It seems, not surprisingly, that the 2012 London Olympics will be a waste of time and money. That at least is the opinion of Brigid Simmonds, chairman of the Central Council for Physical Recreation.
She was giving evidence yesterday to the Olympics hearing held by Commons Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sports.
Quote:
"It will be a long sunrise and a very short sunset."
She said that the Olympics do not automatically produce a "trickle down" effect:
"There is no evidence that [previous] Olympic Games have increased long-term participation in sport."
Adding that unless urgent action was taken to tackle the question of legacy, it would not happen after 2012.
Simmonds noted that Sport England would be funding the aquatics centre and the velodrome (cost £340M). However, the cost of these projects would mean that other sports would lose two years of lottery funding; Sport England was not being given extra resources.
One MP said:
"This is very depressing."
The Olympic Lottery Distributor had raised issues during the hearing. It said that due to organisational problems, it may have to delay making payments to the Olympic authorities.
David Higgins, chief executive of he Olympic Development Authority, told MPs it had been agreed that the Olympic stadium would have temporary seating for 80,000 spectators, which would fall to 25,000 in legacy mode for athletics.
Higgins was repeatedly pressed on the question of rising construction costs, currently budgeted at £2.375BN.
Higgins, in response, chose to speak instead about the cost of regeneration:
"We could do a very superficial regeneration but it is not a responsible thing to do."
In other words he didn't answer the question, he knows full well that the costs will rise.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Beijing Works on Olympics Air Quality
The Chinese authorities are setting up special working groups in Beijing, and four surrounding regions, to ensure good air quality during the 2008 Olympics.
The groups will be set up in Beijing, Shanxi, Tianjin, Hebei and Inner Mongolia.
Zhang Lijun, deputy director of the State Environmental Protection Administration, said that they would look for new ways to deal with air pollution so as to ensure good air quality during the 2008 Olympics.
it is hoped that research, currently being conducted, will result in new measures to ensure good air quality during the games.
Pei Chenghu, deputy director of Beijing Environmental Protection Administration, said that pollution in Beijing is a problem for the region, and improving air quality must involve the entire region.
Local statistics show that by the end of August, Beijing had 166 'blue sky' days, 72 days short of its target for the year.
The groups will be set up in Beijing, Shanxi, Tianjin, Hebei and Inner Mongolia.
Zhang Lijun, deputy director of the State Environmental Protection Administration, said that they would look for new ways to deal with air pollution so as to ensure good air quality during the 2008 Olympics.
it is hoped that research, currently being conducted, will result in new measures to ensure good air quality during the games.
Pei Chenghu, deputy director of Beijing Environmental Protection Administration, said that pollution in Beijing is a problem for the region, and improving air quality must involve the entire region.
Local statistics show that by the end of August, Beijing had 166 'blue sky' days, 72 days short of its target for the year.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Education, Not Money, At The Heart of The Olympics
It seems that my sometimes cynical remarks about money being the driving force of the Olympics are wrong, that is at least the belief of Jacques Rogge president of the International Olympics Committee (IOC).
Rogge, who was opening the World Forum on Sport Education and Culture in Beijing, said that education remained at the heart of the Olympic movement with millions of Chinese youngsters now being introduced to its values.
Rogge noted that the IOC had a duty to educate the world's youth on matters such as doping and even some not directly related to sport, such as HIV prevention.
Quote:
"The goal of the Olympic movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced in the spirit of Olympism.
I am particularly pleased that this effort is being continued right now in China and that millions of young Chinese ...are being introduced to the strength and power of the Olympic values such as friendship, excellence and respect."
Liu Qi, head of the Beijing Organising Committee (BOCOG), said that the exposure of China to the rest of the world in 2008 would be an education in itself.
Quote:
"Through the staging of the Olympic Games, we are willing to further reinforce the exchange with international friends and accelerate the development of China and Beijing to leave a precious legacy to China and world sports."
Rogge went on to warn about the dangers of drugs:
"Scientists and doctors who contribute to unethical behavior through the misuse of drugs must be stigmatised.
That can be considered another form of education.
In conjunction with BOCOG, the IOC intend to make the Beijing Olympics a festival of harmony and peace, education and culture and above all of sporting perfection."
We shall see.
Rogge, who was opening the World Forum on Sport Education and Culture in Beijing, said that education remained at the heart of the Olympic movement with millions of Chinese youngsters now being introduced to its values.
Rogge noted that the IOC had a duty to educate the world's youth on matters such as doping and even some not directly related to sport, such as HIV prevention.
Quote:
"The goal of the Olympic movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced in the spirit of Olympism.
I am particularly pleased that this effort is being continued right now in China and that millions of young Chinese ...are being introduced to the strength and power of the Olympic values such as friendship, excellence and respect."
Liu Qi, head of the Beijing Organising Committee (BOCOG), said that the exposure of China to the rest of the world in 2008 would be an education in itself.
Quote:
"Through the staging of the Olympic Games, we are willing to further reinforce the exchange with international friends and accelerate the development of China and Beijing to leave a precious legacy to China and world sports."
Rogge went on to warn about the dangers of drugs:
"Scientists and doctors who contribute to unethical behavior through the misuse of drugs must be stigmatised.
That can be considered another form of education.
In conjunction with BOCOG, the IOC intend to make the Beijing Olympics a festival of harmony and peace, education and culture and above all of sporting perfection."
We shall see.
Friday, October 20, 2006
London Olympics "Huge Target"
The 2012 London Olympics will be a huge terrorist target, according to Scotland Yard chief Sir Ian Blair.
His comments came hot on the heels of reports that counter-terrorist officials have stated that Britain is now the prime target for a resurgent, and more structured, al Qaeda.
Sir Ian said:
"There can be no doubt that the 2012 Games -- if the current threat scenario stays the same -- will be a huge target, and we have to understand that and work on that basis."
Preparations are already well underway, with a team of officers working full-time on security.
The day after London was awarded the Olympics on the 6th of July 2006, four British Islamist suicide bombers blew themselves up on London's transport network, killing 52 people.
His comments came hot on the heels of reports that counter-terrorist officials have stated that Britain is now the prime target for a resurgent, and more structured, al Qaeda.
Sir Ian said:
"There can be no doubt that the 2012 Games -- if the current threat scenario stays the same -- will be a huge target, and we have to understand that and work on that basis."
Preparations are already well underway, with a team of officers working full-time on security.
The day after London was awarded the Olympics on the 6th of July 2006, four British Islamist suicide bombers blew themselves up on London's transport network, killing 52 people.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Jack Lemley Quits London Olympics
Jack Lemley, the US businessman who is chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority responsible for the London 2012 Olympics, has quit his post.
This is a blow to the Games, as he had promised to see through London's preparations for the 2012 Olympics.
The Olympic Delivery Authority was set up by the Government to build the venues and infrastructure necessary for the Games.
It is assumed that the Olympics organisers are "pissed off" with Lemley's decision to quit. It is not clear as to why he has suddenly decided to go. However, it is well known that plans for the development of the Olympic stadium have been dogged by bitter rows between Richard Caborn, the sports minister, and Ken Livingstone, the mayor of London.
Livingstone insists the stadium should be a temporary 80,000 seat arena which can be scaled back to a 25,000 seat athletics ground after the Games, whilst Caborn wants the stadium to be converted into a football stadium which could be used by West Ham.
Lemley had a four year contract (2006-2010). He cites business reasons, and the need to concentrate on his US construction interests for his decision.
Quote:
"I am keen to return to the helm of my international construction consulting firm in America, which is increasingly busy with major contracts. I have every confidence that London will stage a superb Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 and leave a legacy that the country can be proud of."
Olympics minister Tessa Jowell said:
"Jack has played a significant role in getting us to this point and helping ensure that Games and legacy are planned together. I am grateful to him for all he has done and wish him well in the future."
The search is now on for a replacement.
This is a blow to the Games, as he had promised to see through London's preparations for the 2012 Olympics.
The Olympic Delivery Authority was set up by the Government to build the venues and infrastructure necessary for the Games.
It is assumed that the Olympics organisers are "pissed off" with Lemley's decision to quit. It is not clear as to why he has suddenly decided to go. However, it is well known that plans for the development of the Olympic stadium have been dogged by bitter rows between Richard Caborn, the sports minister, and Ken Livingstone, the mayor of London.
Livingstone insists the stadium should be a temporary 80,000 seat arena which can be scaled back to a 25,000 seat athletics ground after the Games, whilst Caborn wants the stadium to be converted into a football stadium which could be used by West Ham.
Lemley had a four year contract (2006-2010). He cites business reasons, and the need to concentrate on his US construction interests for his decision.
Quote:
"I am keen to return to the helm of my international construction consulting firm in America, which is increasingly busy with major contracts. I have every confidence that London will stage a superb Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 and leave a legacy that the country can be proud of."
Olympics minister Tessa Jowell said:
"Jack has played a significant role in getting us to this point and helping ensure that Games and legacy are planned together. I am grateful to him for all he has done and wish him well in the future."
The search is now on for a replacement.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Successful Dress Rehearsal
China is attending the world gymnastics championships in Aarhus, Denmark. It's goal, apart from winning, is to show that it is the leading Olympic nation as it readies itself for the Beijing Olympics 2008.
The Chinese male team got off to a flying start yesterday and won the team title, beating Russia, Japan and the USA.
Yang Wei said:
"This world championships was good practice for the Olympics and we feel we are now well prepared to take gold.
Now that we have established a good team, we don't want to stop here."
The women compete today.
The Chinese male team got off to a flying start yesterday and won the team title, beating Russia, Japan and the USA.
Yang Wei said:
"This world championships was good practice for the Olympics and we feel we are now well prepared to take gold.
Now that we have established a good team, we don't want to stop here."
The women compete today.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Art and Culture
The second wave of culture and art consultants, for designing the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, was announced at a ceremony in Beijing yesterday.
The guest list at the ceremony included; the Honorary President of the Chinese Olympic Committee and IOC member He Zhenliang, composer and educator Wu Zuqiang, and Academy Award winning filmmaker Ang Lee.
BOCOG President Liu Qi extended his congratulations to the new members of the consultant team, and expressed hopes that every consultant will provide valuable suggestions and advice to the organising team.
The guest list at the ceremony included; the Honorary President of the Chinese Olympic Committee and IOC member He Zhenliang, composer and educator Wu Zuqiang, and Academy Award winning filmmaker Ang Lee.
BOCOG President Liu Qi extended his congratulations to the new members of the consultant team, and expressed hopes that every consultant will provide valuable suggestions and advice to the organising team.
Monday, October 16, 2006
London Olympics Upset Muslims
As the old saying goes, you can never please everyone. The organisers of the London 2012 Olympics are discovering the veracity of this saying, as it has just been pointed out to them that the 2012 Games will clash with Ramadan, the most holy month in the Islamic calendar.
Some Muslims claim that this will mean that Muslim athletes will be at a disadvantage, as they fast from sunrise to sunset for the entire duration of the Games.
In 2012, Ramadan takes place from July 21 to August 20, while the Olympics run from July 27 to August 12.
Around 3,000 Muslim competitors are expected to be affected.
Massoud Shadjareh, chairman of the London-based Islamic Human Rights Commission, said:
"They would not have organised this at Christmas. It is equally stupid to organise it at Ramadan.
It shows a complete lack of awareness and sensitivity.
This is going to disadvantage the athletes and alienate the Asian communities by saying they don't matter.
It's not only going to affect the participants it's going to affect all the people who want to watch the Games.
They won't want to travel during Ramadan and they won't want to watch sport. It's a spiritual time."
Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, an imam on the Muslim Council of Great Britain, rather wisely pointed out there will doubtless be a sensible solution:
"I'm sure the athletes will seek advice from their scholars.
They are obviously going to be at a disadvantage because other competitors will be drinking and keeping up their energy levels.
But they are athletes and I am sure they will train their bodies to cope with this.
A Muslim might feel it would have been nice to avoid this month but life doesn't stop for Muslims during Ramadan even though they are fasting.
The best thing for a Muslim is to continue his or her life as normal. This is the real test."
Muslim countries, such as Turkey, are calling for the date to be changed.
Joanna Manning Cooper, spokeswoman for London 2012, said:
"We are working with the Muslim Council of Great Britain to find ways to accommodate Ramadan during the London Games."
Britain and the world is not Muslim, it is not for the world to change it's plans to suit Islam or any other religion.
Some Muslims claim that this will mean that Muslim athletes will be at a disadvantage, as they fast from sunrise to sunset for the entire duration of the Games.
In 2012, Ramadan takes place from July 21 to August 20, while the Olympics run from July 27 to August 12.
Around 3,000 Muslim competitors are expected to be affected.
Massoud Shadjareh, chairman of the London-based Islamic Human Rights Commission, said:
"They would not have organised this at Christmas. It is equally stupid to organise it at Ramadan.
It shows a complete lack of awareness and sensitivity.
This is going to disadvantage the athletes and alienate the Asian communities by saying they don't matter.
It's not only going to affect the participants it's going to affect all the people who want to watch the Games.
They won't want to travel during Ramadan and they won't want to watch sport. It's a spiritual time."
Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, an imam on the Muslim Council of Great Britain, rather wisely pointed out there will doubtless be a sensible solution:
"I'm sure the athletes will seek advice from their scholars.
They are obviously going to be at a disadvantage because other competitors will be drinking and keeping up their energy levels.
But they are athletes and I am sure they will train their bodies to cope with this.
A Muslim might feel it would have been nice to avoid this month but life doesn't stop for Muslims during Ramadan even though they are fasting.
The best thing for a Muslim is to continue his or her life as normal. This is the real test."
Muslim countries, such as Turkey, are calling for the date to be changed.
Joanna Manning Cooper, spokeswoman for London 2012, said:
"We are working with the Muslim Council of Great Britain to find ways to accommodate Ramadan during the London Games."
Britain and the world is not Muslim, it is not for the world to change it's plans to suit Islam or any other religion.
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