"Fruitful" Pakistan Meeting
The IOC tells Around the Rings a Monday meeting with the Pakistan Olympic Association proved "fruitful".
At issue is a reported case of political interference.
Pakistani law says no sports official can serve more than two terms as president of a sport federation, and the Pakistan Sports Board insisted the POA follow these guidelines. The Olympic Charter prohibits such interference from governmental authorities.
"During this meeting, the IOC insisted that the autonomy of the Olympic and sports movements in Pakistan needed to be respected in accordance with the Olympic Charter and asked the different parties to resolve the current issues before the London Games," a spokesperson for the IOC tells ATR.
"The IOC’s position will now be relayed to the Pakistani sports authorities with the hope that a solution between the sports movement and the government authorities can be found in due course."
Should the two sides ultimately fail to reach a conclusion, the IOC could suspend Pakistan from the Olympic Movement.
Tokyo Plans for Sustainable Games
Tokyo 2020 marks World Environment Day with a focus on sustainable sports facilities in preparation for the Olympic Games.
According to bid leaders, all venues and facilities being built or renovated for 2020 would be CASBEE certified.
The Japanese equivalent of LEED certification in the U.S., the energy-efficient building standards would require the use of natural energy, renewable resources and recycled construction materials.
"World Environment Day gives all of us a good reason to again think about the importance of respecting today’s environment for the sake of tomorrow," Tokyo 2020 CEO Masato Mizuno said Tuesday, the 40th anniversary of World Environment Day.
"Public events large and small must be designed for minimum impact on the environment, and the Olympic Games are no exception.The Tokyo 2020 plan minimises the Games' environmental impact in all facets, including building materials, waste reduction, smart water use and more."
China Olympic Mini
A special Olympic Mini automobile will be for sale in China.
China Mini unveiled images of the hatchback this week. The car is expected for sale in July.
The model sports gold stripes on the roof to resemble an athletics track and a numbered "Mini China Olympic Special Edition" badge on the grill.
Beach Volleyball Qualification
Argentina and Venezuela are bound for the beach volleyball competition at London 2012.
Following the South America Continental Cup for men in Argentina and for women in Venezuela, the countries became the third and fourth to qualify for the Olympic tournaments.
The two teams join Mauritius and South Africa, the winners of the Africa Continental Cup.
The Asia Continental Cup will take place from June 20 to 24; the North, Central America and Caribbean Continental Cup will run June 21 to 23; and the Europe Continental Cup will follow June 22 to 24.
The second- and third-place teams in each tournament will move on to the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Cup Olympic Qualifications tournament to be held from June 27 to July 1. The champions and vice-champions of this competition will complete the Olympic line-up.
Table Tennis Rankings
Zhang Jike is the world’s latest top-ranked table tennis player.
Zhang overtook former world champion Ma Long in the men’s world rankings after his performance in the GAC Group 2012 ITTF World Tour.
The top five male table tennis players are all from China.
On the women’s side, Ding Ning maintains her spot at No. 1.
To view the full rankings, click here.
YOG Sailing Equipment
The International Sailing Federation has made clear its equipment selection for the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games.
The Techno 293 windsurfer and the Byte CII dinghy will be used for the four sailing events at the YOG.
"The Byte CII and the Techno 293 are fantastic choices," ISAF Head of Competitions Alastair Fox said in a statement. "The equipment is modern, visually exciting and extremely well suited for the 15/16 age category for the sailing events."
Both pieces of equipment were also used at Singapore 2010.
Sport Betting Statistics
Integrity statistics released by the European Sports Security Association reveal eight referrals of suspicious betting patterns in 2011.
According to ESSA, this low figure illustrates "the value of the sophisticated detection, deterrent and risk assessment protocols" currently in place.
"Put simply, corrupters are steering clear of ESSA's well-regulated and vigilant sports betting operators; our detection systems are too effective," ESSA Secretary General Khalid Ali said in a statement.
Canadian Block Party
The Canadian Olympic Committee hopes a block party will get Canadians into the Olympic spirit.
On Monday, the COC announced a "sidewalk celebration" in Toronto will be held on June 28 to honor the country’s Olympic team.
Canadian group Hedley are the headline act for the event taking place at Maple Leaf Square.
U.S. Olympic Survival Straps
Survival Straps is the newest official licensee of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams through 2016.
The company will provide each athlete officially licensed Team USA Survival Strap bracelets and gear tags for their equipment bags.
Written by Ed Hula III and Hannah Reid.
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