March/April 2012 edition

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2012 F1 Grand Prix in Bahrain.  Winner:
Sebastian Vettel Red Bull.  Losers?

Ground to Surface missiles will be positioned on high-rise buildings close to the Olympic Park in preparation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Formula One drivers preferred to keep their comments about protests in Bahrain to a mimimum and at the same time minimize their exposure to any of the high-profile politial activities.... But who will end up the winers and who will find themselves losers in this very inflamatory debate?  Commentary suggests that the sports crowd would prefer to keep politics out of sport... but will this ever be possible? Sprinter Dwain Chambers will be allowed to compete in the London 2012 Games. He may have taken performance enhancing drugs but he has done his time and like many other athletes is now eligible to compete again in the Olympic Games despite an appeal by the great and the good of British sport. NBA star Michael Jordan may have been the very best in competition but his team The Charlotte Bobcats lost their 23rd straight game in the final game of the season.  Perhaps he should consider a different career?. Terry Spinks, the youngest Brit to win an Olympic Boxing Gold has died at the age of 74 years.  The London 2012 Opening Ceremony is under wraps under a blue and yellow big tent. Rehearsals are in progress; the media are not welcome; but will doubling the Opening and Closing Games' Ceremonies budget be justified post Games? Will the ceremonies grab a podium place in the history books of ceremonies? Only time will tell! Is the city of Paris getting its revenge after losing the 2012 Games to London?  A well-planned and timely promotion to encourage visitors to stay in Paris during the Games is attracting interest. "Compete in London, Celebrate in Paris" is the slogan for a competition to a win a trip to the French Capital after the Games every time Team GB win GOLD.  With a reduction in staff at the UK borders due to austerity cuts, the lines have increased to get through UK passport control.  It could take 'hours' to get through customs - very reminiscent of the good old days at JFK! On the heals of the EURO 2012 football tournament when will the IOC consider alternative sports for the Games instead of half empty stadia during the Olympic footie?  Surely there are a number of other sports more worthy of inclusion?  Perhaps the answer lies in comments from the likes of Brazilian, Renaldo who won an Olympic bronze medal in the 1996 Games.  He is very proud of his medal which has a prominent place in his collection. Irishman, Rory McIlroy hopes to retain his top spot in the rankings as Luke Donald fails to recreate his 2011 winning streak. Sadly, pentathlon World Indoor Athletics Champion, Nataliya Dobdynska lost her trainer husband, Dymtro Polyakov to cancer a month ago.  She is determined to honor his memory by repeating her success in Beijing and claiming GOLD in London. The Kenyan's cleaned up at the London Marathon winning 5 out of 6 top places. Mary Keitany ran the third fastest time ever as she defended her Virgin London title in 2 hours 18min 37sec and Wilson Kipsang, the second fastest man of all time ran a fantastic first place in 2:04:44, just four seconds outside the course record set by fellow countryman Emmanuel Mutai last year. Meanwhile the top prizes for the Wheelchair event were claimed by two Brits. Over 13,000 military personnel will assist in security during the 2012 Games. Will a Shakespearean theme hit the right note at the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Games? Or will such a erudite concept miss its target? Perhaps the increase in budget will assist in creating that much required aspirational and universal theme that will inspire the best in competition? April sees another traunch of Olympic Football tickets on sale until 11pm on May 6, 2012. The Tournament will take place at six iconic venues in cities across the UK including Cardiff, Coventry, Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester and London.  Full price tickets start at just £20 (US$36) with special prices for young people aged 16 and under and seniors aged 60 and over. But will they be a sellout?        

spotlight on:   new media vs. copyright

While sponsors of major sporting events cling onto their competitive rights as tightly as possible - and so they should taking into consideration the size of the investment, sometimes this protectionism can take one step to far.

In this case nine-time Olympic gold medallist Mark Spits is suing Worldwide Olympic Sponsor, Samsung for using his name and images without his permission.

Once again this raises the high-profile topic of copyright in this new social media society that we live in.  Controlling content will be one of eof the biggest potential problems during the first high-tech 'Comms Games'.

By using a Facebook app, Samsung claims that the database for its Olympic Genome project includes more than 10,000 past and present Olympians and Paralympians. But does that include the right to publish/share certain information?

Spitz is one of  eighteen US athletes who have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles claiming that Samsung is using their names and faces to create the impression they endorse Samsung products, including Galaxy tablets and phones. He is joined by past medallists as well as several swimmers including Amanda Beard, Jessica Hardy, Dara Torres, Jason Lezak, Cullen Jones and Eric Shanteau, who hope to compete at London 2012.

This action raises significant questions:
1. What penalties may be invoked either by the IOC or by the athletes or by the host city?

However, should the stakes in this debate escalate perhaps the simplest resolution may be a cigarette pack PUBLIC ADVISORY:

PLEASE NOTE THAT NO ATHLETES HAVE ENDORSED ANY SAMSUNG PRODUCTS AVAILABLE VIA THIS FACEBOOK APP.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the double Olympic heptathlon champion, and Beijing 2008 beach vollyeball gold medallist, Phil Dalhausser are also named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

 
hot spot: the unfinished stadia scare  

As the timetable for completion of venues hurtles to its conclusion it is rare that a host has all its ducks in a row.  Whether it is unfinished stadia or incomplete logistics or underfunded security budgets the bid city/country will always deliver.  Failure is not an option

Hence the timely announcement by Brazil’s Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo that the country will be ready to stage the 2014 FIFA World Cup, adding that all planned infrastructure and stadium projects will be completed on time.

Rebelo recently confirmed that Brazil is spending US$15.9 billion on projects linked to the tournament, as well as offering an additional $212 million to each group building or upgrading the 12 stadia for the World Cup. Rebelo’s comments come after President Dilma Rousseff this week announced that $17 billion would be directed towards enhancing public transport infrastructure ahead of the World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games.

The World Cup organizers have confirmed that it is  a very important event; and that Brazil has achieved  more important and more difficult things than the manageent of The World Cup.

Criticism of Brazil’s preparations for the tournament have centered on issues such as the implementation of the controversial World Cup law, delays and rising costs in construction projects, along with labour disputes which have led to strike action by construction workers at stadium sites. South Africa was similarly dogged by criticism ahead of its staging of the 2010 tournament, and Rebelo admitted that certain negative headlines were to be expected.

The World Cup law regulates commercial rights, alcohol sa and advertising rules for the tournament and rubber-stamps the final commitments Brazil’s federal government made to FIFA in its bid to host the World Cup and the 2013 Confederations Cup. After months of delays the bill now needs senate approval before being signed off by Rousseff, with Rebelo claiming the delays are not a “hindrance to the organization of the World Cup”.

The Sports Minister also reiterated that construction of most of the stadia was on schedule and delays at other venues were limited to “one or two per cent and they can be recovered within the timeline. “We built Brazil’s capital Brasilia in just four years, so there’ll be no delay with regards to constructing stadiums.”

hot shot: he is a natural!

Usain Bolt's spoof performances in a number of TV commercials shown in the UK have no doubt raised a smile on everyone's face. Bolt's talents are not limited to athletics.  He is a natural star and has done wonders for the Virgin Brand.  As usual Branson is up for a laugh as the two promote Mr Branson'a latest Virgin products and services.

And it's a win-win for everyone as company profits leap in direct response to the ad campaign.  Can the boy/s do no wrong?

sidelines: if Polo is your game or just a taste of the London Season?

The Fundación Laureus Argentina was founded in May 2003 by Academy Member, Hugo Porta. The former legendary rugby player is now president of the Foundation and very much involved in its daily management, while also making time to visit the outstanding projects supported by the Foundation. The headquarters are in Buenos Aires with the Foundation's work extending to distant Argentine provinces that greatly benefit from its backing. Currently, the Foundation supports a number of projects and Polo in London is just another way of raising their profile and raising money for good causes

A nominal Entrance Fee of £20 (per car) will be donated to the Fundación Laureus Argentina when you attend the Laureus Polo Cup Exhibition match in Great Windsor Park at the Guards polo Club in June.

fashion icon.....  the must-have designer kit

Among an ever-growing list of sport industry 'players' is the sporting apparel industry. Two organizations have traditionally dominated the market: adidas with its global headquarters based in Germany dominate the European market; whereas Nike operates as lead player in the US. These two global giants identify and develop potential marketing opportunities by forming close alliances with high profile sporting events, as well as national teams and individual athletes.
However, these brands would also be the first to acknowledge that the BRICs - Brazil, Russia, India and China represent increasing competition, as the importance of emerging markets and the impact of their new wealth continue to grow at a speed rarely seen in the past.

Vying to sign up kit supplier deals with Host City teams, national teams and sports stars such as Bolt and Beckham is a major component of the many rights deals that take place in and around the sports industry. Whereas in the past the very familiar high street brands dominated, it is the new entrants that are fueling competition and pushing up the prices, the cost of which are likely to escalate as the next round of Olympic/Paralympic and Fifa host nations cities are either Russian or Brazilian. Italo-Russian Bosco Sports having been kitting out Russian medal winners since 2002; and Brazil have dipped a toe in the water by appointing TBD as their London2012 Major Kit suppliers.

Also in the frame and upping their game is the design of Team GB's kit by designer Stella McCartney. The result matches high quality sportswear with stylish design. And this next step in the evolution of sports apparel is perhaps an obvious development in a maturing industry that is always on the look-out for new opportunities.  But there is a sting in the tail as athletes could face a 2012 ban if they sell their official adidas kit before, during or after the Games - although they may donate items to non-political charities.

The devil is in the detail - in this case the aptly-named 34-page Team Members Agreement Book! Team GB athletes must wear their official kit in all media appearances and at British Olympic Association's post Games parties. Let's hope that Stella's designs prove to be a universal success!

So in 2012 beware: this year the parade of athletes may be more of a fashion catwalk show - with a global TV audience ranking the kit, rather than the athletes?

  And this trend is endorsed at the WSB Team Trophy finals.  Sporting Dolce & Gabbana kit, the Italian Team finalists, Dolce & Gabbana Milano Thunder were on hand at the weigh-in to show off their designer D&G boxer shorts!
An engaging moment for a press conference!


home and away: just how much information is enough and how much is too much?

Want to become better acquainted with your favourite Olympians? Tired of not knowing if the athletes you are following online are the real deal? Looking for a unified status-update stream that integrates Facebook and Twitter so you can get the entire conversation and not just part of it? If you said yes to any or all of these questions, then the Olympic Athletes’ Hub at www.olympic.org/hub is the place for you.

Officially launched online to coincide with 100 days to go to London 2012, the Hub is the latest initiative by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to make the Olympic experience more personal and interactive for Olympic fans worldwide by substantially increasing engagement between them and the athletes.

The Hub is a searchable directory of Olympians that provides posts from their Facebook and Twitter accounts and other information designed to connect people with their favourite athletes. Using the Hub’s search function, users can effortlessly locate athletes by country or by sport. Over 1,000 verified Olympians have already joined the Hub, and the number will continue to grow as the countdown to London 2012 continues and word of the Hub spreads.

Fans can unlock secret training tips from Olympic legends, including Nadia Comaneci (gymnastics, ROM), Edwin Moses (athletics, USA), Mark Spitz (swimming, USA), Yelena Isinbayeva (athletics, RUS) and Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean (figure skating, GBR). The more athletes users “like” on Facebook or follow on Twitter through the site, the more points they receive, accumulating prizes such as virtual gold, silver and bronze medals from past Olympic Games in the process. Many other prizes will also be awarded on the road to London 2012.

During the London 2012 Olympic Games, a special section will be created on the Hub where users can view in real time what the athletes competing at the Games are saying on social media sites. In addition, for the first time ever at the Olympic Games, chats with athletes will take place from within the Athletes’ Village, connecting fans and Olympians in real time.

“The Olympic Athletes’ Hub was born out of our desire to connect Olympic athletes and their fans more intimately than ever before,” said Alex Huot, Head of Social Media for the IOC. “With the launch of the Hub, we are creating a paradigm shift in the communication around the Olympic Games, and we are excited to offer this opportunity for greater engagement and interaction between Olympians and their fans.”

sport culture: giving back

At the first Laureus Awards to be held in the UK, Novak Djokovic emerged victorious by taking home the Sportsman of the Year Award; and the all-conquering football club FC Barcelona took home Team of the Year.

At the ceremony, Laureus World Sports Academy Chairman Edwin Moses urged the global sports community and big business to look at alternative ways to link up in the future.

Speaking after he had addressed the first annual International Herald Tribune Sports Summit in Istanbul, Dr Moses said: “Sport today offers much more than just placing a logo on a sports shirt. The public now recognizes that sport can be used to change young people’s lives for the better and more and more businesses are coming to appreciate that and realize they have a role to play in this.”

Moses explained that some of the biggest names in sport, volunteer their time to inspire young people out of a desire to give something back to society. Since 2000, Laureus has worked through innovative humanitarian projects to help disadvantaged youngsters in more than 30 countries.

He said: “Laureus has been lucky to have major supporters from business over the years who see the importance of what we are doing. Laureus was founded by its Patrons Richemont and Daimler and is supported by its Global Partners Mercedes-Benz, IWC Schaffhausen and Vodafone.”

Moses believes that business would receive positive results from operating in a responsible and caring manner while at the same time being aware of their corporate social responsibilities.

The organization raised €40+ million and with the money supported ninety-one projects changing the lives of more than 1.5 million kids.

starting blocks: the perennial problem with drugs

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced that the Iranian Powerlifter Seyed Yousef Yousefi Pashaki has been suspended for two years for an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.

Yousefi Pashaki returned an adverse analytical finding for Methylhexaneamine in a urine sample provided on 5 February 2012 during the Malaysia Open Powerlifting Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This substance is included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2012 Prohibited List as S6b. Specified Stimulants and is consequently prohibited under the IPC Anti-Doping Code.

Yousefi Pashaki exercised his right to a hearing, during which he explained that prior to the competition he had taken a supplement "Jack3d" and was not aware it contained a banned substance.

In accordance with the IPC Anti-Doping Code, Yousefi Pashaki will serve a two year suspension for the offence beginning on 29 February 2012; the date from which he was notified of his Anti-Doping Rule Violation. All results obtained from the date of the competition on 5 February 2012 and onwards, will be disqualified with all the resulting consequences including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes. A financial sanction was also imposed on the athlete.

As a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), the IPC remains committed to a doping free sporting environment at all levels. The IPC, together with the International Federations and the National Paralympic Committees, established the IPC Anti-Doping Code to prevent doping in sport for Paralympic athletes, in the spirit of fair play.

At the same time the British Olympic Committee lost its WADA appeal for life bans for British Athletes as sprinter Dwain Chambers and other life-bannes were reinstated into the Olympic Family having served their time!

But will they find their way back into the 2012 team?

life after: winning one of the big ones

It's fair to say that after hosting a mega-sporting events and receiving many accolades it's hard to down grade to the smaller version.  Perhaps this is why Germany has decided to pull its bid to host the European Soccer Championship in 2020 leaving just one bid team standing.

Turkey has made it very clear that it wants to be a player in the big league; and the country has been entering the fray to host a number of major sporting events.   Politically Turkey also want to position itself as a safe haven between West Europe and East Europe.

The German Football Association (DFB) made the decision following a recent meeting in Frankfurt as DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach confirmed n a statement: "The thoughts of welcoming the continent's best teams and fans to Germany are very attractive, of course; but after staging the World Cup in 2006 and the Women's World Cup in 2011, it is only fair to let other countries take on the role of hosts."

The deadline for potential candidate countries to put their name forward for Euro 2020 is May 16, 2012; and as things stand at the moment only one country - Turkey - has expressed an interest

Twenty-four countries will be competing in Euro 2016 in France and UEFA have stated that if no other candidates come forward to host Euro 20120, Turkey will be given the nod automatically.

Does this signal the end of a clutch of countries/cities vying to host expensive international sporting events?

Head of Euro, Platini has made it clear that he does not take kindly to Turkey engaging in a juggling act in order to get a major event under its belt.  Turkey is also biding to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  And this may prove a dangerous game on both sides.

An increase to 24 European Championship finalists from the current 16 limits the number of countries who could afford to stage it single-handedly.  Combine this with the 'twin-city' scenario that has proved to be ineffective and difficult to manage and Euro 2020 may find itself in a challenging position - particularily if the Olympics decision - which will be made first, in Buenos Aires, in September 2013 - resultsinthe selection of Turkey>

Istanbul is currently up against Baku, Doha, Madrid and Tokyo; although the game-plan may change if the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Executive Board decides to trim the five 2020 bidders for the final stage of campaigning.  But if Istanbul's bid remains in tact and if the city wins the right to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games UEFA may find itself in a position with only one other name in the game:  a potential joint bid form Azerbaijan and Georgia.  Watch this space and try not to get too confused wit the political jostling.

 
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Cultural Olympiad reminder

From June 21, 2012 to September 9, 2012  London will be celebrating culture with the London 2012 Festival .  But what's on the program?

According to LOCOG:

It's the hottest ticket of the year –  the most exciting festival the UK has ever seen - bringing more than 10 million opportunities to see 1,000 performances and events with leading artists from all over the world coming together for this unique event to celebrate London 2012.
Whether you love dance, music, theatre, fashion, food, art or film - it's happening all around the UK, with many free events suitable for families.

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