Worldwide environmental groups have panned the Athens Olympics 2004, for being environmentally worse than Sydney's Games in 2000.
Greenpeace noted, without deliberate irony, that it was surprised at the lack of solar energy used in the Athens Games; given the amount of sunshine Greece enjoys.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) noted that, efforts must now be made to undo the environmental damage done by the Games.
Needless to say the International Olympic Committee (IOC), don't seem to be too bothered; their prime concern is the money made from sponsorship deals.
Sunday, 5 September 2004
Saturday, 4 September 2004
The Long March To Beijing
The group, Human Rights Watch, have asked the Chinese government to improve its human rights record before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
A website, China Olympics Watch, is pressing for the end to censorship and for trade unions and other organisations to be legalised.
Human Rights Watch are hopeful that the IOC, and sponsors, of the Games will put pressure on the Chinese to improve its human rights record.
I think this will be a "long march".
A website, China Olympics Watch, is pressing for the end to censorship and for trade unions and other organisations to be legalised.
Human Rights Watch are hopeful that the IOC, and sponsors, of the Games will put pressure on the Chinese to improve its human rights record.
I think this will be a "long march".
Friday, 3 September 2004
Symbolism
Even though the Olympics 2008 in Beijing are still four years away, people are setting their minds to what should be the symbol for those Games.
I understand that three students, from Ningbo University, have started a campaign for the Tibetan antelope to be the mascot for the 2008 Olympics.
They have started a bicycle journey, with a banner proclaiming their support for the symbol; and are collecting signatures in support of their cause.
I understand that they have covered over 3500KM.
The antelope is on the endangered species list, and there is a campaign to protect it.
To read more about the antelope, and to see a very cute picture of one, visit Tibetan Antelope.
I understand that three students, from Ningbo University, have started a campaign for the Tibetan antelope to be the mascot for the 2008 Olympics.
They have started a bicycle journey, with a banner proclaiming their support for the symbol; and are collecting signatures in support of their cause.
I understand that they have covered over 3500KM.
The antelope is on the endangered species list, and there is a campaign to protect it.
To read more about the antelope, and to see a very cute picture of one, visit Tibetan Antelope.
Thursday, 2 September 2004
The Party is Over
It seems that post Olympic reality is about to hit Greece.
It is reported that as a result of budget deficits hitting 5% (the $12BN cost of the Olympics will have had something to do with that), the government will be introducing emergency measures such as; increasing taxes and one off levies on businesses.
Other countries who, for reasons that escape me, are scrambling to secure the 2012 Games should take note.
In my view, the Games in their current form are unsustainable; both logistically and financially.
It is reported that as a result of budget deficits hitting 5% (the $12BN cost of the Olympics will have had something to do with that), the government will be introducing emergency measures such as; increasing taxes and one off levies on businesses.
Other countries who, for reasons that escape me, are scrambling to secure the 2012 Games should take note.
In my view, the Games in their current form are unsustainable; both logistically and financially.
A Little Bit of Controversy
The Olympics, wherever they are held, have one abiding characteristic; they cause controversy.
Shortly after the handover of the Olympic responsibility from Athens to Beijing, controversy reared its head again.
This time the issue of Tibet, and its freedom, has been thrown into the Olympic melting pot.
It is reported that two members of the International Tibet Support Network (ITSN) displayed a banner; reading "No Olympic for China until Tibet is Free", at the Ethnic Minorities Park in Beijing.
This park will be part of the 2008 Olympic complex. The two protesters, Han-shan a US citizen and Liam Phelan from Australia, were arrested by the police together with two journalists.
It seems that this is one small action, in a series of increasingly intense protests being planned by ITSN.
The ITSN are campaigning for the Chinese occupation of Tibet to end.
In another action, just before the Games in Athens ended, the campaigners attempted to deliver a banner with 5 bullet holes (akin to the Olympic symbol) to the IOC.
They were stopped by the police, doubtless the police were concerned that the use of the symbol breached the trademark rules which are so jealously guarded by the IOC.
Shortly after the handover of the Olympic responsibility from Athens to Beijing, controversy reared its head again.
This time the issue of Tibet, and its freedom, has been thrown into the Olympic melting pot.
It is reported that two members of the International Tibet Support Network (ITSN) displayed a banner; reading "No Olympic for China until Tibet is Free", at the Ethnic Minorities Park in Beijing.
This park will be part of the 2008 Olympic complex. The two protesters, Han-shan a US citizen and Liam Phelan from Australia, were arrested by the police together with two journalists.
It seems that this is one small action, in a series of increasingly intense protests being planned by ITSN.
The ITSN are campaigning for the Chinese occupation of Tibet to end.
In another action, just before the Games in Athens ended, the campaigners attempted to deliver a banner with 5 bullet holes (akin to the Olympic symbol) to the IOC.
They were stopped by the police, doubtless the police were concerned that the use of the symbol breached the trademark rules which are so jealously guarded by the IOC.
Wednesday, 1 September 2004
The Butler, Sorry, Coach Did It
It seems that one half of the "Dynamic Duo" of sprinting, Kenteris, can't keep his mouth shut; and is still protesting his innocence, in relation to the earlier doping scandal that got him kicked out of the Games.
My sources tell me that Kenteris has had non-stop coverage on his home island of Lesbos; being kissed by all and sundry, posing for photo's with old ladies, babies and even a priest. He is still proclaiming his innocence, and blamed it all on the coach; he thought that he was only taking vitamins.
Methinks he doth protest too much!
In other news...
Having gotten rid of the Olympics, Greece is now on war footing for a football match between Greece and Turkey; word has it the riot police are already on the streets, even before the game has started.
Ah, where did the Olympic spirit of co-operation and friendly competition go?
My sources tell me that Kenteris has had non-stop coverage on his home island of Lesbos; being kissed by all and sundry, posing for photo's with old ladies, babies and even a priest. He is still proclaiming his innocence, and blamed it all on the coach; he thought that he was only taking vitamins.
Methinks he doth protest too much!
In other news...
Having gotten rid of the Olympics, Greece is now on war footing for a football match between Greece and Turkey; word has it the riot police are already on the streets, even before the game has started.
Ah, where did the Olympic spirit of co-operation and friendly competition go?
Happy Chappy
The head of the Olympics, Jacques Rogge, praised the Greek organisers for the successful organisation of the Olympics 2004.
He declared himself to be "very, very happy about the Games".
However, it seems that there may be more drug issues; over and above the 22 positive tests so far.
He declared himself to be "very, very happy about the Games".
However, it seems that there may be more drug issues; over and above the 22 positive tests so far.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)