Concerns over Youth Olympics
27/04/2007 |
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Jacques Rogge may face opposition to his plans to introduce a Youth Olympics in 2010. The initiative by the president of the International Olympic Committee has led to disquiet in Olympic circles, with some influential figures privately questioning whether the idea will dilute the value of the Olympic brand, the most recognisable and valuable in sport.
Coming only two years before London hosts the 2012 summer Games, and within months of the Vancouver winter Olympics, there is concern that the extra event may lead to Olympic fatigue among audiences. Some are also voicing concerns that because the IOC executive board will choose the venue it could lead to a dilution of the power of ordinary IOC members. Rogge believes the event, based on the model of the European Youth Games and featuring athletes aged between 14 and 18, will help re-engage the young audience that appears to be losing interest in Olympic sports.
The average age of track-and-field viewers is over 40 and the Olympic movement is acutely aware of the need to reinvigorate the audience.
The full membership of the IOC will debate the issue at its congress in Guatemala in July but it remains to be seen whether the disquiet will translate itself into a motion to oppose the president's plan, which is being seen as part of his legacy to the movement.
Torch will not lighten Sino-Taiwanese relations
The Beijing Olympic torch relay sparked predictable controversy last night when Taiwan rejected an invitation to be on the route. The Chinese island is seeking recognition as an independent state and objected because according to the announced route the torch would leave its shores directly to China, specifically to Hong Kong. London has no such reservations and the torch will arrive on April 6 next year.
Share and share alike
The United States Olympic Committee is under fire from sporting federations demanding it receive a smaller slice of TV revenues. USOC has historically received a larger cut of IOC income than other national Olympic committees - it receives 20% of marketing revenues and 12.75% of TV income. The sports federations which believe they are being denied income by the US deal raised the issue this week and their concerns have been passed to Jacques Rogge.
Advertising break
Sir Martin Sorrell, head of the advertising group WPP, made a speech at Sport Accord yesterday and left with an IOC contract in his back pocket. The address, about sponsorship, rights and broadcasting, went down well and later in the day his company, United, picked up the account for the Olympic movement's latest marketing campaign.
(Source: Guardian.co.uk)
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