12 replies to this topic

[Apple]

Canada has a close relationship with Cuba. I think Canada is Cuba biggest trading partner. Also I think Cuba is Canada’s #1 Caribbean island destination.

[Stu]

Although the US is undoubtedly one of the most important countries involved in the Olympic movement and certainly the most important when it comes to sponsorship and television rights, these factors should not give them an instant guarantee of securing an Olympics on home soil.  I'm sure even Americans would prefer their cities to win due to the quality of their bid books and presentations rather than be patronised by being awarded the games anyway (although I'm sure this happens).

As for the sponsor money - the main sponsors are all multinationals who wouldn't care where the Games were held as they have a market for their products in almost every nation.  And as for television rights Dick Embersol has already said that what American viewers want are instantly identifiable landmarks and a passionate home crowd to fill venues, NBC doesn't mind recording events and showing them at primetime.

That said, it would be a shame for New York to miss out as I think Dick Pound may have a point.  Who wants a return to the boycotted Games of the '70's and '80's?

[Guardian]

roltel, on Dec. 17 2005,14:19, said:

Personally I'm a fan of Dick Pound _ he might be a grumpy bugger, but he never fails to speak his mind, call it like it is, and he really does seem to care aboutthe Olympics and its future. It's a pity he didn't beat the all-too-nice-guy Rogge to the presidency.

As to Cuba _ well, the IOC has always made the point that it does no let politics sway it. If the likes of Nazi Germany, the USSR and China can host, and Havana can bid you can't stop it competing.

Not only he lost the IOC presidency to Rogge, he came in third to that corrupt and disgraced former IOC VICE-president Kim, too. Just imagine if Kim was the IOC president and got sent to jail for his past deeds?  :help:

Rogge gave a diplomatic answer to that, when he gave CBC's Brian Williams an interview at the IOC's HQ before the 2002 SLC Games. Besides, do you think Pound is a good candidate for IOC President now?

[Guardian]

More news about Pound here, compliments of what is going on at Torino 2006. Makes me wonder if Canada is going to be in the IOC, come Vancouver 2010.

[Guardian]

roltel, on Feb. 27 2006,01:38, said:

She would only be there for an eight-year term thopugh, wouldn't she. Hard to make much headway in moving up the ranks in that time. Then again, it's certainly a good opportunity for her to prove her worth as a sports administratator and perhaps make her IOC seat permanent in later years.

I think it is the case. However, she could be the only IOC member from Canada, if Pound does quit in the near future. Remember, if I remember correctly, only that Brazilian and Hodler is immune from leaving the IOC involuntarily because of when they were admitted into it by IOC degree from Samaranch. That means that even Pound cannot stay in the IOC for long because of age.

[Guardian]

roltel, on Feb. 27 2006,01:50, said:

Guardian, on Feb. 27 2006,19:45, said:

if I remember correctly, only that Brazilian and Hodler is immune from leaving the IOC involuntarily because of when they were admitted into it by IOC degree from Samaranch.

Don't forget His Excellency, the wily old falangist, is also an honorary president for life as well!

Which will have questions in some of us in whether he "requested" it in the first place.

[Michelle]

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dick Pound said the U.S.’s decision to prevent Cuba from playing in next year’s inaugural World Baseball Classic could damage future U.S. bids for the Olympic Games.

The U.S. Treasury Department denied a request by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association for a permit to allow Cuba to send a team.

Pound said, “it’s for baseball to decide, but if they didn’t make a stand on something like that, then they will have big problems down the road”.

He said if the decision was not reversed “it would completely scupper any bid” by the United States for the Summer or Winter Olympic Games.

Is the guy an idiot or what? The IOC needs the U.S., more than the U.S. needs the Olympic Games. Using words like "completely scupper any bid" are outrageous. This was an internal matter, which didn't need Pounds input. Good on the U.S. for sticking by its guns, and not allowing this corrupt island send a team to the U.S.

[Rols O'Bertilsson]

Personally I'm a fan of Dick Pound _ he might be a grumpy bugger, but he never fails to speak his mind, call it like it is, and he really does seem to care aboutthe Olympics and its future. It's a pity he didn't beat the all-too-nice-guy Rogge to the presidency.

As to Cuba _ well, the IOC has always made the point that it does no let politics sway it. If the likes of Nazi Germany, the USSR and China can host, and Havana can bid you can't stop it competing.

[Guardian]

Stu, on Dec. 17 2005,15:58, said:

Although the US is undoubtedly one of the most important countries involved in the Olympic movement and certainly the most important when it comes to sponsorship and television rights, these factors should not give them an instant guarantee of securing an Olympics on home soil.  I'm sure even Americans would prefer their cities to win due to the quality of their bid books and presentations rather than be patronised by being awarded the games anyway (although I'm sure this happens).

As for the sponsor money - the main sponsors are all multinationals who wouldn't care where the Games were held as they have a market for their products in almost every nation.  And as for television rights Dick Embersol has already said that what American viewers want are instantly identifiable landmarks and a passionate home crowd to fill venues, NBC doesn't mind recording events and showing them at primetime.

That said, it would be a shame for New York to miss out as I think Dick Pound may have a point.  Who wants a return to the boycotted Games of the '70's and '80's?

Speaking of TV deals, without the legacy of LA '84 and Pound's place in marketing the Olympic Games back then, the Olympic Games wouldn't be where it is now.

Of course, I don't know about how his performance recently at WADA, with that Italian issue making him a bit of a laughing stock.

[Guardian]

For the topic at hand, it seems that Canada needs not only more IOC members, but good ones, too. It is very odd that Canada is about to host its third Olympic Games come 2010 and it has only Pound here NOW. There is Beckie Scott that is a candidate for IOC membership, but with the likes of Hackl and Kostelic (as examples), her chances are slim. Worst of all, I hear rumors that Pound may call it quits soon. This is not turning well for the country that's for sure in this regard. I don't like the idea of this scenario being added to Canada's past history of the Olympic Movement and it has enough of its share of it as it is now.