Skateboarding will not feature in the 2012 London Olympics, as plans for the International Cycling Federation to adopt skateboarding as a "wheel-based" sport have failed.
The Federation canvassed opinion among its members throughout the world, but they failed to give their unanimous backing. Therefore, without the endorsement of a current Olympic sport, skateboarding will not be able to be included as an Olympic sport. Its best hope is to possibly to feature as an "exhibition" event.
Skateboarders are not unanimous in their desire to become an Olympic sport, some feel that to become "Olympic" would be contrary to skateboarding's "free and easy" and non conformist image.
Showing posts with label skateboarding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skateboarding. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Skateboarding
Further to my recent article about the possibility of skateboarding being recognised by the IOC, in time for the 2012 London Olympics, I have been advised that there is a petition opposing it being made an Olympic sport.
The petitioners state:
"Skateboarding is not a "sport" and we do not want skateboarding exploited and transformed to fit into the Olympic program. We feel that Olympic involvement will change the face of skateboarding and its individuality and freedoms forever. We feel it would not in any way support skateboarders or skateparks. We do not wish to be part of it and will not support the Olympics if skateboarding is added as an Olympic sport."
There is also, so I understand, some considerable suspicion about the motivation and impartiality of those who are pushing for recognition of skateboarding as an Olympic event.
The petition can be viewed, and signed, via this link Skateboarding petition.
The petitioners state:
"Skateboarding is not a "sport" and we do not want skateboarding exploited and transformed to fit into the Olympic program. We feel that Olympic involvement will change the face of skateboarding and its individuality and freedoms forever. We feel it would not in any way support skateboarders or skateparks. We do not wish to be part of it and will not support the Olympics if skateboarding is added as an Olympic sport."
There is also, so I understand, some considerable suspicion about the motivation and impartiality of those who are pushing for recognition of skateboarding as an Olympic event.
The petition can be viewed, and signed, via this link Skateboarding petition.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Skateboarding
It seems that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) look set to accept skateboarding as an Olympic sport, just in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Why this sudden rush to bring on board a teenage pastime?
Simple, it's the money stupid!
Advertisers know that their revenue streams are maximised amongst the teens and under 30 age groups. Much of the current range of Olympic sports simply does not grab that age group's attention, as much as skateboarding is perceived to do.
Doubtless in future Games, we will see Olympic Nintendo and X Box championships!
Why this sudden rush to bring on board a teenage pastime?
Simple, it's the money stupid!
Advertisers know that their revenue streams are maximised amongst the teens and under 30 age groups. Much of the current range of Olympic sports simply does not grab that age group's attention, as much as skateboarding is perceived to do.
Doubtless in future Games, we will see Olympic Nintendo and X Box championships!
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