Tae-young, who is disputing the scoring of the event.
Needless to say, with both the Koreans and Americans vowing to battle to the end for their respective sides, the hearing could be every bit as thrilling as the actual event.
Indeed, the US Olympic Committee is sending a bevy of lawyers along; as well as spending $300K on defending their man.
The hearing will take place in Lausanne, behind closed doors. A panel of 3 wise men will hear the case, then make their decision.
However, no one knows quite how these guys will come to a decision; rumour has it they will examine the entrails of a goat.
Today the Court for Arbitration for Sport will hear the appeal from the South Korean gymnast, Yang Tae-young, who is disputing the scoring of the event.
Needless to say, with both the Koreans and Americans vowing to battle to the end for their respective sides, the hearing could be every bit as thrilling as the actual event.
Indeed, the US Olympic Committee is sending a bevy of lawyers along; as well as spending $300K on defending their man.
The hearing will take place in Lausanne, behind closed doors. A panel of 3 wise men will hear the case, then make their decision.
However, no one knows quite how these guys will come to a decision; rumour has it they will examine the entrails of a goat.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
The Never Ending Games
It seems that the 2004 Games are set to go on until 2012, that at least is the case from the drug enforcement perspective.
All the urine and bodily fluid samples, taken during the 2004 Games, have to be stored until 2012; just in case a new test has to be carried out.
As technology develops, it is likely that new tests will be devised over the coming years that can be used on these frozen samples.
It is therefore highly possible that titles won in 2004, will be removed in 2011; if the winners were proven to be cheating.
Imagine the litigation issues that would stir up!
All the urine and bodily fluid samples, taken during the 2004 Games, have to be stored until 2012; just in case a new test has to be carried out.
As technology develops, it is likely that new tests will be devised over the coming years that can be used on these frozen samples.
It is therefore highly possible that titles won in 2004, will be removed in 2011; if the winners were proven to be cheating.
Imagine the litigation issues that would stir up!
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Golf in The Olympics Handicapped
It seems that the suggestion that golf should appear in the 2012 Olympics has not pleased everyone.
It is reported that whilst the Royal and Ancient Club (R&A), which is the world governing body for golf aside from the USA, is backing the bid; the European and US PGA tours are opposing the bid.
It seems that there are issues over scheduling.
It is reported that whilst the Royal and Ancient Club (R&A), which is the world governing body for golf aside from the USA, is backing the bid; the European and US PGA tours are opposing the bid.
It seems that there are issues over scheduling.
Friday, September 24, 2004
Hands In The Till, Surely Not?
It seems that there is something of a row going on, over the handling of the finances of the Athens Olympics.
Aside from massivley overspending, current estimates put the total costs at around $12BN, there are now accusations about the honesty of the bookeeping.
An audit report issued this week has caused the Athens Games chief, Gianna Angelopoulos, to state that the report into the 2001 accounts does not give an accurate picture.
Angelopoulos is quoted as saying that every euro would be accounted for.
The audit report claims that the Games organising committee (ATHOC) did not follow proper hiring procedures, awarded tenders without signing contracts and had several thousand euros in unaccounted payments. As an experienced fraud investigator, I can say that these are very serious control weaknesses; which would not be tolerated in a listed, reputable comapny.
It seems that the charges include the following:
Angelopoulos has said that all unaccounted expenses would come out of the salaries of the relevant employees.
The audit reports for the years ending 2002, 2003 and 2004 will make very interesting reading.
Aside from massivley overspending, current estimates put the total costs at around $12BN, there are now accusations about the honesty of the bookeeping.
An audit report issued this week has caused the Athens Games chief, Gianna Angelopoulos, to state that the report into the 2001 accounts does not give an accurate picture.
Angelopoulos is quoted as saying that every euro would be accounted for.
The audit report claims that the Games organising committee (ATHOC) did not follow proper hiring procedures, awarded tenders without signing contracts and had several thousand euros in unaccounted payments. As an experienced fraud investigator, I can say that these are very serious control weaknesses; which would not be tolerated in a listed, reputable comapny.
It seems that the charges include the following:
- Large sums were spent on receptions and out of town expenses
- 39 of the 41 directors and general directors were hired by bending local labour laws offering large salaries, and awarding considerable compensation for employees who resigned and were not eligible for payment
- Payments were made of about 4,000 euros for flowers sent to ATHOC itself, and several hospitals.
Angelopoulos has said that all unaccounted expenses would come out of the salaries of the relevant employees.
The audit reports for the years ending 2002, 2003 and 2004 will make very interesting reading.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
No Limits
It seems that there are no limits as to what the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are prepared to consider as a sport for inclusion in the Games.
It is reported that golf, rugby, squash, karate and roller sports are all being considered for inclusion in the 2012 Olympics.
The IOC has notified the governing bodies of these 5 sports that they will be "studied further", for possible inclusion.
This is part of a review of the 28 sports used in the Athens Olympics. Changes made will not become effective until the 2012 Games.
However, any new "sport" included in the 2012 Games will be at the expense of another already in the Games; which will be dropped to make way for the new one.
The IOC has sent out a questionnaire to all 28 of the Olympic sports federations, plus the 5 "wanabees".
Those fans of bowling, ball room dancing!, chess and bridge will be disappointed to know that they are not on the list for possible inclusion.
Basket weaving anyone?
It is reported that golf, rugby, squash, karate and roller sports are all being considered for inclusion in the 2012 Olympics.
The IOC has notified the governing bodies of these 5 sports that they will be "studied further", for possible inclusion.
This is part of a review of the 28 sports used in the Athens Olympics. Changes made will not become effective until the 2012 Games.
However, any new "sport" included in the 2012 Games will be at the expense of another already in the Games; which will be dropped to make way for the new one.
The IOC has sent out a questionnaire to all 28 of the Olympic sports federations, plus the 5 "wanabees".
Those fans of bowling, ball room dancing!, chess and bridge will be disappointed to know that they are not on the list for possible inclusion.
Basket weaving anyone?
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Tick Tock
The countdown to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing has started.
Jiang Xiaoyu, vice-president of the Beijing organising committee for the games, unveiled a countdown timer yesterday in Tiananmen Square.
The Games, known as the humanitarian Olympics, are scheduled to start on the 8th of August 2008.
Less than 1,417 days to go!
Jiang Xiaoyu, vice-president of the Beijing organising committee for the games, unveiled a countdown timer yesterday in Tiananmen Square.
The Games, known as the humanitarian Olympics, are scheduled to start on the 8th of August 2008.
Less than 1,417 days to go!
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Breed All About It
China is leaving nothing to chance, as it prepares for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Ping Ping, the polar bear, is leaving his home in Sea World on the Gold Coast; and returning to his original home at the Beijing Zoo.
Ping Ping must do his duty for his country, and breed; it's a tough life!
The Chinese feel that the zoo needs to have an injection of youth, and vitality, in time for the Games; what better way than to have a few new polar bear cubs?
Ping Ping, the polar bear, is leaving his home in Sea World on the Gold Coast; and returning to his original home at the Beijing Zoo.
Ping Ping must do his duty for his country, and breed; it's a tough life!
The Chinese feel that the zoo needs to have an injection of youth, and vitality, in time for the Games; what better way than to have a few new polar bear cubs?
Monday, September 20, 2004
Peasants' Revolt
The planning for London’s bid for the 2012 Games may be going smoothly, in terms of the planning applications. However, there are problems on the community relations front.
People living in the East of London, where the some of the Games will be held, are more than a little sceptical about the benefits of playing host to this bloated circus in their area.
They are still smarting from the Dome fiasco, which had promised a cornucopia of untold wealth and opportunities for those in the area. The reality was somewhat different; no extra jobs, and massive disruption caused by the construction of the country’s largest white elephant.
This time the residents of East London are not going to be so easily swayed. In fact, in order to make their point, they are threatening to hold demonstrations against the Olympics when the IOC inspection committee come to town next year.
Needless to say, the thought of a “peasant revolt” has caused Tony and his cronies some sleepless nights; Tony does not like to be embarrassed in front of the media. Therefore the London Olympic bid team have employed “community liaison” people, armed with pro forma answers to awkward questions, to try to keep the “peasants” in line.
However, I suspect that the residents have the upper hand; they wont settle for sweet promises without guarantees.
Power to the People!
A map of the sites for the proposed 2012 Games can be viewed here click map.
People living in the East of London, where the some of the Games will be held, are more than a little sceptical about the benefits of playing host to this bloated circus in their area.
They are still smarting from the Dome fiasco, which had promised a cornucopia of untold wealth and opportunities for those in the area. The reality was somewhat different; no extra jobs, and massive disruption caused by the construction of the country’s largest white elephant.
This time the residents of East London are not going to be so easily swayed. In fact, in order to make their point, they are threatening to hold demonstrations against the Olympics when the IOC inspection committee come to town next year.
Needless to say, the thought of a “peasant revolt” has caused Tony and his cronies some sleepless nights; Tony does not like to be embarrassed in front of the media. Therefore the London Olympic bid team have employed “community liaison” people, armed with pro forma answers to awkward questions, to try to keep the “peasants” in line.
However, I suspect that the residents have the upper hand; they wont settle for sweet promises without guarantees.
Power to the People!
A map of the sites for the proposed 2012 Games can be viewed here click map.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Dirty Voting
Those of you who think that the voting for the host city for the 2012 Olympics is based purely on economic, and infrastructure, considerations are deluding yourselves.
The reality is that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is dominated by Europeans; the leading European city in the race is Paris, the leading non European city is New York.
It is known that if a European city wins the bidding for 2012 then, in order to appear fair and unbiased, the 2016 Games will not be held in a European city. This causes a few problems for some of the European members of the IOC.
Milan, Budapest, Prague, Lisbon and Berlin have all shown interest in bidding for the 2016 Games. They know that a vote for Paris will stop their chances of winning the 2016 bid, therefore they will not vote for Paris.
Grubby business, isn't it?
The reality is that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is dominated by Europeans; the leading European city in the race is Paris, the leading non European city is New York.
It is known that if a European city wins the bidding for 2012 then, in order to appear fair and unbiased, the 2016 Games will not be held in a European city. This causes a few problems for some of the European members of the IOC.
Milan, Budapest, Prague, Lisbon and Berlin have all shown interest in bidding for the 2016 Games. They know that a vote for Paris will stop their chances of winning the 2016 bid, therefore they will not vote for Paris.
Grubby business, isn't it?
Scotland's Parliament, A lesson To Be Learned
The debacle over the Scottish parliament raises issues beyond Scotland.
The parliament building, which was recently opened at Holyrood, was budgeted to cost around £40M; instead the costs ballooned to over £400M, spectacular incompetence by anybody's standards.
This confirms what has long been known by people with half a brain, politicians and governments in the UK are incapable of managing construction and investment projects.
The same inept and incompetent politicians are now trying to convince the British public, and the International Olympic Committee, that the infrastructure necessary to hold the 2012 Olympic Games will be in place, on budget and on time.
Don't fall for it, they know not what they say!
The parliament building, which was recently opened at Holyrood, was budgeted to cost around £40M; instead the costs ballooned to over £400M, spectacular incompetence by anybody's standards.
This confirms what has long been known by people with half a brain, politicians and governments in the UK are incapable of managing construction and investment projects.
The same inept and incompetent politicians are now trying to convince the British public, and the International Olympic Committee, that the infrastructure necessary to hold the 2012 Olympic Games will be in place, on budget and on time.
Don't fall for it, they know not what they say!
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