Countdown To The Olympics

Values and vision are the backbone for any organisation. The strength of the Olympic Movement is based on the initial set of values introduced by its founder Pierre de Coubertin. One hundred years later, these values are still valid and will be discussed at the upcoming Olympic Congress in Copenhagen from 3 to 5 October 2009. These values have inspired many artists. For example, in this video, sport’s photographer John Huet shows how the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect are intrinsically linked to sport and the joy it can provide.

 

Excellence, however, is not only about winning, it is also about giving one’s best throughout a sporting career, on the pitch, during training and beyond. Respect goes beyond fair play on the pitch and also includes the notion of respecting an adversary, respecting one’s body and all the rules regulating a sport. Friendship that starts in a stadium can grow and become a sustainable, long-term relationship beyond any boundaries of countries, race, religion or gender. Enjoy John Huet’s inspiring video.

 

 

 

 Learn more about the Olympic Congress

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced the launch of the latest component of “The Best of Us” promotional campaign, a multifaceted, global effort that aims to bring the Olympic values to life and engage young people around the world.

 

The animated commercial, entitled “All Together Now,” was broadcast for the first time by the IOC’s broadcast partner in the United States, NBC, during the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics, in Berlin, Germany, on 15 August.

In the 30-second public service announcement, six larger-than-life Olympic athletes are depicted literally pulling countries together, symbolising the inspiration of the athletes and their superhuman abilities to unite the world in the spirit of Olympism. 

The spot will be made available to broadcasters across the world, and can also be viewed on the IOC’s website.

 

 View the new spot

 

The objective of the promotional campaign is to communicate the key Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect to a global youth audience. “The Best of Us” is a simple, powerful idea that transcends cultures and borders, motivating young people around the world to participate in sport by proving that sport can bring out their best.

The campaign was developed by the Voluntarily United Group of Creative Agencies (United), part of the WPP Group. The creative development was led by Cole & Weber, based in Seattle, USA. The animated commercial was directed by the young French directing duo, FX & Mat, of Nexus Productions.

The IOC is working with United on a multi-dimensional campaign approach consisting of TV, online, print and PR activities. The campaign will be rolled out in a phased approach in 2009 and beyond.

   

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 Click here to see the first phase of “The Best of Us” campaign (2007/8) 

 

For information on Cole & Weber: http://www.coleweber.com/

For information on the Directors of the public service announcement: http://www.nexusproductions.com/directors/fx-mat 

For further information, please contact the IOC Communications Department, tel: +41 21 621 60 00, email: pressoffice@olympic.org

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched the latest component of “The Best of Us” promotional campaign – an animated commercial entitled “All Together Now,”

In the 30-second public service announcement, six larger-than-life Olympic athletes are depicted literally pulling countries together, symbolising the inspiration of the athletes and their superhuman abilities to unite the world in the spirit of Olympism. 

The animation was directed by the brilliant young French directing duo, FX & Mat of Nexus Productions. FX & Mat have attracted international acclaim with their amazing and diverse animations, having made an award-winning debut with their short film “En Tus Brazos” (see http://www.nexusproductions.com/directors/fx-mat)

The spot will be aired by broadcasters across the world, and can also be viewed here.

 

 

 For more information on the launch see the press release

The International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board (EB) has approved the inclusion of women’s boxing for the Games in London in 2012 and will propose the sports of golf and rugby for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic programme.

 

The EB has approved several new events for the 2012 London Olympic Games, all of which had been requested by the relevant International Federations. Women’s boxing makes its Olympic debut with three new events agreed for 2012.  The 11 current men’s boxing events will be replaced by 10 men’s and three women’s events.

Other changes include the replacement of men’s canoeing C2 500m with women’s K1 200m and the replacement of the remaining three men’s 500m sprint events with 200m sprint events. In modern pentathlon a new combined run-shoot format was approved, as was the removal of placement matches in the handball tournament.

Furthermore, the EB agreed to consider the inclusion of a mixed doubles event pending guarantees from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) that the top players in the singles rankings would be able to participate. The EB will make a decision on the issue at its December meeting in Lausanne.

 

The EB will propose the sports of golf and rugby to be included in the 2016 Olympic programme for ratification by the full IOC Session in Copenhagen in October.

Seven sports — baseball, golf, karate, roller sports, rugby, softball and squash — were seeking to enter the Olympic programme.

 

“All seven sports made a strong case for inclusion, and the EB carefully evaluated them in a transparent and fair process. In the end, the decision came down to which two would add the most value,” said IOC President Jacques Rogge, who elected not to take part in the vote. “Golf and rugby will be a great addition to the Games.”

 

The key factors in determining a sport’s suitability for the Olympic programme include youth appeal, universality, popularity, good governance, respect for athletes and respect for the Olympic values.

 

IOC Executive Board proposes 2 additional sports for the 2016 Games: Golf and Rugby

IOC approves new events for 2012 London Olympic Games 

Today, Friday 14 August 2009, Singapore is celebrating its One Year Countdown to the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

 

It is an important milestone for this new event for the IOC and the Olympic Movement in general.

Festivities are being held at the Padang* in Singapore with the countdown kick off at 20:10 - which will be the same time as for the Opening Ceremony next year.

The event features the unveiling of the 1st YOG Countdown clock provided by Omega, Official Timekeeper for Singapore 2010. Other activities include the YOG Carnival – with sports tryouts and activity booths, the Olympic Day Run, concerts and fireworks. A special stamp has been issued by SingPost to commemorate the day!

 

 Follow the action here!

 

Since planning and preparations for the inaugural YOG began 17 months ago, the Singapore Organising Committee (SYOGOC) has made excellent progress and is on track to deliver a memorable inaugural Youth Olympic Games. The IOC’s vision is becoming a reality – a sporting event for the youth balancing sport, education and culture within the Olympic Movement, acting as a catalyst for initiatives with young people around the world.

The IOC Coordinating Commission has expressed confidence in the progress made in Singapore to date. In the remaining 365 days to the Games, the IOC will continue to work closely with the Organising Committee to ensure that Singapore delivers an outstanding inaugural Youth Olympic Games.

For more information on the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, www.singapore2010.sg and www.whyohgee.sg

* The Padang is a large field in the center of the Singapore where, historically, large public gatherings take place

The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today approved several new events for the 2012 London Olympic Games. All of the new events had been requested by the relevant International Federations as part of the IOC’s systematic review of the sports programme. The changes reflect the IOC’s desire to continually refresh the Olympic programme and its commitment to increase participation by women.

 

The changes approved by the Executive Board include the following:

The EB agreed to the introduction of three women’s events. The current 11 men’s boxing events will be replaced by 10 men’s and three women’s events, representing an additional two boxing events on the programme. The total number of boxers remains unchanged. The decision was a recognition that women’s boxing has made substantial progress in universality and technical quality of the athletes since the EB last considered the discipline in 2005.

 

The EB agreed to the request made by the International Canoe Federation (ICF) for the replacement of men’s C2 500m with women’s K1 200m. The EB also agreed to replace the remaining three men’s 500m sprint events with 200m sprint events.

 

The EB agreed to the implementation of a new combined run-shoot format.

 

The removal of placement matches in the handball tournament was agreed.

 

Wrestling, Swimming, Cycling

The three Federations (FILA, FINA, and UCI respectively) submitted requests for new events. The EB informed them that this could happen, especially if the new events increase the participation of women at the Games and on condition that they replace events already on the programme. Additionally, current events can be replaced with new ones only if the total number of athletes is maintained. 

 

Furthermore, the EB agreed to consider the inclusion of a mixed doubles event pending guarantees from the International Tennis Federation that the top players in the singles rankings would be able to participate.

 

The EB will make a decision on the issue at its December meeting in Lausanne.

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The IOC received requests from 17 International Sports Federations for modifications of events, quotas and competition formats for the Olympic Games in London in 2012 by the deadline of October 2008.

 

The IOC Olympic Programme Commission analysed all of the requests based on established criteria, and submitted its findings to the Executive Board. The key positive factors included whether the changes would increase universality, gender equity and youth appeal, and in general add value to the Games. Other considerations included the cost of infrastructure, and the impact on the overall quota and the number of events.

All modifications of events, quotas or competition format for the Olympic Games in London 2012 are provisional, and will be reviewed for the programme of the 2016 Olympic Games after the Games in London.

 

The sports on the programme for any edition of the Games are decided no later than at the IOC Session electing the host city for that edition of the Games.

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When available, images will be published to flickr.com, click here.

 

The press conference with President Jacques Rogge will be available shortly on www.olympic.org

 

For more information please contact the IOC Communications Department, Tel: +41 21 621 60 00, email: pressoffice@olympic.org

The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today ratified disciplinary action taken by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) against five riders at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. All of the riders were sanctioned by an FEI Tribunal in connection with the doping of horses.

The cases involve the following horses and riders:

Coster and its rider, Christian Ahlmann (Germany),

Chupa Chup and its rider, Bernardo Alves (Brazil),

Mythilus and its rider, Courtney King-Dye (USA),

Rufus and its rider, Rodrigo Pessoa (Brazil), and

Lantinus 3 and its rider, Denis Lynch (Ireland).

The details of all five cases are available in the below documents (PDF full decision). These five cases do not involve medallists. A sixth case involving Camiro and its rider, Tony Andre Hensen (Norway), is under appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The EB did not take any action on that case because of the pending appeal.

 

 

 

IOC EB decision regarding Ms Courtney King-Dye (USA, Mythilus equestrian athlete), her horse named

 

 

IOC EB Decision Regarding Mr Denis Lynch (Ireland, equestrian athlete), his horse named Lantinus 3

 

 

Tel:                +41 21 621 60 00        , email: pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit our website at www.olympic.org

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB) proposed today the list of 26 core sports and 2 additional sports, golf and rugby, to be included in the 2016 Olympic Programme. The proposal will be submitted to the full IOC for a final decision at its Session in Copenhagen in October, where golf and rugby will have the opportunity to present. Seven sports — baseball, golf, karate, roller sports, rugby, softball and squash — were seeking to enter the Olympic programme. The secret ballot vote by the EB followed an extensive evaluation by the Olympic Programme Commission of the potential added value to the Games from each of the seven sports.

“All seven sports made a strong case for inclusion, and the EB carefully evaluated them in a transparent and fair process. In the end, the decision came down to which two would add the most value,” said IOC President Jacques Rogge, who elected not to take part in the vote. “Golf and rugby will be a great addition to the Games.”

The key factors in determining a sport’s suitability for the Olympic programme include youth appeal, universality, popularity, good governance, respect for athletes and respect for the Olympic values.

“Golf and rugby scored high on all the criteria,” Rogge said. “They have global appeal, a geographically diverse line-up of top iconic athletes and an ethic that stresses fair play.” 

During the 119th Session in Guatemala in 2007, the IOC approved a simplified voting process for new sport to enter the programme. The IOC members also requested guidance from the EB in the selection of the new sports, and entrusted it to make a proposal based on the work of the Olympic Programme Commission.

All seven sports had a chance to make their case to the Olympic Programme Commission in November 2008 and to the IOC EB in June 2009. Federations were also able to review their section of the report submitted to the EB.

 

All changes to the sports programme for 2016 are provisional and will be reviewed after the 2016 Games.

Format of the golf competition for the Games proposed by the International Golf Federation (IGF): 8-day competition (4 for men and 4 for women) with 60 men and 60 women. Both men and women play 72 holes of stroke play, 18 holes per day. Medals would be awarded to the 3 competitors with the lowest total score. For more information: www.internationalgolffederation.org

 

Format of the rugby competition for the Games proposed by the International Rugby Board (IRB): 2 to 4 days of competition of rugby sevens. Teams would be split into 2 pools of 6 with a total of 12 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams (288 athletes). The 2 top teams in each pool would qualify for semi-finals. For more information: www.irb.com

 

When available, images will be published to flickr.com, click here.

 

For more information please contact the IOC Communications Department,

Tel: +41 21 621 60 00, email: pressoffice@olympic.org

The International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board (EB) meets at the end of the week in Berlin with new sports and new events for the Olympic Games at the top of the agenda. The meeting, led by IOC President Jacques Rogge, will propose two new sports to join the Olympic Games in 2016 and a number of new events which could see more women competing in London in 2012.

 

The meeting will decide which two of the seven sports vying for a position in the Olympic programme – baseball, golf, karate, roller sports, rugby, softball and squash – will be proposed for inclusion in the programme for the 2016 Olympic Games. The proposal will be submitted to the full IOC Session for a final decision at its meeting in Copenhagen in October. Each of the seven sports gave presentations to the EB at its last meeting in June, and an extensive evaluation was conducted by the IOC Olympic Programme Commission of the potential added value to the Games from each of the seven sports.

The EB will also be deciding on new events for the 2012 Games in London

All of the new events had been requested by the relevant International Federations as part of the IOC’s systematic review of the sports programme. The changes reflect the IOC’s desire to continually refresh the Olympic programme.

 

The IOC received requests from 17 International Sports Federations for modifications of events for the Olympic Games in London in 2012 by the deadline of October 2008. The IOC Olympic Programme Commission analysed all of the requests based on established criteria and submitted its finding to the Executive Board.

 

Also in Berlin, the IOC EB will be meeting with the Council of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for their traditional meeting held every two years on the eve of the World Athletics Championships to be held from 15 to 23 August.

A year ago today – 8 August 2008 – the Beijing Games got underway. As IOC President Jacques Rogge described them 16 days later, they were truly exceptional. A record 204 National Olympic Committees (NOC) participated. Athletes from 87 NOCs won medals – the most ever. Some 61,700 hours of Beijing 2008 dedicated coverage was aired globally The Beijing 2008 web site received 105.7 million unique visitors in August 2008 alone. And the general operations of the Games were among the best in recent Games history, giving athletes and spectators the experience of a lifetime. The Games left more than just memories of 16 days of competition. They left a legacy that will last for many years to come. 

The social legacy of the Games can be seen in a number of areas. Over 400 million children in 400,000 Chinese schools learnt about Olympic values as part of an Olympic education campaign before the Games. Thanks to the Games, Beijing has a new disease prevention and control system and a new awareness of the need for accessible building construction.  Following up on the excellent work of Games volunteers, Beijing is looking to achieve a 20% public participation rate in volunteering within three to five years.

Using the Games as a catalyst, Beijing greatly improved its public transport infrastructure and increased capacity for transit riders by 4.5 million people; these improvements have seen a general increase in the use of public transport. Six hundred million yuan was invested to repair cultural sites and relics before the Games, while 140 billion yuan was invested in improving air quality — the results are still being felt today. Many of the Beijing competition venues and other Games facilities will remain in use for years.  Six venues were located on university campuses for use by students after the Games. Beijing’s two iconic venues – the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube – have hosted a number of events since the Games, with more in the pipeline, such as the Italian Super Cup and the Chinese National Swimming Championships.

8 August is now Fitness for All Day across China, and 716 schools have opened up their sports facilities to the public since the Games, with more being encouraged to do so to increase athletic activity. A number of former staff of the Beijing 2008 Organising Committee have been recruited to work on the 2010 Asian Games, and many Games experienced workforce members are now employed by the State Sport General Administration, giving China the benefit of a highly experienced sports workforce.

As well as serving the Games, the infrastructure improvements in Beijing have made the city more attractive for business and tourism. Domestic tourism is up significantly since Games time, with the Olympic Green becoming a new tourist destination, as millions of people have visited it since the Games concluded.

The Games of the XXIX Olympiad – Beijing 2008 took place from 8 to 24 August 2008. Approximately 10,500 athletes competed in 28 summer sports. Some 28,000 media relayed the story of the Games to their home audiences around the world.

Relive the Beijing Games here.