It seems that all is not yet lost, for the plans to build a stadium in New York for the 2012 Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee is going to allow New York to submit a Plan B, for the Olympic Stadium, thereby "pulling New York's nuts out of the fire" in respect of its desire to host the 2102 Games.
Giselle Davies, IOC spokeswoman, is quoted as saying:
"The IOC would allow an alternative proposal..It would need to go to the executive board for review [and] approval."
Davies noted that, as a "general rule", the city's bid was closed when the IOC evaluation commission completed its visit to New York in February.
The use of Plan B, contradicts Mayor Bloomberg's insistence that an alternative was impossible.
On Monday, a state panel rejected plans to build a stadium on Manhattan's West Side. This gave rise to Mayor Bloomberg suggesting that New York withdraw.
Quote:
"There's no chance the stadium could be built elsewhere and help us with the Olympics because what the rules of the IOC are - you have to submit a plan..It can't have backups or anything. It can have one plan, and you have to follow that plan."
As yet no details as to what Plan B actually is, have been provided.
It is also suggested that the bid committee might go to Singapore with a modified Plan A, that would include the West Side stadium and an alternate site.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Games Morale Boost For French
Philippe Baudillon, the leader of Paris's bid for the 2012 Olympics, is reported to have said that France needs the games to boost morale; after the French rejected of the EU constitution.
Quote:
"If Paris gets the games, it will be a fantastic moment for France to imagine the future very positively, and we need that,".
Adding:
"The people who said 'no' are frightened by the future...Getting the games would be a very positive moment for the country."
What utter nonsense.
The French rejected the EU constitution because their economy has been wrecked by the straight jacket of the Euro, and by the restrictive labour laws imposed by their own government.
Winning the Olympics will only put further strains on their already recession bound economy.
Quote:
"If Paris gets the games, it will be a fantastic moment for France to imagine the future very positively, and we need that,".
Adding:
"The people who said 'no' are frightened by the future...Getting the games would be a very positive moment for the country."
What utter nonsense.
The French rejected the EU constitution because their economy has been wrecked by the straight jacket of the Euro, and by the restrictive labour laws imposed by their own government.
Winning the Olympics will only put further strains on their already recession bound economy.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
IOC Evaluation Report
Paris is still front runner, one month before the vote for the 2012 Olympic Games host.
In an evaluation report issued by the IOC Paris received the best overall review; London, New York and Madrid also got positive ratings, while Moscow was criticised.
The report focused on technical issues including; venues, financing, transportation, accommodation, security and public/government support.
The report acts a guide for the 117 IOC voting members, who vote in Singapore on July 6.
The report noted Paris's sports concept, "excellent accommodation," "high capacity and quality" transportation systems and "well-documented" budget.
It also noted that Paris had "fully taken into account" the IOC's framework for controlling the cost and size of the Olympics.
London was praised for the "significant sports and environmental legacies" involved in its plans for regenerating the city's rundown east side.
However, the IOC noted that "careful planning would be required to ensure that all facilities are completed on time." It also said that London's improved transportation plans were workable if "fully delivered" before 2012.
In reality, the transport system in London is unlikely to be upgraded in time for the Olympics; there is no way that the IOC can take that risk.
The report noted the uncertainty in New York over its proposed $2BN stadium on Manhattan's West Side.
Madrid was criticised for having hotels too far out of town.
Moscow was criticised the most:
"A lack of detailed planning in the candidature file and background information made it difficult for the commission to evaluate the project,".
In an evaluation report issued by the IOC Paris received the best overall review; London, New York and Madrid also got positive ratings, while Moscow was criticised.
The report focused on technical issues including; venues, financing, transportation, accommodation, security and public/government support.
The report acts a guide for the 117 IOC voting members, who vote in Singapore on July 6.
The report noted Paris's sports concept, "excellent accommodation," "high capacity and quality" transportation systems and "well-documented" budget.
It also noted that Paris had "fully taken into account" the IOC's framework for controlling the cost and size of the Olympics.
London was praised for the "significant sports and environmental legacies" involved in its plans for regenerating the city's rundown east side.
However, the IOC noted that "careful planning would be required to ensure that all facilities are completed on time." It also said that London's improved transportation plans were workable if "fully delivered" before 2012.
In reality, the transport system in London is unlikely to be upgraded in time for the Olympics; there is no way that the IOC can take that risk.
The report noted the uncertainty in New York over its proposed $2BN stadium on Manhattan's West Side.
Madrid was criticised for having hotels too far out of town.
Moscow was criticised the most:
"A lack of detailed planning in the candidature file and background information made it difficult for the commission to evaluate the project,".
Monday, June 06, 2005
Paris's Final Push
Paris went for broke yesterday in the race to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
The Champs-Elysees was transformed into a sports arena lined with wrestling mats, a running track and a swimming pool.
Thirty-eight Olympic sports were on display in Paris, one day before the International Olympic Committee issues its key report evaluating the five candidate cities.
The contest for the 2012 Games enters a final stretch Monday, there will then be 30 days left until the IOC's decision about which city will be the host.
Paris is confident that it will win.
Madrid also held a party.
However, not everything went according to plan. A flag measuring 1 1/2 miles long and 21 feet wide, claimed to be the world's largest, ripped in two when 1,500 volunteers unfurled it along the boulevard.
Castellana Boulevard was closed to traffic as athletes demonstrated their sporting prowess among children, alongside musical performances, clown shows and other festival events to show the city's "Olympic Passion."
The city also staged a round of the Triathlon World Cup in the morning, and hosted an exhibition handball match in the afternoon to raise funds for victims of the Asian tsunami.
Three of Madrid's landmark buildings also have been illuminated with the colors of the five Olympic rings for the celebrations.
The Champs-Elysees was transformed into a sports arena lined with wrestling mats, a running track and a swimming pool.
Thirty-eight Olympic sports were on display in Paris, one day before the International Olympic Committee issues its key report evaluating the five candidate cities.
The contest for the 2012 Games enters a final stretch Monday, there will then be 30 days left until the IOC's decision about which city will be the host.
Paris is confident that it will win.
Madrid also held a party.
However, not everything went according to plan. A flag measuring 1 1/2 miles long and 21 feet wide, claimed to be the world's largest, ripped in two when 1,500 volunteers unfurled it along the boulevard.
Castellana Boulevard was closed to traffic as athletes demonstrated their sporting prowess among children, alongside musical performances, clown shows and other festival events to show the city's "Olympic Passion."
The city also staged a round of the Triathlon World Cup in the morning, and hosted an exhibition handball match in the afternoon to raise funds for victims of the Asian tsunami.
Three of Madrid's landmark buildings also have been illuminated with the colors of the five Olympic rings for the celebrations.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Beijing To Make A Profit
It seems that Beijing may host the most profitable Olympics ever, by exceeding the $224M profit by Los Angeles in 1984.
That at least is the view of Hein Verbruggen, the International Olympic Committee official overseeing preparations for the 2008 games.
Quote:
"I would not be surprised if Beijing makes more money than any Olympics".
Eight sponsors are on board so far. The IOC also has 11 international sponsors paying $866M in total for the four years to 2008.
The IOC claim that every Olympic Games since 1976 has made a profit, with Athens having a surplus of 7 million euros.
However, what these guys don't tell is that the numbers exclude the costs of the worthless infrastructure that is left behind.
To claim that Greece made a profit, after squandering $13BN, is an insult to people's intelligence.
Verbruggen is quoted a saying:
"It's perhaps hard to believe but there's nothing negative to say."
LOL!
That at least is the view of Hein Verbruggen, the International Olympic Committee official overseeing preparations for the 2008 games.
Quote:
"I would not be surprised if Beijing makes more money than any Olympics".
Eight sponsors are on board so far. The IOC also has 11 international sponsors paying $866M in total for the four years to 2008.
The IOC claim that every Olympic Games since 1976 has made a profit, with Athens having a surplus of 7 million euros.
However, what these guys don't tell is that the numbers exclude the costs of the worthless infrastructure that is left behind.
To claim that Greece made a profit, after squandering $13BN, is an insult to people's intelligence.
Verbruggen is quoted a saying:
"It's perhaps hard to believe but there's nothing negative to say."
LOL!
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Beijing Will Be Ready
The IOC say that the facilities for the 2008 Beijing Olympics will be ready on time, thereby avoiding the delays that befouled the preparations for the Athens Games last year.
Kevan Gosper, part of the International Olympic Committee's team tracking Beijing's progress, said that the IOC had Beijing to slow preparations.
Quote:
"We are completely confident that the venues will be completed on time..I have no doubt."
Beijing will spend $30BN to stage the games.
Beijing's National Olympic Stadium, which is shaped like a bird's nest, will be completed before the end of 2007. It will be able to stage test events a year before the games open.
The Aquatic Center, known as the "Water Cube", will be ready in October 2007. It will be the world's largest swimming centre.
Kevan Gosper, part of the International Olympic Committee's team tracking Beijing's progress, said that the IOC had Beijing to slow preparations.
Quote:
"We are completely confident that the venues will be completed on time..I have no doubt."
Beijing will spend $30BN to stage the games.
Beijing's National Olympic Stadium, which is shaped like a bird's nest, will be completed before the end of 2007. It will be able to stage test events a year before the games open.
The Aquatic Center, known as the "Water Cube", will be ready in October 2007. It will be the world's largest swimming centre.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Japan Not To Boycott The Olympics
There have been concerns about whether Japan would boycott the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
The IOC have confirmed that Japan will not boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics, despite security concerns following massive anti-Japan demonstrations in China last month.
Boycotts are now a thing of the past, according to IOC Coordination Commission Vice President Kevan Gosper.
Gosper said that the two countries can settle their differences through political channels.
On April 18, after a string of anti-Japan demonstrations in Beijing and other Chinese cities, Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan asked Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura about rumors that Japanese athletes would shun the Games.
Machimura told Tang there was no boycott plan, but that vandalism during the April demonstrations "prompts worries" about whether the Olympics can be held in an orderly manner.
Concerns also surfaced after Chinese people broke a Japanese diplomat's car window and struck journalists, after China lost to Japan last August in the Asian Football Confederation final in Beijing.
The IOC have confirmed that Japan will not boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics, despite security concerns following massive anti-Japan demonstrations in China last month.
Boycotts are now a thing of the past, according to IOC Coordination Commission Vice President Kevan Gosper.
Gosper said that the two countries can settle their differences through political channels.
On April 18, after a string of anti-Japan demonstrations in Beijing and other Chinese cities, Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan asked Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura about rumors that Japanese athletes would shun the Games.
Machimura told Tang there was no boycott plan, but that vandalism during the April demonstrations "prompts worries" about whether the Olympics can be held in an orderly manner.
Concerns also surfaced after Chinese people broke a Japanese diplomat's car window and struck journalists, after China lost to Japan last August in the Asian Football Confederation final in Beijing.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
New York Moves Up
New York is reported to have moved up on a list of cities competing to host the 2012 summer Olympics.
That is at least according to Mayor Michael Bloomberg who said:
"The report will be very complimentary on New York, but the one caveat is a question about the stadium,"
The stadium is the proposed $1.9 billion football stadium on Manhattan's West Side.
The mayor is counting on the stadium for the National Football League's Jets as a centerpiece in New York's bid to win the Olympics, but the project has met strong opposition from some politicians who say it would leave other needs neglected.
A key vote on the stadium could be held as early as next week by a state board.
That is at least according to Mayor Michael Bloomberg who said:
"The report will be very complimentary on New York, but the one caveat is a question about the stadium,"
The stadium is the proposed $1.9 billion football stadium on Manhattan's West Side.
The mayor is counting on the stadium for the National Football League's Jets as a centerpiece in New York's bid to win the Olympics, but the project has met strong opposition from some politicians who say it would leave other needs neglected.
A key vote on the stadium could be held as early as next week by a state board.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Ken In Olympic Row
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, has managed to land himself in trouble over the Olympics bid by London for the 2012 Games.
There is a row going on about how many jobs will be lost, if the Olympics comes to London and various commercial sites are redeveloped.
Mayor Ken has accused some firms of inflating the number of jobs at stake, and of trying to hold the 2012 bid to ransom by excessive amounts of money for their land.
The Mayor said some firms were seeking a "huge windfall".
Angie Bray, a Conservative member of the London Assembly, has said to the Mayor:
"I think your tone is slightly unfortunate and does imply you regard them with distaste."
Mayor Ken has been accused of being hostile in his negotiations with 300 or so firms based around Marshgate Lane in Stratford, near where the Olympic stadium and athletes' village would be built.
If London wins, the London Development Agency will be able to compulsorily purchase the 250 acres of land required and the firms will get market value.
The counter claim is that the businesses will be forced out by 2007, but have to wait five years for a land tribunal to decide on the amount of compensation they will receive.
Bottom line, the Olympics is a total pain in the backside to host.
There is a row going on about how many jobs will be lost, if the Olympics comes to London and various commercial sites are redeveloped.
Mayor Ken has accused some firms of inflating the number of jobs at stake, and of trying to hold the 2012 bid to ransom by excessive amounts of money for their land.
The Mayor said some firms were seeking a "huge windfall".
Angie Bray, a Conservative member of the London Assembly, has said to the Mayor:
"I think your tone is slightly unfortunate and does imply you regard them with distaste."
Mayor Ken has been accused of being hostile in his negotiations with 300 or so firms based around Marshgate Lane in Stratford, near where the Olympic stadium and athletes' village would be built.
If London wins, the London Development Agency will be able to compulsorily purchase the 250 acres of land required and the firms will get market value.
The counter claim is that the businesses will be forced out by 2007, but have to wait five years for a land tribunal to decide on the amount of compensation they will receive.
Bottom line, the Olympics is a total pain in the backside to host.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
A Close Call
International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge, has said that the race to host the 2012 Olympics is "very close."
Quote:
"I do not expect many votes difference between one and two,".
He was attending an unveiling of a memorial, honouring the winning medallists of the 1908 London games.
Quote:
"I do not expect many votes difference between one and two,".
He was attending an unveiling of a memorial, honouring the winning medallists of the 1908 London games.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
More Corruption
Mercedes Bresso, regional governor of Piedmont, is offering his support to the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics.
She plans to increase help for the February 10-26 Games.
Unfortunately she has an uphill task, Turin’s Olympic ambitions have been marred by cash problems and building delays.
Bresso is quoted as saying:
"The building work is going well now, there have been some difficulties but now it’s all going according to schedule and all the construction will be finished by the end of this year,".
Last year a row broke out over the hole in the Olympic budget, and an investigation was launched into possible bid fixing for building contracts.
The probe into bid fixing for Olympic building works is still ongoing, there are also reports of illegal labourers working on some of the construction sites.
Money corrupts, and the Olympics is about nothing but money these days.
She plans to increase help for the February 10-26 Games.
Unfortunately she has an uphill task, Turin’s Olympic ambitions have been marred by cash problems and building delays.
Bresso is quoted as saying:
"The building work is going well now, there have been some difficulties but now it’s all going according to schedule and all the construction will be finished by the end of this year,".
Last year a row broke out over the hole in the Olympic budget, and an investigation was launched into possible bid fixing for building contracts.
The probe into bid fixing for Olympic building works is still ongoing, there are also reports of illegal labourers working on some of the construction sites.
Money corrupts, and the Olympics is about nothing but money these days.
Monday, May 23, 2005
IOC Avoids Further Corruption Embarrassment
The IOC, always a "tad mired" with the stench of corruption, has managed to avoid some embarrassment by the resignation of their vice president Kim Un Yong of South Korea.
Kim was due to face a vote for expulsion on corruption charges, his resignation saved the problems that this vote would have brought; namely the fact that he probably would have won it.
For those of you who don't have long memories, Kim was implicated in the Salt Lake City bribery scandal; where he was found to have made the organisers arrange a job for his son and musical appearances for his daughter, he had been resisting the IOC's attempts to expel him.
He currently resides in jail in South Korea, on charges of bribery and embezzlement. The good people at the IOC did at least manage to suspend his membership a year ago, when he was jailed.
Hardly an effective counter corruption policy, is it?
His resignation means that the vote on expulsion will now no longer be required. That vote would have, for reasons that only the IOC can explain, seen him supported by the membership.
Despite being corrupt, he was elected an IOC vice president two years ago.
Doesn't this tell you something about the IOC?
However, Kim was convicted of embezzling from the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, including $676K that had been donated by Samsung.
It seems that he used the money to buy the votes that won him the vice president's job!
I tell you, it really is about time that the Olympics were cut down to size and the IOC reformed.
Kim was due to face a vote for expulsion on corruption charges, his resignation saved the problems that this vote would have brought; namely the fact that he probably would have won it.
For those of you who don't have long memories, Kim was implicated in the Salt Lake City bribery scandal; where he was found to have made the organisers arrange a job for his son and musical appearances for his daughter, he had been resisting the IOC's attempts to expel him.
He currently resides in jail in South Korea, on charges of bribery and embezzlement. The good people at the IOC did at least manage to suspend his membership a year ago, when he was jailed.
Hardly an effective counter corruption policy, is it?
His resignation means that the vote on expulsion will now no longer be required. That vote would have, for reasons that only the IOC can explain, seen him supported by the membership.
Despite being corrupt, he was elected an IOC vice president two years ago.
Doesn't this tell you something about the IOC?
However, Kim was convicted of embezzling from the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, including $676K that had been donated by Samsung.
It seems that he used the money to buy the votes that won him the vice president's job!
I tell you, it really is about time that the Olympics were cut down to size and the IOC reformed.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Red Is Gold
Competitors in four combat sports at the 2004 Athens Olympics who wore red, won their events 55% of the time.
That at least is the conclusion of a study published in the latest edition of the journal Nature.
The study covered boxing, taekwondo and the two wrestling disciplines.
That at least is the conclusion of a study published in the latest edition of the journal Nature.
The study covered boxing, taekwondo and the two wrestling disciplines.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Blair To Avoid G8
Tony Blair will launch a series of special events next month in the UK, in respect of Britain's attempts to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
It is reported that he may even go to Singapore, when the IOC announce their final decision, in July.
Downing Street claim that this is:
"a symbol of his commitment to the bid - and his total support for the excellent bid team, who he feels have done a superb job...We are going for this hell for leather."
Both Blair and Chirac (French President) intend to appear at the G8 summit in Gleneagles when the Olympics decision is announced on 6 July.
However, as befitting leaders of international stature who enjoy travelling, there are rumours that Chirac and Blair plan to sneak away from the summit to Singapore.
It is reported that he may even go to Singapore, when the IOC announce their final decision, in July.
Downing Street claim that this is:
"a symbol of his commitment to the bid - and his total support for the excellent bid team, who he feels have done a superb job...We are going for this hell for leather."
Both Blair and Chirac (French President) intend to appear at the G8 summit in Gleneagles when the Olympics decision is announced on 6 July.
However, as befitting leaders of international stature who enjoy travelling, there are rumours that Chirac and Blair plan to sneak away from the summit to Singapore.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
London Olympics Bill
It is reported that a London Olympics Bill will be introduced to Parliament as soon as possible, if London is selected to host the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Her Majesty The Queen included the Bill in her annual address outlining the Government's legislative programme to the State Opening of Parliament.
The Bill would set up the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), grant the Mayor of London specific powers relating to the preparation and staging of the Games and provide legal protection to Olympic logos and symbols.
London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe welcomed the news:
"This demonstrates the absolute commitment of Tony Blair and his Government to bringing the Games to London in 2012...It shows how advanced our plans are and work could begin immediately if the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awards the Games to London on 6 July."
Culture Media and Sport Secretary Tessa Jowell, who is the Cabinet Minister with responsibility for London 2012, said:
"We will be hitting the ground running if the IOC awards the Games to London in 50 days time...The London Olympics Bill, which will be introduced at the earliest possible opportunity if we win the bid, is further evidence of our ability to deliver an outstanding Games."
Tory Sports spokesman Hugh Robertson added:
"We welcome the announcement of the London Olympics Bill. It shows how far advanced planning is for the 2012 Games...We agree with the Bill's principles and will work to ensure London has the best possible legislative framework to deliver a memorable Games if London is successful in the IOC vote 50 days from today."
And Liberal Democrat Don Foster said:
"All major political parties have shown their support for London's bid to host the 2012 Games...Now the Liberal Democrats are resolute that, if successful, the UK will take every opportunity to deliver a Games worthy of enriching the Olympic Movement."
That's the trouble with politicians, they are always very keen on spending other people's money.
Ask the Greeks if the $14BN wasted on the 2004 Games was worth it.
Her Majesty The Queen included the Bill in her annual address outlining the Government's legislative programme to the State Opening of Parliament.
The Bill would set up the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), grant the Mayor of London specific powers relating to the preparation and staging of the Games and provide legal protection to Olympic logos and symbols.
London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe welcomed the news:
"This demonstrates the absolute commitment of Tony Blair and his Government to bringing the Games to London in 2012...It shows how advanced our plans are and work could begin immediately if the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awards the Games to London on 6 July."
Culture Media and Sport Secretary Tessa Jowell, who is the Cabinet Minister with responsibility for London 2012, said:
"We will be hitting the ground running if the IOC awards the Games to London in 50 days time...The London Olympics Bill, which will be introduced at the earliest possible opportunity if we win the bid, is further evidence of our ability to deliver an outstanding Games."
Tory Sports spokesman Hugh Robertson added:
"We welcome the announcement of the London Olympics Bill. It shows how far advanced planning is for the 2012 Games...We agree with the Bill's principles and will work to ensure London has the best possible legislative framework to deliver a memorable Games if London is successful in the IOC vote 50 days from today."
And Liberal Democrat Don Foster said:
"All major political parties have shown their support for London's bid to host the 2012 Games...Now the Liberal Democrats are resolute that, if successful, the UK will take every opportunity to deliver a Games worthy of enriching the Olympic Movement."
That's the trouble with politicians, they are always very keen on spending other people's money.
Ask the Greeks if the $14BN wasted on the 2004 Games was worth it.
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