For the first time ever, in the history of the Olympics, the main venues have been completed a whole year ahead of the event.
Agenzia Torino 2006, the agency in charge of construction for the 2006 Turin Olympics, has reported that it had completed each of the venues to be used for official test events this winter.
The bobsled track in Cesana, which will also be used for skeleton and luge, is in the process of receiving its first layer of ice.
The ski jumping facility, in Pragelato, is also complete; and will host a World Cup event February 11-12.
All of the venues for Alpine and Nordic skiing are also ready.
The building agency said "final touches" were being made to the Palavela arena in Turin that will host a short track skating event January 14-16 and the European figure skating championships January 24-30.
The Turin Olympics will be held February 10-26, 2006.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Friday, January 07, 2005
Muju Protest
Pyeongchang County Korea has been chosen as the candidate for the 2014 Winter Olympics.
On December 23, the Korean Olympic Committee (KOC) held a standing committee; and chose Pyoengchang County, in a choice between Pyeongchang and Muju, by a unanimous vote.
The KOC will present Pyeongchang County as the single candidate to the general committee on December 29.
Muju is objecting to the decision quote:
"We can’t obey KOC’s decision"
150 officials of Muju, who had cancelled the standing committee of KOC on December 21 by occupying the meeting room, held a protest demonstration on December 23 again.
On December 23, the Korean Olympic Committee (KOC) held a standing committee; and chose Pyoengchang County, in a choice between Pyeongchang and Muju, by a unanimous vote.
The KOC will present Pyeongchang County as the single candidate to the general committee on December 29.
Muju is objecting to the decision quote:
"We can’t obey KOC’s decision"
150 officials of Muju, who had cancelled the standing committee of KOC on December 21 by occupying the meeting room, held a protest demonstration on December 23 again.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Boycott Of 2008 Olympics
A South Korean human rights group, in Washington, started a campaign to collect 1 million signatures on Wednesday to oppose Beijing's hosting of the 2008 Olympics.
The Asia Pacific Human Rights Association started the campaign, aiming to stop China from repatriating North Korean defectors hiding in its territory.
The Asia Pacific Human Rights Association started the campaign, aiming to stop China from repatriating North Korean defectors hiding in its territory.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Adidas Goes For Gold
The chairman of sportswear manufacturer Adidas-Salomon has said that he is expecting massive growth in the brand's sales in China, as the 2008 Beijing Olympics draws near.
Herbert Hainer, chairman, said:
"You can already feel the anticipation ahead of the 2008 Olympics...In Asia, in four years' time, we will have turnover of two billion euros..."
Adidas is the world's number two sportswear brand, and China and Japan are their second most important markets after the USA.
Herbert Hainer, chairman, said:
"You can already feel the anticipation ahead of the 2008 Olympics...In Asia, in four years' time, we will have turnover of two billion euros..."
Adidas is the world's number two sportswear brand, and China and Japan are their second most important markets after the USA.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Money Talks
It is reported that Athina Roussel, the granddaughter of late shipping billionaire Aristotle Onassis, is going to bid to ride for the Greek equestrian team for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
She has recently joined the Avlona Equestrian club, near Athens, and is considered to be one of the richest women in the world (she was left $2.7BN by Onassis).
The club said that Roussel would train for the Greek national equestrian team, and the 2008 Olympics.
George Dendrinos, a member of the board of directors of the Greek Equestrian Federation and the Avlona Equestrian Club, is quoted as saying:
"Her presence here will bring another dimension to Greek equestrianism..Athina Onassis is a major boost not only for the Greek equestrian community, but for Greek sports in general. She will soon visit us to see the facilities and to discuss administrative matters...".
Doubtless her money will also bring an "extra dimension" as well!
She has recently joined the Avlona Equestrian club, near Athens, and is considered to be one of the richest women in the world (she was left $2.7BN by Onassis).
The club said that Roussel would train for the Greek national equestrian team, and the 2008 Olympics.
George Dendrinos, a member of the board of directors of the Greek Equestrian Federation and the Avlona Equestrian Club, is quoted as saying:
"Her presence here will bring another dimension to Greek equestrianism..Athina Onassis is a major boost not only for the Greek equestrian community, but for Greek sports in general. She will soon visit us to see the facilities and to discuss administrative matters...".
Doubtless her money will also bring an "extra dimension" as well!
Friday, December 31, 2004
Five Tasks
Liu Qi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the CPC and Secretary of the Beijing Party Committee, is reported to have told the 9th session of the Ninth Beijing Committee of the Communist Party of China that in preparing for the 2008 Olympic Games Beijing should do a better job.
Specifically he identified five tasks
- constructing the facilities
- exploring the market
- organising the publicity work
- servicing and guaranteeing
- promoting humanistic Olympics.
He noted that promoting a humanistic Olympics would be the central task.
He concluded by stating that the preparation of the 2008 Olympics in 2005 would enter a key period.
Specifically he identified five tasks
- constructing the facilities
- exploring the market
- organising the publicity work
- servicing and guaranteeing
- promoting humanistic Olympics.
He noted that promoting a humanistic Olympics would be the central task.
He concluded by stating that the preparation of the 2008 Olympics in 2005 would enter a key period.
Monday, December 27, 2004
A Dose of Realism
It seems that despite the hype about London's chances of winning the bid to host the 2012 Olympics, members of Parliament are somewhat more sanguine.
In a survey of 204 MPs, carried out by CommunicateResearch, 72 per cent were "not particularly confident" or "not at all confident" that London will win.
Not one MP said that he or she was "very confident" that London will succeed.
This is a setback to the London bid, as it needs to persuade the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it has widespread public support.
Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, was quoted as saying:
"Public support is critical...We have to demonstrate that the people of the UK are behind this bid and will be enthusiastic supporters of a Games in 2012."
In a survey of 204 MPs, carried out by CommunicateResearch, 72 per cent were "not particularly confident" or "not at all confident" that London will win.
Not one MP said that he or she was "very confident" that London will succeed.
This is a setback to the London bid, as it needs to persuade the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it has widespread public support.
Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, was quoted as saying:
"Public support is critical...We have to demonstrate that the people of the UK are behind this bid and will be enthusiastic supporters of a Games in 2012."
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
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.
"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.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
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.
It is hoped that the postmark will encourage people to sign up to support the bid for the Olympics.
Monday, December 20, 2004
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
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
Friday, December 17, 2004
Oscars Shifted
The Oscars for 2006 have been moved by 1 week, to 5 March, in order to avoid clashing with the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences felt that the clash between the Olympic closing ceremony and the Oscars should be avoided. Academy President, Frank Pierson, said :
"It didn't seem fair to make (TV) viewers have to choose between these two special events.."
In another shifting of dates, the 21 December budget meeting for the Turin Olympics has been postponed.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences felt that the clash between the Olympic closing ceremony and the Oscars should be avoided. Academy President, Frank Pierson, said :
"It didn't seem fair to make (TV) viewers have to choose between these two special events.."
In another shifting of dates, the 21 December budget meeting for the Turin Olympics has been postponed.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Jones Sues
It is reported that U.S. sprinter, Marion Jones, has filed a defamation suit against Victor Conte. Conte has accused her of injecting drugs, to help win five medals at the Sydney Olympics.
Conte appeared on U.S. TV in December; saying that he watched Jones inject herself with substances from his company, BALCO, in the weeks leading up to the Sydney Olympics.
The lawsuit describes Conte's charges as:
“False, malicious and misleading..”.
Jones is seeking $25M in damages from Conte.
Jones's lawyers issued a statement to the press; in it Jones alleges that Conte has a “vendetta” against her, “a long standing grudge” that’s the result of her refusal through the years to have anything to do with Conte, despite his “relentless quest to get to Jones.”
Conte appeared on U.S. TV in December; saying that he watched Jones inject herself with substances from his company, BALCO, in the weeks leading up to the Sydney Olympics.
The lawsuit describes Conte's charges as:
“False, malicious and misleading..”.
Jones is seeking $25M in damages from Conte.
Jones's lawyers issued a statement to the press; in it Jones alleges that Conte has a “vendetta” against her, “a long standing grudge” that’s the result of her refusal through the years to have anything to do with Conte, despite his “relentless quest to get to Jones.”
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Olympics 2014
Although it seems to be a long way off, officials in Korea are currently deciding as to which town should bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics.
The Gangwon Province city of Pyeongchang will likely become the sole South Korean bidder, for the 2014 Winter Olympics; after rival city Muju was turned down on Wednesday, by an international sports body, due to concerns about environmental damage.
The International Ski Federation (FIS) has conducted a 3 month onsite inspection at the Muju ski resort, at the invitation of the Korean Olympic Committee, to decide between the two rival cities.
The Gangwon Province city of Pyeongchang will likely become the sole South Korean bidder, for the 2014 Winter Olympics; after rival city Muju was turned down on Wednesday, by an international sports body, due to concerns about environmental damage.
The International Ski Federation (FIS) has conducted a 3 month onsite inspection at the Muju ski resort, at the invitation of the Korean Olympic Committee, to decide between the two rival cities.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
No Room
The Chinese are fearful that there may be an accommodation shortage in Beijing, when it hosts the Olympics in 2008.
They estimate that the capital would be around 2.2 million hotel beds short of projected demand during the entire Games.
Therefore a tourism promotion conference is going to be held next April, to attract international hotels and travel agencies to improve and expand accommodation.
The Games are scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. on August 8, 2008 (8/8/8/08). This series of 8's is deemed to be very lucky by the Chinese.
They estimate that the capital would be around 2.2 million hotel beds short of projected demand during the entire Games.
Therefore a tourism promotion conference is going to be held next April, to attract international hotels and travel agencies to improve and expand accommodation.
The Games are scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. on August 8, 2008 (8/8/8/08). This series of 8's is deemed to be very lucky by the Chinese.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Pathetic
I read this story with utter incredulity, evidently some people have nothing better to do than look for things to complain about.
It seems that the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has asked for a tape of NBC's broadcast of the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics, after it received at least one indecency complaint.
The opening ceremony, broadcast throughout the world, featured a pregnant woman and a man and a woman. They performed interpretative dances covering the history of Athens and Greece. The ceremony also included statues of naked men.
It seems that out of the billions of people who watched the ceremony, one or two small minded individuals are intent on causing trouble.
No wonder TV networks pump out bland, mindless pap; by dumbing down and sanitising output to avoid offending anyone, the network executives are in fact undermining what should be the basic principles of good broadcasting.
Namely it should be:
- Challenging
- Stimulating
- Entertaining
It seems that the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has asked for a tape of NBC's broadcast of the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics, after it received at least one indecency complaint.
The opening ceremony, broadcast throughout the world, featured a pregnant woman and a man and a woman. They performed interpretative dances covering the history of Athens and Greece. The ceremony also included statues of naked men.
It seems that out of the billions of people who watched the ceremony, one or two small minded individuals are intent on causing trouble.
No wonder TV networks pump out bland, mindless pap; by dumbing down and sanitising output to avoid offending anyone, the network executives are in fact undermining what should be the basic principles of good broadcasting.
Namely it should be:
- Challenging
- Stimulating
- Entertaining
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