GamesBids.com: Rogge Defends Olympic Sports Decision

Rogge Defends Olympic Sports Decision
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GB Staff on Friday, August 14, 2009  11:10am EDT
 
The Guardian reports Jacques Rogge, head of the International Olympic Committee
(IOC), denied Thursday his executive board had been "dazzled" by the biggest
names in sport and the sponsorship and TV money they could attract, as he
defended the process by which golf and rugby sevens made the shortlist for
inclusion in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Rogge said, "this question was raised time and time again with tennis and ice
hockey. Ask (Rafael) Nadal, ask (Roger) Federer, as the NHL players, ask the NBA
players in the dream team, they all want to go to the Games. I'm absolutely not
concerned about that".
Rogge said the IOC had received assurances from the biggest names in golf,
particularly the younger generation, that they would play. But the Guardian
reports it isn't clear that the commercial appeal of the sport - which only
narrowly triumphed over karate in a closer race than many expected after karate
received more votes in the opening round - and of rugby, was a key factor.
Rogge said, "in the end the decision came down to which two would add the most
value. Golf and rugby will be a great addition to the Games. They have global
appeal, a geographically diverse line-up of top iconic athletes, and an ethic
that stresses fair play".
Peter Dawson, R&A chief executive and leader of golf's bid for inclusion in the
Olympics, acknowledged that the star power of the games biggest players was a
factor. He said, "it's the IOC's job to choose sports they think will be best
for the Games. They recognize the star quality of many of golf's players and how
that can add to the Olympics, and how golf being in the Olympics can help us
grow the game".
He added, "it's true to say that golf's major championships have historically
been the pinnacle of success in the game. The players recognize that while
that's true, the Olympics is the pinnacle of sport and they think golf should be
involved. They fancy rubbing shoulders with the leading athletes in other sports
and being involved".
Dawson said the sport "would change enormously" in the coming years once eastern
European and Chinese governments poured funds into it.