The Olympic flame has been handed over to Italian officials for transport to the Winter Games in Turin, after a ceremony that included actresses dressed as priestesses from ancient Greece.
The ceremony was held on Tuesday in the restored ancient stadium in Athens, where the modern summer Olympics started in 1896.
The flame was handed to Turin organising chief, Valentino Castellani, at a ceremony attended by Greek President Karolos Papoulias and the heads of the Greek and Italian Olympic committees.
The 7,022 mile relay through Italy began yesterday.
The flame will be carried by 10,000 torchbearers, gondolas, a Ferrari sports car and a cavalry regiment.
The final torchbearer, whose name has not been revealed, will light the flame at the opening ceremony in Turin on February 10th.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Over-age
Fifa has decided that men's Olympic football teams will no longer be allowed to field three over-age players.
Argentina won gold at the Athens Games with three over-age players, but for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and London in 2012 all players must be under 23.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter said:
"We will ask the Fifa Congress to abolish the three over-age players."
No age restrictions apply for the women's tournament.
Argentina won gold at the Athens Games with three over-age players, but for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and London in 2012 all players must be under 23.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter said:
"We will ask the Fifa Congress to abolish the three over-age players."
No age restrictions apply for the women's tournament.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Olympic Threat
Hundreds of paramilitary police have broken up a camp protesting against a high-speed railway through the Italian Alps.
The carabinieri dragged demonstrators from their tents in the village of Venaus and 20 people, including five police officers, were taken to hospital after the clashes.
Locals are also opposed to the planned £10BN rail link between Lyons and Turin. They rushed to the punch up, summoned by church bells and text messages from an anti-train website.
Several factories closed in sympathy strikes yesterday in the Susa Valley at the centre of the protest and in Turin, 40 miles away, while demonstrators blocked motorways and railway lines.
Protesters have pledged to disrupt the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin.
Some of February's Olympic skiing events are due to be held in the valley where the demonstrations are taking place.
The majority of the valley's 60,000 residents, including mayors and priests, are against the tunnel.
The carabinieri dragged demonstrators from their tents in the village of Venaus and 20 people, including five police officers, were taken to hospital after the clashes.
Locals are also opposed to the planned £10BN rail link between Lyons and Turin. They rushed to the punch up, summoned by church bells and text messages from an anti-train website.
Several factories closed in sympathy strikes yesterday in the Susa Valley at the centre of the protest and in Turin, 40 miles away, while demonstrators blocked motorways and railway lines.
Protesters have pledged to disrupt the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin.
Some of February's Olympic skiing events are due to be held in the valley where the demonstrations are taking place.
The majority of the valley's 60,000 residents, including mayors and priests, are against the tunnel.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
WiBro Test
WiBro, wireless broadband, will be tested during the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics.
Telecom Italia has signed a deal with Samsung Electronics, to test out South Korea's answer to WiMax technology. The implementation would be the first in Europe.
WiBro allegedly offers wireless data speeds of up to 30 megabits per second, and work is being done to make the standard compatible with WiMax.
Samsung launched a trial version of the service in South Korea last month, and unveiled the first WiBro-enabled phone at that time.
Telecom Italia has signed a deal with Samsung Electronics, to test out South Korea's answer to WiMax technology. The implementation would be the first in Europe.
WiBro allegedly offers wireless data speeds of up to 30 megabits per second, and work is being done to make the standard compatible with WiMax.
Samsung launched a trial version of the service in South Korea last month, and unveiled the first WiBro-enabled phone at that time.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Rogge Stands Up For China
Jacques Rogge, the president of the International Olympic Committee, has asked that critics of China's human rights keep perspective.
This was in response to Sir Matthew Pinsent's report that he had seen child gymnasts being beaten by their coaches.
Rogge said that he condemned physical abuse, and has ordered an inquiry into Pinsent's allegations.
Rogge is quoted as saying:
"While it is not for us to condone what might not be acceptable, you also have to look at the cultural factor. I don't need to remind you of the fact that physical punishment was still in use in English public schools until, I believe, the 1970s."
Adding:
"The IOC has been very clear in saying to the Chinese authorities that the IOC stands for human rights and that we would hope that they would make the maximum progress."
That's alright then!
This was in response to Sir Matthew Pinsent's report that he had seen child gymnasts being beaten by their coaches.
Rogge said that he condemned physical abuse, and has ordered an inquiry into Pinsent's allegations.
Rogge is quoted as saying:
"While it is not for us to condone what might not be acceptable, you also have to look at the cultural factor. I don't need to remind you of the fact that physical punishment was still in use in English public schools until, I believe, the 1970s."
Adding:
"The IOC has been very clear in saying to the Chinese authorities that the IOC stands for human rights and that we would hope that they would make the maximum progress."
That's alright then!
Friday, December 02, 2005
The Fraudulent Olympics
Victor Conte, the founder of BALCO which is at the centre of a major sports doping scandal, has said what many have long suspected; namely that the Olympics are a fraud.
He has given an interview to ABC News for their "20/20" show, just as he began his 4 month jail term, in the interview he said "the Olympic Games are a fraud".
He exposed the custom made regimens of performance enhancing drugs for top athletes, including Olympic track and field superstar Marion Jones.
Jones has never failed a drug test and, in a statement by her lawyers, has denied using any banned substances. However, Conte claims that he has shown her how to use drugs that would not be detected by testing.
Conte said in the interview that he believes that over half of the top athletes are using anabolic steroids, and 80% are taking some kind of stimulant before every game.
He believes that the way to "level the playing field" is to legalise these drugs.
Quote:
"It's not cheating if everybody is doing it. And if you've got the knowledge that that's what everyone is doing, and those are the real rules of the game, then you're not cheating."
However, were the drugs to be legalised then the "athletic" competition would become a research and development competition between competing drugs companies; who would use the athletes as their guinea pigs.
Now we know why the IOC are so keen to make Italy relax its criminal legislation, in respect of drugs; there is a very real danger that, during the forthcoming Winter Olympics, half of the competitors (if Conte is right) would end up in jail.
Now that would really damage the Olympic cash cow.
He has given an interview to ABC News for their "20/20" show, just as he began his 4 month jail term, in the interview he said "the Olympic Games are a fraud".
He exposed the custom made regimens of performance enhancing drugs for top athletes, including Olympic track and field superstar Marion Jones.
Jones has never failed a drug test and, in a statement by her lawyers, has denied using any banned substances. However, Conte claims that he has shown her how to use drugs that would not be detected by testing.
Conte said in the interview that he believes that over half of the top athletes are using anabolic steroids, and 80% are taking some kind of stimulant before every game.
He believes that the way to "level the playing field" is to legalise these drugs.
Quote:
"It's not cheating if everybody is doing it. And if you've got the knowledge that that's what everyone is doing, and those are the real rules of the game, then you're not cheating."
However, were the drugs to be legalised then the "athletic" competition would become a research and development competition between competing drugs companies; who would use the athletes as their guinea pigs.
Now we know why the IOC are so keen to make Italy relax its criminal legislation, in respect of drugs; there is a very real danger that, during the forthcoming Winter Olympics, half of the competitors (if Conte is right) would end up in jail.
Now that would really damage the Olympic cash cow.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Dopes
It seems that the possible crisis over Italy's tough doping laws may be averted, in time for the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Valentino Castellani, chief of the Turin organising committee, said that he believed a tentative accord had been reached.
Quote:
"I don't know the details, it's not my business."
The Italian law states that athletes can face criminal sanctions for doping violations.
Quite rightly so!
However, this was too much to stomach for the IOC, who are aware that more than a few athletes take drugs to enhance their performance. They were well aware that this law would mean the unedifying spectacle of police raids in the Olympic Village during the games, February 10-26.
Which of course is very bad for their sponsorship deals!
The International Olympic Committee rules state that athletes face disqualification for any doping offense, but no legal penalties.
Athletes, apparently, are above the law.
Government supervisor Mario Pescante said that he would meet with IOC president, Jacques Rogge, at a European Olympic meeting in Dublin this weekend.
Quote:
"I will speak with him about doping. We are optimistic."
Pescante had tried to temporarily suspend Italy's laws for the Olympics. However, the Senate rounded on him; quite right!
Rogge said that he expects "intelligent solutions" will be found within "full respect" of the law.
Why should athletes be treated differently to everyone else?
Oh, silly me, it's the money!
Valentino Castellani, chief of the Turin organising committee, said that he believed a tentative accord had been reached.
Quote:
"I don't know the details, it's not my business."
The Italian law states that athletes can face criminal sanctions for doping violations.
Quite rightly so!
However, this was too much to stomach for the IOC, who are aware that more than a few athletes take drugs to enhance their performance. They were well aware that this law would mean the unedifying spectacle of police raids in the Olympic Village during the games, February 10-26.
Which of course is very bad for their sponsorship deals!
The International Olympic Committee rules state that athletes face disqualification for any doping offense, but no legal penalties.
Athletes, apparently, are above the law.
Government supervisor Mario Pescante said that he would meet with IOC president, Jacques Rogge, at a European Olympic meeting in Dublin this weekend.
Quote:
"I will speak with him about doping. We are optimistic."
Pescante had tried to temporarily suspend Italy's laws for the Olympics. However, the Senate rounded on him; quite right!
Rogge said that he expects "intelligent solutions" will be found within "full respect" of the law.
Why should athletes be treated differently to everyone else?
Oh, silly me, it's the money!
Monday, November 28, 2005
Mosque Planned For 2012 Olympics
An enormous mosque, designed to hold 40,000 worshippers, is being proposed to be built next to the Olympic complex in London.
The design, featuring wind turbines and a translucent latticed roof, will be opened in time for the 2012 Games.
The complex is designed to become the "Muslim quarter" for the Games, and will be a hub for Islamic competitors and spectators.
The design, featuring wind turbines and a translucent latticed roof, will be opened in time for the 2012 Games.
The complex is designed to become the "Muslim quarter" for the Games, and will be a hub for Islamic competitors and spectators.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Turin Torch Relay
The Olympic flame will begin its Turin relay, in time for the Winter Olympics (which start on the 10th of February 2006), on the 8th of December.
It will be carried by Venetian gondolas, horses and a Ferrari across Italy.
Italy's Stefano Baldini, the marathon champion at the Athens Olympics, will be the first of 10,000 torchbearers.
Each bearer will carry the flame for about 400 yards.
On its first day in Italy, the torch will pass by St. Peter's Square to receive a blessing from Pope Benedict XVI.
One small neighborhood association in Rome said last week it would block the Olympic torch from its streets, because the relay is sponsored by Coca-Cola.
It will be carried by Venetian gondolas, horses and a Ferrari across Italy.
Italy's Stefano Baldini, the marathon champion at the Athens Olympics, will be the first of 10,000 torchbearers.
Each bearer will carry the flame for about 400 yards.
On its first day in Italy, the torch will pass by St. Peter's Square to receive a blessing from Pope Benedict XVI.
One small neighborhood association in Rome said last week it would block the Olympic torch from its streets, because the relay is sponsored by Coca-Cola.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
The £6BN Olympic Tax Bill
David James, a corporate troubleshooter, has warned that mismanagement of the 2012 London Olympic venues could cost the British taxpayer £6BN.
He notes that the lesson from the Millennium Dome fiasco need to be learned.
Not surprisingly James identifies the main culprit of overruns for the Dome, as that of being poor management.
James has produced a set of recommendations, to ensure that the 2012 Olympic Games do not fail financially. They include:
He notes that the lesson from the Millennium Dome fiasco need to be learned.
Not surprisingly James identifies the main culprit of overruns for the Dome, as that of being poor management.
James has produced a set of recommendations, to ensure that the 2012 Olympic Games do not fail financially. They include:
- Involve Sport England in helping to ensure that local communities can use Olympic venues after the Games
- Ensure that there is no long-term damage to local community facilities, such as the Hackney Marshes
- Hire accountants to run the financial control and creation of contracts
- Ensure that board directors of Olympic bodies have relevant experience — "not just a who's who of the great and the good"
- Externally vet all sub-contractors hired to work on Olympic venues and ensure that they have a proven track record
- Abandon the Government's standard procurement preference for the cheapest services, in favour of fitness for purpose
- Agree standard contracts for all Games sponsors to prevent "freeloading"
- Contract out the retailing of Olympics-themed merchandise to a professional national retailer
- Set up and maintain a strictly controlled register of assets for all Olympic venues, detailing purchased and leased items
- Retain health and safety experts to approve all designs for Games sports venues
- Do not make advance payments to contractors
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Olympic Fiasco
Ireland's Oireachtas sport committee has described Ireland's involvement in last year's Athens Olympics as a "fiasco".
It is recommending major improvements in how the country prepares for the games.
In a report published today, the committee says a steering group should be appointed to oversee Ireland's preparation for the London Olympics in 2012. They acknowledge that Beijing 2008 is too soon for any changes to make a difference.
The committee is also seeking additional funding for coaches, athletes and a new Institute for Sport.
It is recommending major improvements in how the country prepares for the games.
In a report published today, the committee says a steering group should be appointed to oversee Ireland's preparation for the London Olympics in 2012. They acknowledge that Beijing 2008 is too soon for any changes to make a difference.
The committee is also seeking additional funding for coaches, athletes and a new Institute for Sport.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Korean Olympic Bid
The South Korean city of Busan will bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics, and will invite the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) capital Pyongyang to join the bid as co-host.
That at least is the wish of the mayor of Busan, Hur Nam-Sik.
He is quoted as saying:
"I would like to unveil the city's ambition here. It is to win the bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics. In principle I am agreed on co-hosting the 2020 Olympics (and) as mayor of Busan I fully intend to have co-hosting".
He added that is would be a "dream" if Pyongyang and Busan could host the event together.
That at least is the wish of the mayor of Busan, Hur Nam-Sik.
He is quoted as saying:
"I would like to unveil the city's ambition here. It is to win the bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics. In principle I am agreed on co-hosting the 2020 Olympics (and) as mayor of Busan I fully intend to have co-hosting".
He added that is would be a "dream" if Pyongyang and Busan could host the event together.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Olympics Boost Tourism
The British government said that it believes that the 2012 London Olympics could boost Britain's tourist industry by 25%.
Culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, said that she believed that annual tourism revenue could rise from $130BN to $173BN by 2012.
However, that may require some serious work on the infrastructure; most notably the appalling public transport system in the UK.
Not that this will matter too much to the current government, as they will be out of office by 2012 anyway.
Culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, said that she believed that annual tourism revenue could rise from $130BN to $173BN by 2012.
However, that may require some serious work on the infrastructure; most notably the appalling public transport system in the UK.
Not that this will matter too much to the current government, as they will be out of office by 2012 anyway.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Turin Stadium Named
The main sports arena in Turin for the February 2006 Winter Olympics will be named "Grande Torino", after the Turin soccer team that was killed in an air crash in 1949.
Mario Pescante, the supervisor of the games, said:
"I approved the idea of calling it "Grande Torino" with great enthusiasm."
The "Grande Torino" (Great Turin) side of the 1940's were all killed in air crash on the Turin hills in 1949.
Among those who lost their lives was soccer legend Valentino Mazzola, father of another Italy great, Sandro Mazzola.
Mario Pescante, the supervisor of the games, said:
"I approved the idea of calling it "Grande Torino" with great enthusiasm."
The "Grande Torino" (Great Turin) side of the 1940's were all killed in air crash on the Turin hills in 1949.
Among those who lost their lives was soccer legend Valentino Mazzola, father of another Italy great, Sandro Mazzola.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Beijing Unveils Mascots
Beijing unveiled its Olympic mascots on Friday, 1000 days before the start of the 2008 Olympic Games.
There will be 5 mascots representing the games.
The mascots are cartoon renditions of a panda, fish, Tibetan antelope, swallow and the Olympic flame; each one being the colour of one of the Olympic rings.
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said:
"The five friendlies are an incredible little family carefully chosen by Beijing 2008 to represent all of China to carry a message of friendship to the children of the world. China is so lucky to have so many beautiful animals to represent the Olympic spirit."
The mascots are called; Bei Bei, Jing Jing, Huan Huan, Ying Ying and Ni Ni. Collectively this translates as "Beijing welcomes you!"
A clever, and good idea; they are expected to generate considerable sums to offset the costs of the games.
There will be 5 mascots representing the games.
The mascots are cartoon renditions of a panda, fish, Tibetan antelope, swallow and the Olympic flame; each one being the colour of one of the Olympic rings.
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said:
"The five friendlies are an incredible little family carefully chosen by Beijing 2008 to represent all of China to carry a message of friendship to the children of the world. China is so lucky to have so many beautiful animals to represent the Olympic spirit."
The mascots are called; Bei Bei, Jing Jing, Huan Huan, Ying Ying and Ni Ni. Collectively this translates as "Beijing welcomes you!"
A clever, and good idea; they are expected to generate considerable sums to offset the costs of the games.
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