KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA The true appellation of Apu.

Nine candidates vying for slots in IOC Athletes’ Commission

16/12/2013

In less than two months’ time, the Olympic Villages for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games will officially open to welcome athletes from all corners of the world. This will also mark the starting point for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission elections. From 30 January to 19 February 2014, all athletes participating in the Sochi Games are encouraged to have their say in selecting two of their peers as representatives on the IOC Athletes’ Commission. 

Each athlete will be asked to vote for two candidates from two different sports, to ensure varied representation from the Olympic sports programme. There are nine candidates in total, and all of them either participated in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games or will be taking part in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Voting locations will be in the “IOC Spaces” situated in the dining halls of each of the three Olympic Villages (Coastal, Mountain and Endurance).

You can find the Election Manual featuring all nine candidates here.

The results of the vote will be announced on 20 February 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Media Centre in the Coastal Olympic Village in Sochi. The two elected athletes will then be proposed to the IOC Session for IOC membership.

The IOC Athletes’ Commission is currently composed of 22 members, who are past or active Olympians. They are the voice of the athletes within the Olympic Movement and are defending their interests. As the link between the athletes and the IOC, the Commission members are involved in many IOC key activities, such as the process to evaluate candidate cities seeking to host the Olympic Games, the composition of the sports programme for the Games and the fight against doping. The Athletes’ Commission also oversees the IOC Athlete Career Programme, established in 2005, to facilitate education as well as job opportunities for athletes during and after their sporting career. The Commission’s chairperson, a position currently held by Claudia Bokel, also sits on the IOC Executive Board.

Follow updates on the IOC Athletes’ Commission elections here

KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA The true appellation of Apu.

Executive Board meets to discuss Olympic Agenda 2020

14/12/2013

The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) concluded a four-day brainstorming seminar today in Montreux, Switzerland, where discussions were led by IOC President Thomas Bach and centred on key issues pertinent to the future of the Olympic Movement.

The ideas generated at the meeting will form the basis of the Olympic Agenda 2020, a roadmap for the Olympic Movement under Thomas Bach’s presidency that is expected to be finalised by the end of 2014.  The ideas and proposals generated will be discussed by the full Session of the IOC in Sochi, and those selected will then be taken forward in working groups, which will present concrete proposals later in the year.

The seminar was the start of a dialogue promised by the President during his campaign for election, and focused on the themes outlined in his electoral programme in addition to the ideas and comments of the five other presidential candidates, with whom President Bach held separate discussions in September and October. Ideas also came from other IOC members and the broader Olympic family.
Discussions centred on five main themes: The Uniqueness of the Games; Athletes at the Heart of the Olympic Movement; Olympism in Action; The IOC’s Role; and The Structure and Organisation of the IOC. The outcomes will form part of a wider debate at the Session in Sochi, but the successful discussions have already led to a number of decisions indicating the broad agreement on the future strategic direction. The decisions included:
Protecting Clean Athletes
· To fund new research into anti-doping, in particular into new techniques for the detection of prohibited substances and methods, with an initial budget of USD 10 million. The IOC invites world governments represented in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to match this amount.
· An increase in support to protect clean athletes from any manipulation or related corruption was also approved.  The Executive Board created a fund of USD 10 million. It also approved the setting up of an Olympic Movement monitoring tool to collate alerts and information on manipulation through betting.  The “Integrity Betting, Intelligence System” (IBIS) will collate and distribute intelligence and research from International Federations. It was also announced that the IOC would sign a memorandum of understanding with Interpol at the beginning of next year.
Sustainability
· The Executive Board discussed issues with regard to the sustainability of the Olympic Games from the bidding procedure to the Programme of the Games, Games Management and finally the Legacy of the Games. These issues will be further addressed at the Session in Sochi and subsequent working groups.  But the Executive Board already took two decisions in this respect.
1. Establishing a working group on cost management for the Olympic Games to facilitate further discussions
2. To encourage the cities with bids already underway for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games to make the broadest possible use of temporary and/or dismountable facilities.
Youth Olympic Games
· Some new sports and disciplines not currently on the Olympic Programme will be showcased at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games in 2014. (Sport Climbing, Roller Sports and Skateboarding as well as Wushu which was already planned)
Olympic TV Channel
· The Executive Board agreed to a feasibility study for an Olympic TV Channel  by  OBS
IOC Membership
· Regulations of the Nominations Commission will be changed with a view to have more transparency in the candidacy of  IOC Members
Following the 126th IOC Session in Sochi, working groups including representatives of stakeholders will be established to translate the discussion into concrete recommendations.  This Olympic Agenda 2020 will then be presented for final approval to an IOC Extraordinary Session to be held on 6 and 7 December 2014 in Monaco.

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For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team:
Tel: +41 21 621 6000 email: pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit our website at www.olympic.org.
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For an extensive selection of photos available shortly after each event, please follow us on Flickr.
To request archive photos and footage, please contact our Images team at: images@olympic.org.
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KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA The true appellation of Apu.

Sochi launches Official Spectator Guide

©Sochi 2014

13/12/2013

With 56 days to go until the start of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee has released its Official Spectator Guide for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games.

The guide, which is available at www.sochi2014.com/games/spectator/ and as a mobile app, will give fans access to a wealth of information about the Sochi Games including the official competition schedule, and practical advice about attending the Games this February.

As well as being an indispensable companion to those already attending the Games, the guide will also be of use to those that are still planning their trip of a lifetime to see the world’s best winter athletes compete in Russia’s first ever Olympic Winter Games. It will allow fans to plan their day and see if they can, for example, watch the downhill in the morning, figure skating in the evening, and still be able to experience the unique spirit of Russian hospitality during the day or take in a cultural Olympiad performance.

The Spectator Guide, which will be updated regularly between now and Games time, comprises six distinct sections.

The first section, ‘Sochi 2014 Games’, offers interesting facts about the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, in addition to a schedule of all Olympic events and details on how to travel to the Games. It has also been announced that a simplified visa process will be in place for those visiting the Sochi Games this February.

The ‘Competition Tickets’ section offers separate advice for Russian and international visitors on where to purchase tickets and get their Spectator Pass, while the ‘Transportation’ section gives recommendations on transport provision for spectators during Games time that will run between the sports venues and main districts of Sochi. Transport for spectators will include a network of railway and bus routes, as well as cable cars. Transport will be free for spectators who have a valid ticket for a competition on that day.

Visitors can use the ‘Venues’ section of the guide to find maps detailing the locations of the Coastal and Mountain cluster Olympic venues, as well as a map of the Olympic Park. Approximate journey times to the Olympic stadiums, services available at the venues and information on security check procedures can also be found within this section.

Elsewhere, the ‘Atmosphere’ section lists details about the Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as the medal, award and flower ceremonies. This section also includes information and updates on the Sochi 2014 Cultural Olympiad and the Live Sites – huge screens and stages where people will be able to watch the Games.

The final section, ‘Around the Games’, contains information on Sochi 2014 Ambassadors, on the Olympic Torch Relay and on the Sochi 2014 volunteers. It also outlines where official Sochi 2014 licensed merchandise can be purchased.

Information on tickets for Sochi 2014 is available here http://www.olympic.org/news/sochi-2014-olympic-winter-games-tickets/190291

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KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA The true appellation of Apu.

YOG News

Jury comes together across the world to select winner of Medal Design Competition

12/12/2013

In the true international spirit of the Youth Olympic Games, jury members for the Nanjing 2014 Medal Design Competition were brought together from all corners of the world to select the winner and runners-up yesterday.

Over 300 people entered the competition from over 50 countries and the standard was absolutely YOG-tastic, making it difficult for the panel to choose the design that would become the medal awarded at the second Youth Olympic Games, to be held in China next August.

The youngest panel member, Aurélie Chaboudez, who won gold in the 400m hurdles at the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010, travelled from France to the home of the International Olympic Committee, in Lausanne, Switzerland, to be part of the jury process, where the IOC’s Olympic Games Executive Director, Gilbert Felli, and the Chair of the IOC’s Athletes Commission and Olympic fencing silver medallist, Claudia Bokel, also gathered to deliberate.

On the other side of the world, China’s first Winter Olympic champion, Yang Yang, joined the discussion via conference call from Shanghai, while the renowned designer  of the London 2012 Olympic cauldron, Thomas Heatherwick, dialled in from his studio in London and Youth Olympic Games Ambassador and Olympic pole vaulting gold medallist Yelena Isinbaeva called from Moscow.

Speaking about the jury process, Aurélie, 19, said: “As somebody who knows how incredible it feels to have a Youth Olympic Games medal around your neck, it was fantastic to give something back to the YOG by being involved in this competition. It has been amazing to see how strong the YOG spirit is with people from all over the world and the standard of entries was over and above my expectations. I’m sure the athletes at Nanjing 2014 will be honoured to receive the medal we have selected here today.”

Watch this space for the announcement of the winner and the two runners-up. If you have entered, good luck and don’t forget to go and check out the full gallery here: www.medaldesigncompeition.com

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Nobel Prize Award Ceremony 2013

Nobel Prize Award Ceremony 2013

KALYAN KUMAR MAHATAThe true appellation of Apu.

KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA The true appellation of Apu.

First IOC Executive Board meeting under President Bach

©IOC/Ian Jones

10/12/2013

The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) convened today in Lausanne for its final meeting of 2013 and the first led by President Thomas Bach since his election in September. 

59 days to go to Sochi 2014With just 59 days to go until the start of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, the President and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee, Dmitry Chernyshenko, updated the EB by video conference on the state of readiness of the Sochi Games and the thorough preparations that the Committee is undertaking to ensure that they are ready to welcome the world and the best winter athletes next February.
He provided a review of transport, workforce, accommodation and the Sochi 2014 anti-doping laboratory, and the EB was able to impress on him the challenges that they will face in the final two months.
The Executive Board also received news that, after discussions with the Organising Committee, the authorities plan to set up a protest zone in the city of Sochi.
Speaking after the meeting, President Bach welcomed the development and the fact that people will now have an opportunity to express their views and freely demonstrate their opinions in Sochi.
In the context of the Sochi Games, the Executive Board also discussed rules 40 and 50 of the Olympic Charter and the information that will be made available to athletes and National Olympic Committees about how those rules will be implemented. As with previous Games where similar guidelines were produced, the EB noted that the rules are put in place to protect athletes and the special atmosphere of the Olympic Village and venues.     
Rio UpdateDuring a presentation by the Rio 2016 Organising Committee, the EB noted the progress since the last update in Buenos Aires. But at the same time, the IOC President noted that “it is clear that there is not another day to lose. The clock is ticking and close cooperation with all levels of government is vital.”
With that in mind, the President said he was looking forward to meeting Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to ensure close cooperation, as well as Rio Governor Sergio Cabral and Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes, before the Sochi Games. He also underlined the IOC’s continuing commitment to the success of the Games.
It was also announced that the IOC Olympic Games Executive Director, Gilbert Felli, would concentrate on Rio preparations and spend more time in the city after the Sochi Games.  Even after retirement, he will continue to work closely with the Rio Organising Committee to ensure close cooperation with all levels of government. 
NOC of India amends relevant clause in its constitution
The EB also heard an update on the situation of the NOC of India. On Sunday, the currently suspended NOC of India agreed to amend a clause in its constitution as requested by the IOC to meet the basic standards for ethics, good governance and integrity. The EB welcomed these latest positive developments, which pave the way for the IOC to approve the new NOC constitution and for the NOC to hold its elections as soon as possible. Should the NOC not be able to complete the remaining steps of the agreed roadmap by the start of the Sochi Games in February, the EB decided that any Indian athlete that qualifies to compete at Sochi 2014 would be allowed to compete as an independent Olympic participant under the Olympic flag. The Executive Board also made it clear that, in this event, no Indian flags or symbols would be used at the Games. 
Ethics CommissionThe EB heard a report on IOC member in South Korea Dae Sung Moon, whose doctorate is alleged to contain elements of plagiarism. More than a year and a half has elapsed since the investigation started in April 2012, and in the absence of a decision by the university responsible, the members of the Ethics Commission considered it impossible to leave the file open and recommended to close the case. If new elements emerge, however, the case could be reconsidered. 
Architecture – Consolidation of the IOC Headquarters in LausanneThe Executive Board looked at three projects to consolidate and renovate the headquarters of the IOC in Lausanne. The plan is to try to regroup the staff of the IOC, who are currently spread throughout Lausanne at a number of sites. The EB was impressed and inspired by the three projects it saw and will now follow up with experts to develop the three projects in the near future.
Joint meeting with ANOCThe day began with a joint meeting between the EB and the Executive Council of the Association of the National Olympic Committees (ANOC). President Bach called for a minute of silence to coincide with the memorial service for Nelson Mandela in South Africa, saying: “While we have assembled here, the world is gathering in Johannesburg to honour Mr Mandela. President Mandela was a hero of humanity and a great friend of the Olympic Movement.” 
During the meeting with the ANOC representatives, President Bach encouraged the National Olympic Committees to actively participate in the ongoing dialogue regarding the future of the Olympic Movement, called the Olympic Agenda 2020. He said: “I count on the active participation of all Olympic Movement stakeholders in this process as a joint approach will be crucial for making the Olympic Agenda 2020 a reality and a success.” 
Inauguration of the renovated Olympic MuseumThe official inauguration of the newly renovated Olympic Museum is scheduled to take place later today. During the inauguration, a handover ceremony will be held during which IOC Honorary President Jacques Rogge will present the keys to the IOC headquarters to President Bach.
Olympic Agenda 2020From 11 to 14 December 2013, the EB will meet to discuss the Olympic Agenda 2020. Ideas developed will be proposed for general debate at the IOC Session ahead of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games.

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For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team:
Tel: +41 21 621 6000 email: pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit our website at www.olympic.org.
VideosYouTube: www.youtube.com/iocmedia
PhotosFor an extensive selection of photos available shortly after each event, please follow us on Flickr.
To request archive photos and footage, please contact our Images team at: images@olympic.org.
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KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA The true appellation of Apu.

IOC President Bach receives keys to the IOC at the inauguration of the new Olympic Museum

©IOC/Ian Jones

10/12/2013

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach officially received the keys to the IOC from Honorary President Jacques Rogge today during a handover ceremony in the newly renovated Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

Attending the ceremony were IOC Executive Board members, representatives of the Canton of Vaud and the City of Lausanne and some 200 guests.
Accepting the keys, President Bach thanked Honorary President Rogge by saying:  “Many thanks for this symbolic act of handing over the key, which is now a traditional part of IOC history. We both know very well that this handover includes the challenge of taking on the huge demands and responsibility of this office.”
He added: “You have left the Olympic Movement a solid foundation and you have every reason to be proud of your great achievement, which has benefited sport worldwide. Here, this evening, we would like to express to you our gratitude, recognition and respect.”
The handover ceremony preceded the formal inauguration of The Olympic Museum, which will officially reopen its doors to the public on 21 December after 23 months of work.
President Bach officially cut the ribbon before touring the new exhibitions. Led by the Director of the Olympic Museum, Francis Gabet, the guests were treated to an entirely revamped Museum integrating the latest technological innovations and a new museographic-themed approach.

Visitors from around the world will also soon be able to dive into the history, legacy, dreams, challenges and values that have contributed to making the Olympic Movement what it is today. They will start their experience in the Olympic Park, which has been entirely redesigned, before entering an exhibition area that has almost doubled in size to 3,000m2 with permanent exhibitions now spanning three levels.
After the visit, President Bach shared his first impressions: “The Olympic world is at the same time traditional and ultramodern. This Museum manages to convey that combination in an exciting and innovative way, and thereby reach young and old alike. If there is one place outside the Olympic Games where the Olympic spirit can be felt to the same degree, it is this entirely redesigned Museum, here.”
President Bach concluded: “Genuine Olympic moments are recorded here. They are presented in a wonderfully fresh and stirring way, so that we can all feel the fascination of this great idea. This Museum is a very special kind of Olympic adventure park, which records and conveys the uniqueness of the Games.”



The public can visit The Museum free of charge from 21 December 2013 until 23 January 2014. The Olympic Museum in Lausanne was first inaugurated on 23 June 1993. It has welcomed more than three million visitors in just under 20 years of existence and has produced more than 200 temporary exhibitions, including some 50 exhibitions outside its walls. Its mission is to explain and share the Olympic idea beyond the celebration of the Games, and to promote and highlight Olympism’s contribution to the society of yesterday, today and tomorrow. To accomplish this, it uses the stories of all those – champions, participants, officials, creators, artists, architects and volunteers – who come together to stage, every two years, the greatest event of our time.

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For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team:
Tel: +41 21 621 6000 email: pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit our website at www.olympic.org.
Videos
YouTube: www.youtube.com/iocmedia
Photos
For an extensive selection of photos available shortly after each event, please follow us on Flickr.
To request archive photos and footage, please contact our Images team at: images@olympic.org.
Social media
For up-to-the-minute information on the IOC and regular updates, please follow us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

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