French Fete Olympians
It’s been a busy week for CNOSF, the French National Olympic and Sports Committee.
On Tuesday, Denis Masseglia, president of the CNOSF, congratulated French Olympians for their performance in London.
"They gave a great image of themselves, their sport, France and Olympism," he said at a ceremony kicking off the new Olympic cycle at Maison du Sport in Paris, in front of IOC member Guy Drut, sports minister Valerie Fourneyron and other officials. "They made the French proud of our athletes and their identity."
A formal gala for France’s Olympic champions is scheduled for Jan. 17. French Olympians won a total of 34 medals at the Games.
Masseglia also took time on Tuesday to announce he is running for a second term as CNOSF president.
"By renewing your confidence in me you give me the strength and legitimacy needed to build together, bound together with you and other figures in sport, the French sport of tomorrow," he said.
Elections will take place at the Elective General Assembly on May 23.
On Jan. 4, the CNOSF unveiled a special exhibition dedicated to the life of Pierre de Coubertin, marking 150 years since his birth.
The Frenchman founded the modern Olympic Movement.
A statement from the CNOSF says the exhibition, open for January, focuses on the "known and unknown" sides of Coubertin.
POA Warns of "Illegal" Action
The Pakistan Olympic Association says the government’s decision to place the POA under an "ad-hoc" committee could lead to suspension from the IOC.
"We have not yet been officially communicated regarding the action of PSB for placing us under ad-hoc and there is no valid justification for it," POA president Syed Hasan Arif told local media. "PSB cannot take such an action against the national Olympic committee."
He claims the decision was done to change the direction of sports in Pakistan, specifically to give the government greater influence.
"Such an action is against the Olympic movement and charters of IOC and Olympic Council of Asia and we will not accept it as we are the elected body recognized by IOC and OCA."
Arif added he will brief the IOC about the latest development.
Cuban Travel Restrictions Continue
While Cubans enter 2013 with fewer travel restrictions, athletes are in the class that will not see increased liberty.
Lamberto Fraga, a migration official in Cuba, said athletes are part of the "essential" groups who will continue to need special permits to leave the only Communist country in the Americas. Also included in that group are professionals such as engineers and Communist party officials.
"This group of people will be told why they cannot leave the country, and they likely understand that they are essential, which should keep them from going to seek a passport, unless they have authorization," Fraga said.
Cuban athletes are known for defecting while traveling abroad. Under the Communist system, there is no professional sport system on the island.
Written by Ed Hula III.
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