Tokyo is preparing a bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly has approved a resolution to bid to be Japan's candidate city, and launched a preparation committee.
Tokyo last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1964.
The International Olympic Committee will make the final decision in July 2009.
Given that the 2008 Games are being held in Beijing, it is unlikely that another Asian city will be chosen in quite such a short timeframe.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Bulgarian Investigation
The Bulgarian criminal investigation into the BBC Panorama programme, that showed corruption connected to London's Olympic games bid, has been dropped due to lack of evidence.
The programme, "Buying The Games" broadcast in August 2004, showed Bulgarian IOC member Ivan Slavkov telling undercover reporters how to make bribes to win the 2012 Olympics for London.
Slavkov was relieved of his Olympic duties by the IOC after the documentary was broadcast, he denied that he had done anything wrong.
Bulgaria then decided to conduct an investigation into the BBC, which was initiated after Slavkov told former chief prosecutor, Nikola Filchev, that he blamed the BBC journalists for distorting the film.
The new Sofia prosecutor, Boyko Naydenov, said Slavkov's claims were irrelevant.
Quote:
"The case was originally initiated on allegations that the authors of the BBC documentary violated Article 307 of the Bulgarian Penal Code - incitement to accept a bribe - and Article 339A - the use of a surveillance device without permission.
It has now been terminated at a pre-trial stage before any charges could be pressed in court due to a lack of evidence."
In other words, the charges against the BBC were nonsense.
The programme, "Buying The Games" broadcast in August 2004, showed Bulgarian IOC member Ivan Slavkov telling undercover reporters how to make bribes to win the 2012 Olympics for London.
Slavkov was relieved of his Olympic duties by the IOC after the documentary was broadcast, he denied that he had done anything wrong.
Bulgaria then decided to conduct an investigation into the BBC, which was initiated after Slavkov told former chief prosecutor, Nikola Filchev, that he blamed the BBC journalists for distorting the film.
The new Sofia prosecutor, Boyko Naydenov, said Slavkov's claims were irrelevant.
Quote:
"The case was originally initiated on allegations that the authors of the BBC documentary violated Article 307 of the Bulgarian Penal Code - incitement to accept a bribe - and Article 339A - the use of a surveillance device without permission.
It has now been terminated at a pre-trial stage before any charges could be pressed in court due to a lack of evidence."
In other words, the charges against the BBC were nonsense.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Ex Athens Chief Urges Openness
Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, the chief organiser of the 2004 Athens Games has urged the Chinese to embrace "genuine openness" as they prepare to host the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
She spoke at a lunch hosted by the British Olympic Association on Monday, saying:
"It's a great global gathering of more than 200 nations and openhearted visitors will come to China to see this nation as it truly is.
There needs to be genuine openness and a true sense that the new China is willing to accept this openness. If visitors or international broadcasters cannot move around as they want to then the Games will not be the success they want it to be.
This is China's chance to show they have embraced the 21st century."
There is concern voiced by some that the Chinese government has not granted wider political and personal freedoms, as it experiences unparalleled economic growth and is also spending heavily on Olympic venues.
If the IOC are genuinely concerned about China's openness, then why did they award them the Games in the first place?
She spoke at a lunch hosted by the British Olympic Association on Monday, saying:
"It's a great global gathering of more than 200 nations and openhearted visitors will come to China to see this nation as it truly is.
There needs to be genuine openness and a true sense that the new China is willing to accept this openness. If visitors or international broadcasters cannot move around as they want to then the Games will not be the success they want it to be.
This is China's chance to show they have embraced the 21st century."
There is concern voiced by some that the Chinese government has not granted wider political and personal freedoms, as it experiences unparalleled economic growth and is also spending heavily on Olympic venues.
If the IOC are genuinely concerned about China's openness, then why did they award them the Games in the first place?
Monday, March 13, 2006
Olympics Contamination Plan
The London Olympics, due to be held in 2012, have hit another problem. It seems that plans by Olympic developers to move a premier cycle track to contaminated land close to the M25 have not gone down well with cycle groups.
Eastway cycling circuit is currently home to a number of cycling groups, and has been so for the last 31 years.
However, it lies in the path of the Olympics and is considered to be an obstacle by those who wish to develop the site.
The London Development Agency (LDA) wishes to close the site down in September and move it to Rammey Marsh, Enfield. However, users say that the location is unsuitable.
The Eastway Users Group (EUG) says that the proposed site is contaminated, and that it has poor air quality due to its proximity to the M25.
Michael Humphreys of EUG is quoted as saying:
"We have around 26 hectares at Eastway but the proposed relocation, once planning constraints and the expansion of the M25 in 2008 are taken into consideration, will give us between six and seven hectares.
We have found a location at Hogg Hill in Forest Road, Redbridge, which would be perfect. But although the LDA says it has the funds to explore and develop this possibility, it has gone ahead with a planning application for Rammey Marsh."
A spokesman for the LDA said:
"Unlike Hogg Hill, we know at the moment Rammey Marsh is a deliverable site and will ensure continuity of provision."
Mr Humphreys is not convinced:
"We're getting confused messages from the LDA. It seems that at no time has it had any intention to send us anywhere but Rammey Marsh.
If this happens it will be disastrous and hundreds of youngsters will lose out."
Under these circumstances you can be sure of one thing, money wins over the rights of individuals every time.
Eastway cycling circuit is currently home to a number of cycling groups, and has been so for the last 31 years.
However, it lies in the path of the Olympics and is considered to be an obstacle by those who wish to develop the site.
The London Development Agency (LDA) wishes to close the site down in September and move it to Rammey Marsh, Enfield. However, users say that the location is unsuitable.
The Eastway Users Group (EUG) says that the proposed site is contaminated, and that it has poor air quality due to its proximity to the M25.
Michael Humphreys of EUG is quoted as saying:
"We have around 26 hectares at Eastway but the proposed relocation, once planning constraints and the expansion of the M25 in 2008 are taken into consideration, will give us between six and seven hectares.
We have found a location at Hogg Hill in Forest Road, Redbridge, which would be perfect. But although the LDA says it has the funds to explore and develop this possibility, it has gone ahead with a planning application for Rammey Marsh."
A spokesman for the LDA said:
"Unlike Hogg Hill, we know at the moment Rammey Marsh is a deliverable site and will ensure continuity of provision."
Mr Humphreys is not convinced:
"We're getting confused messages from the LDA. It seems that at no time has it had any intention to send us anywhere but Rammey Marsh.
If this happens it will be disastrous and hundreds of youngsters will lose out."
Under these circumstances you can be sure of one thing, money wins over the rights of individuals every time.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Beijing Recruits 2000 Police
2000 recruits will be drafted to reinforce Beijing's police forces this year, in time for the 2008 Olympics.
Qiang Wei, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), said:
"Beijing suffers a serious deficiency in police backup. The additional recruitment has got official ratification and will help ensure security during the Olympics."
Qiang noted that a special team in charge of security for Olympics has already started operating, with 68 Chinese experts offering consultantancy services.
Qiang Wei, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), said:
"Beijing suffers a serious deficiency in police backup. The additional recruitment has got official ratification and will help ensure security during the Olympics."
Qiang noted that a special team in charge of security for Olympics has already started operating, with 68 Chinese experts offering consultantancy services.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Snouts In The Trough
Anxious to ensure that as many people as possible make as much money as possible out of the 2012 London Olympics, the IPA and the Advertising Association said that they welcomed changes to the London Olympics and Paralympics Bill proposed by the House of Lords earlier this week.
However, they want further amendments to be made.
Quote:
"The amendments to the Bill are limited and the Act will still mean that only official sponsors will be able to associate themselves with the London 2012 Games.
Any form of association with the Games by unofficial sponsors will be an infringement of the new association right."
The IPA is lobbying for changes to the bill, to ensure that there is "genuine freedom of commercial expression, especially that of local businesses."
The list of protected words includes "Games", which advertisers are asked to avoid using.
The Lords have stated that there will be no automatic presumption that the law has been broken, if adverts carry these words, and that it will be left to the courts to decide whether there has been an infringement.
However, they want further amendments to be made.
Quote:
"The amendments to the Bill are limited and the Act will still mean that only official sponsors will be able to associate themselves with the London 2012 Games.
Any form of association with the Games by unofficial sponsors will be an infringement of the new association right."
The IPA is lobbying for changes to the bill, to ensure that there is "genuine freedom of commercial expression, especially that of local businesses."
The list of protected words includes "Games", which advertisers are asked to avoid using.
The Lords have stated that there will be no automatic presumption that the law has been broken, if adverts carry these words, and that it will be left to the courts to decide whether there has been an infringement.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Environmental Damage of London Olympics
The London Olympics due to be held in 2012, in the Lea Valley area of London, are already proving to be controversial.
Annie Chipchase, an Environmental consultant, is quoted as saying:
"The Olympic proposals will destroy all the existing habitat, and thus the associated wildlife. Proposals to provide mitigation in terms of translocating species, and providing alternative habitat, are unlikely to be successful. Only legally-protected species will be the focus of such work.
The waterways of the Lower Lea provide a unique place for wildlife and people in a dense urban area. Destruction of these habitats for an elite sporting event should not be contemplated".
Needless top say, the concerns of the environmental lobby will be ignored by those hoping to make money out of the Olympics.
Annie Chipchase, an Environmental consultant, is quoted as saying:
"The Olympic proposals will destroy all the existing habitat, and thus the associated wildlife. Proposals to provide mitigation in terms of translocating species, and providing alternative habitat, are unlikely to be successful. Only legally-protected species will be the focus of such work.
The waterways of the Lower Lea provide a unique place for wildlife and people in a dense urban area. Destruction of these habitats for an elite sporting event should not be contemplated".
Needless top say, the concerns of the environmental lobby will be ignored by those hoping to make money out of the Olympics.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
The Olympic Gold Mine
Never delude yourselves that the Olympics are about sport, money is the key motivator for the event.
The 2012 Olympic Games in London are no different. In a report issued by Lloyds TSB, it is predicted that the London 2012 Olympics could boost the UK economy by up to £10BN.
David Morton, of Lloyds TSB Business, is quoted as saying:
"The 2012 Olympics presents a massive opportunity for thousands of businesses to raise their profile and reach new markets.
Work is already under way to improve transport systems and develop the area's tourism but, as the Games draw closer, more opportunities will emerge."
Governments hosting the Games delude themselves each time that they will profit from the event, but rarely do so, just ask the good people of Athens if they feel financially better off after their 2004 Games.
The 2012 Olympic Games in London are no different. In a report issued by Lloyds TSB, it is predicted that the London 2012 Olympics could boost the UK economy by up to £10BN.
David Morton, of Lloyds TSB Business, is quoted as saying:
"The 2012 Olympics presents a massive opportunity for thousands of businesses to raise their profile and reach new markets.
Work is already under way to improve transport systems and develop the area's tourism but, as the Games draw closer, more opportunities will emerge."
Governments hosting the Games delude themselves each time that they will profit from the event, but rarely do so, just ask the good people of Athens if they feel financially better off after their 2004 Games.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Beijing To Break Even
It is expected that the Olympic Games being held in Beijing in 2008 will break even. That is at least the view according to the Chinese Olympic Committee vice president, Tu Mingde.
He is quoted as saying:
"My sense is that the Games will break even, but we're unlikely to make a lot of money. It's like having people over to dinner. The food may be not so expensive, but you need to select the right furniture, carpets, and so on."
Zhang Guiyi, a member of the legislature the National People's Congress, is also quoted as saying:
"We cannot afford an extravagant event."
There are other priorities, Beijing will spend an extra US$5.2BN on schools, hospitals, crop subsidies and other programs to help the poor living in the countryside.
$2.4BN will be spent on the construction of Olympic venues and $35BN on urban renewal. Projects include; new power, water and sewage treatment plants and the world's largest airport terminal.
Tu said:
"People have the impression that the government will provide all the money, and that's just not true."
The Chinese have a difficult balancing act; on the one hand they wish to show a proud face to the world when they host the Games, on the other they need to ensure that the issues relating to their domestic economic situation are addressed.
He is quoted as saying:
"My sense is that the Games will break even, but we're unlikely to make a lot of money. It's like having people over to dinner. The food may be not so expensive, but you need to select the right furniture, carpets, and so on."
Zhang Guiyi, a member of the legislature the National People's Congress, is also quoted as saying:
"We cannot afford an extravagant event."
There are other priorities, Beijing will spend an extra US$5.2BN on schools, hospitals, crop subsidies and other programs to help the poor living in the countryside.
$2.4BN will be spent on the construction of Olympic venues and $35BN on urban renewal. Projects include; new power, water and sewage treatment plants and the world's largest airport terminal.
Tu said:
"People have the impression that the government will provide all the money, and that's just not true."
The Chinese have a difficult balancing act; on the one hand they wish to show a proud face to the world when they host the Games, on the other they need to ensure that the issues relating to their domestic economic situation are addressed.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Olympic Stamina
Menzies Campbell, the former British 200 metre sprinter in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, was elected as the new leader of Britain's Liberal democrat party yesterday.
At 64, despite being the oldest candidate, Ming (as he prefers to be known) proved that Olympic stamina and pacing can be beneficial in matters that at first sight seem unrelated to sport.
Ming held the British 100 metres record from 1967 to 1974, and had been acting leader for the Liberal Democrats since previous leader Charles Kennedy was forced to resign over alcoholism issues a few months ago.
It had been a lively campaign for the other candidates, with accusations relating to alcoholism, homosexuality and rent boys being splashed across the front pages. Ming had a poteless record, as far as these matters were concerned.
At 64, despite being the oldest candidate, Ming (as he prefers to be known) proved that Olympic stamina and pacing can be beneficial in matters that at first sight seem unrelated to sport.
Ming held the British 100 metres record from 1967 to 1974, and had been acting leader for the Liberal Democrats since previous leader Charles Kennedy was forced to resign over alcoholism issues a few months ago.
It had been a lively campaign for the other candidates, with accusations relating to alcoholism, homosexuality and rent boys being splashed across the front pages. Ming had a poteless record, as far as these matters were concerned.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
The Way To Spit
Now that the Winter Olympics in Turin have ended, people are turning their attention to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
The Chinese authorities, in a drive to "modify" the image of China to the outside world, are currently reminding their citizens of "the right way to spit."
Beijing city official Zhang Huiguang is running a multimedia "behavioral training" campaign, this includes lining up properly for buses and turning off mobile phones during meetings.
Needless to say, spitting is the priority.
She is quoted as saying:
"You have to spit into a tissue or a bag, and then put it into a dustbin to complete the process."
Zhang has organised a group of volunteers, wearing bright orange uniforms with the Chinese character for "mucus" in yellow on the back, to hand out "spit bags" in the streets of Beijing.
Given the threat of bird flu, this initiative is taking place not a moment too soon.
The Chinese authorities, in a drive to "modify" the image of China to the outside world, are currently reminding their citizens of "the right way to spit."
Beijing city official Zhang Huiguang is running a multimedia "behavioral training" campaign, this includes lining up properly for buses and turning off mobile phones during meetings.
Needless to say, spitting is the priority.
She is quoted as saying:
"You have to spit into a tissue or a bag, and then put it into a dustbin to complete the process."
Zhang has organised a group of volunteers, wearing bright orange uniforms with the Chinese character for "mucus" in yellow on the back, to hand out "spit bags" in the streets of Beijing.
Given the threat of bird flu, this initiative is taking place not a moment too soon.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Ratings Disaster
The old saying "there's no such thing as bad publicity" might at least provide a modicum of comfort to NBC, but probably not much.
NBC the US TV channel has featured widely in the news, as a result of the ratings failure of its Winter Olympics coverage.
Turin viewers averaged 20.2 million, compared to Salt lake City which scored 31.9 million viewers.
Maybe people are just becoming bored with the whole money driven spectacle?
NBC the US TV channel has featured widely in the news, as a result of the ratings failure of its Winter Olympics coverage.
Turin viewers averaged 20.2 million, compared to Salt lake City which scored 31.9 million viewers.
Maybe people are just becoming bored with the whole money driven spectacle?
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Germany Wins Olympics
Congratulations to Germany for coming out top of the medal table in the Turin Winter Olympics.
They won 29 medals; 11 gold, 12 silver and 6 bronze.
The USA came second (9 gold, 9 silver and 7 bronze) and Austria, despite the doping scandal, third (9 gold, 7 silver and 7 bronze).
They won 29 medals; 11 gold, 12 silver and 6 bronze.
The USA came second (9 gold, 9 silver and 7 bronze) and Austria, despite the doping scandal, third (9 gold, 7 silver and 7 bronze).
Monday, February 27, 2006
Winter Olympics End
The Winter Olympics in Turin ended last night, in the theme of an Italian carnival.
A large set was constructed to replicate an Italian piazza.
The show included dancers, clowns, acrobats and gymnasts, confetti and pyrotechnics.
Italian tenor star Andrea Bocelli, Latin pop singer Ricky Martin and Canadian rock singer Avril Lavigne all made an appearance.
Valentino Castellani, president of Turin's Games organising committee, said that the Olympics was about building a culture of peace.
Quote:
"It has been a great celebration of sports. We learned that fair play and respect for your opponents are strong values of this fantastic event that we have lived together."
During the speech a man in a black T-shirt rushed to the microphone and shouted the motto of these Olympic games, "Passion Lives Here."
He was then bundled off by security.
International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge, then said:
"Spread the Olympic dream in your countries. You are the true ambassadors of our values. And give back to sport what it has given you."
Closing:
"And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the 20th Olympic Winter Games closed and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in Vancouver to celebrate the 21st Olympic Winter Games."
Next stop, Beijing 2008.
A large set was constructed to replicate an Italian piazza.
The show included dancers, clowns, acrobats and gymnasts, confetti and pyrotechnics.
Italian tenor star Andrea Bocelli, Latin pop singer Ricky Martin and Canadian rock singer Avril Lavigne all made an appearance.
Valentino Castellani, president of Turin's Games organising committee, said that the Olympics was about building a culture of peace.
Quote:
"It has been a great celebration of sports. We learned that fair play and respect for your opponents are strong values of this fantastic event that we have lived together."
During the speech a man in a black T-shirt rushed to the microphone and shouted the motto of these Olympic games, "Passion Lives Here."
He was then bundled off by security.
International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge, then said:
"Spread the Olympic dream in your countries. You are the true ambassadors of our values. And give back to sport what it has given you."
Closing:
"And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the 20th Olympic Winter Games closed and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in Vancouver to celebrate the 21st Olympic Winter Games."
Next stop, Beijing 2008.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Tests Continue
The IOC announced last night that the first round of tests on the 10 Austrian athletes, raided by police last Sunday for alleged drug use, were negative.
However, there is still much to do.
The IOC have already started making blood tests on the athletes, there will then be a general inquiry.
During the raid the police took bags of blood. The practice of "blood on feet", as it is called by athletes, is whereby extra blood is injected into an athlete from a donor in order to increase the haemoglobin level. This improves the athlete's ability to oxygenate the blood.
Needless to say, this "vampire" method of improving performance is cheating.
However, there is still much to do.
The IOC have already started making blood tests on the athletes, there will then be a general inquiry.
During the raid the police took bags of blood. The practice of "blood on feet", as it is called by athletes, is whereby extra blood is injected into an athlete from a donor in order to increase the haemoglobin level. This improves the athlete's ability to oxygenate the blood.
Needless to say, this "vampire" method of improving performance is cheating.
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