London is Ready to Welcome the World

International Olympic Committee Confirms London is Ready to Welcome the World

The International Olympic Committee's (IOC's) Coordination Commission today concluded its tenth and final visit to London with the message that the 2012 Host City is ready to welcome the world’s best athletes and Olympic and Paralympic fans this summer.

(PRWEB) March 30, 2012

The International Olympic Committee's (IOC's) Coordination Commission today concluded its tenth and final visit to London with the message that the 2012 Host City is ready to welcome the world’s best athletes and Olympic and Paralympic fans this summer.

Chairman of the IOC’s Coordination Commission Denis Oswald said: ‘With only 119 days to go until the Games begin, London is ready to welcome the world this summer.

'London presented us with a strong vision in Singapore seven years ago and, while many details will need to be finalised between now and 27 July, they are well on track to deliver an outstanding event.’

Thirty-one sport test events have already been successfully staged in London 2012 venues and a range of cultural, educational and sports programmes are bringing the Olympic spirit to the whole of the UK.

London 2012 also told the Coordination Commission that Londoners were gearing-up for the Games by starting to adapt their travel habits and determining the best routes and times to attend the events this summer. Restaurants, shops, airports, government agencies and others are also giving their support to the Games by adjusting their operations to help the UK deliver its best to the world.

Training for volunteers is also in full swing, while educational and Local Leaders programmes are informing the public and encouraging them to get involved with the Games.

Denis Oswald said: ‘You can really sense the growing excitement for the Games.

‘This will no doubt be a summer like no other for London and Great Britain but with the support of Londoners and the British population, London 2012 will surely be a memorable event for the athletes and the fans. The world expects a lot from London but we know you’re ready and we know you’ll deliver.'

LOCOG Chair Sebastian Coe said: 'We are obviously delighted with the IOC verdict that we are on track to deliver a great Games and welcome the world in 17 weeks time. We couldn't have a better or more committed team of people, not just at LOCOG but all over the UK, delivering on the promises we made when we bid for the Games.'

For further information, please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/3/prweb9352713.htm

London Olympics : First Olympic Torchbearer

First Olympic Torchbearer for Greek Leg of Relay Revealed

The Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) has announced details of the Greek leg of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, including confirmation of the very first Torchbearer.

(PRWEB) March 27, 2012

The Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) has announced details of the Greek leg of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, including confirmation of the very first Torchbearer.

Running from 10–17 May, the 3,000km Relay will see the Olympic Flame pass through 34 cities and be carried by 500 people.

HOC has announced that Greece's British-born 10kmswimming world champion Spyros Gianniotis will have the honour of being the very first Torchbearer.

Expected to be a major contender for a medal at London 2012, Gianniotis has declared that 'swimming in London will be like swimming at home'.

Relay route

On 10 May, a ceremony will be held at the Temple of Hera in Ancient Olympia, where the Flame will be lit using the sun's rays. It will then begin its journey across Greece, travelling to the island of Crete before going to Piraeus, Thessalonica, Xanthi and Larissa among many other communities.

The Flame will arrive in the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens – site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 – on 17 May, where the Flame will be given to the London 2012 delegation.

When the Olympic Flame arrives in the UK on 18 May, it will travel on a 70-day journey around the country on its way to the Opening Ceremony of London 2012 on 27 July.

Find out more about the Olympic Torch Relay

For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/3/prweb9336534.htm

Olympic Highlights of the Week

IOC Announces Olympic Highlights of the Week

On Thursday in Lausanne, the IOC held a highly constructive meeting with the NOC of Saudi Arabia. The two organisations discussed the potential participation of Saudi women in the London 2012 Olympic Games and Saudi Arabia’s traditions and culture.

(PRWEB) March 23, 2012

IOC ACTIVITIES
On Thursday in Lausanne, the IOC held a highly constructive meeting with the NOC of Saudi Arabia. The two organisations discussed the potential participation of Saudi women in the London 2012 Olympic Games and Saudi Arabia’s traditions and culture. A list of potential female athletes for the Games was presented. This list will be studied by the IOC, in cooperation with the IFs concerned, to assess the level of each athlete. Following this meeting, the IOC is confident that Saudi Arabia is working to include female athletes and officials at the London Olympic Games, in accordance with the rules of the IFs.

MEMBERS
Sheik Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah has been appointed interim President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) following the resignation of Mario Vázquez Raña. He is currently ANOC Vice-President for Asia and President of the Olympic Council of Asia.

COMMISSIONS
The Coordination Commission for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games paid its first visit to the South Korean host city from 20 to 22 March. Led by Commission Chairperson Gunilla Lindberg, the Commission members met members of the PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee and representatives of the national government and local authorities.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS
SUMMER IFS
The International Cycling Union (UCI), whose President is IOC member Pat McQuaid, has sent 44 boxes of clothes to the IOC for its “Giving is Winning” campaign. The clothes will be sent to refugee camps across the world. This worldwide solidarity campaign was established by the IOC in partnership with the United Nations Refugee Agency (HCR) and the Organising Committee for the London 2012 Games (LOCOG).

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has announced that the Egyptian rhythmic gymnastics group has received an IOC Women and Sport diploma (achievement category) in recognition of its important contribution to promoting the development of women’s and young girls’ participation in sport. This group won the silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010, a first in the history of the country and gymnastics. In addition, the FIG Executive Committee has decided to add a new category to its distinctions, the “Gymnastic Order”, inspired by the IOC’s Olympic Order, which will be awarded to deserving members.

The 2012 series of the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM)’s World Cup has kicked off with the first two competitions in Charlotte (USA) and Rio De Janeiro (Brazil), held the past fortnight. The athletes participating had the opportunity to earn world ranking points which can land them a qualification place for the London 2012 Games. In Rio, the competition was held at the Deodoro Sports Complex, which will host the modern pentathlon event at the Rio Games in 2016.

NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES
A “British culture and basic English” workshop held in Medellin last week brought together some 50 athletes and coaches who are preparing both in terms of sport and culture to take part in the London Games. Also present were Gustavo Villegas, a member of the Colombian NOC Executive Committee, and Jeremy Browne, British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister (responsible for Latin America and the Olympic Games). This was the third meeting of its type, jointly organised by the Colombian NOC, the Colombian Paralympic Committee and the British Embassy in Colombia.

The Ecuadorian NOC has rewarded the winners of the 2012 IOC Art and Sport Contest at national level. The first prize was awarded to Juan Carlos Fernández, who produced “Inclusión” and will represent Ecuador in the international phase of the contest. Jimmy Lara Gutiérrez received second prize for his work, “Obras Entrelazadas”. An honourable mention was awarded to Diana Ponce Moreira for her sculpture, “Solidaridad”. The ceremony was preceded by a minute’s silence for Jorge Swett Palomeque, Chairman of the NOC’s Culture and Sport Commission, who died several weeks ago.

British Olympic Association (BOA) Chairman Colin Moynihan led an international delegation of Olympic and government representatives at a ceremony commemorating the first British Olympic champion, Launceston Elliot, held at the Fawkner Cemetery in Melbourne (Australia) on 18 March. A commemorative headstone was unveiled in homage to this gold medallist at the first Games of the modern era in Athens in 1896, in the presence of his granddaughter, Ann Elliot Smith; his great grandson, Ian Smith; British Minister for Sport and the Olympics Hugh Robertson; Australian Sports Minister Kate Lundy; and Australian NOC Secretary General Craig Phillips.

The Guatemalan NOC has informed us that the first 2012 promotion module of the Executive Masters in Sport Organisations Management (MEMOS) has recently been organised in Panajachel, Atitlán, Sololá. This module brought together 36 participants, sports managers, athletes and NOC staff. The course was led by NOC President Sergio Arnoldo Camargo Muralles.

On 18 March, Olympians, including Olympic swimming champion Ai Shibata, were joined by world-famous Pokémon character Pikachu at an “Olympic Day Festa” organised by the Japanese NOC for children in the Tohoku region, northeast Japan, which was affected by the earthquake in March 2011. This event, which was held in Kurihara, in the Miyagi prefecture, was one of the NOC events that will take place up to 2013 and which are sponsored by the joint IOC/Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) “Tsubasa” support project. Since the creation of the “Ganbare Nippon” (“Hang in there, Japan”) project last year, the NOC has sent many athletes to take part in these events and others organised in the areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami last year.

The Malaysian NOC has announced the death of Puan Latifah Yacob, former Honorary Assistant Secretary General of the NOC, on 16 March at the age of 62. Puan Latifah Yacob represented the state of Johor in athletics, badminton, hockey and netball. She had held the positions of Honorary Secretary of the Malaysian Fencing Federation; Deputy Chef de Mission at the Asian and South Asian Games, and member of the secretariat in Malaysia’s Olympic delegation for the Athens 2004 Games. Furthermore, at the 12th Conference of the NOC, held on 10 March, Leigh Robinson presented two papers: the first on “An Overview of the Malaysian Sports Industry”, and the second on “Developing the Capacity of National Sports Associations”.

The President of the Seychelles NOC, Antonio Gopal, has awarded the IOC Sport and Social Responsibility Trophy to Vijay Patel, in recognition of his long-standing contribution to local sport and social development. The NOC’s Secretary General and Executive Committee member, Alain Alcindor and Donald Celestine respectively, were also present at this ceremony. In addition, as part of the 2012 IOC Art and Sport Contest, whose theme is “Sport and the Olympic Values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect”, the NOC conducted the competition locally with the National Arts Council. Fifteen entries were received in the painting category, and two in the sculpture category. The prize-giving was organised recently at Olympic House in Roche Caïman, in the presence of the NOC President, among others. The artist Agricole received the first prize for his painting, “Under the Sun”.

ORGANISING COMMITTEES FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES
LONDON 2012
The Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London (LOCOG) has named over 7,300 inspiring people who will carry the Olympic flame this summer in the Relay that kicks off on 19 May. The exact route has also been revealed with a street-by-street map accompanied by approximate start times and how and when the flame will travel through the more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages across the UK, which were announced last year. LOCOG also presented the torchbearer uniforms.

RIO 2016
This week the Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Rio 2016) received a visit from LOCOG Chairman Sebastian Coe. Over two days, he was able to see the progress made in the preparations for the 2016 Games. Accompanied by Rio 2016 President Carlos Arthur Nuzman, Coe visited the Rocinha sports complex and the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre, the diving and water polo venue, currently used as a training centre known as “Time Brasil”, a project by the Brazilian NOC, led by Nuzman. Also on the agenda was a visit to the Rio 2016 headquarters and a meeting with the greatest athletes in Brazilian sports history.

RECOGNISED ORGANISATIONS
International Masters Games Association (IMGA) President Kai Holm has officially awarded the city of Auckland (New Zealand) the right to organise the 9th edition of the World Games in 2017. The Games programme will feature 30 different sports spread across more than 35 venues in the Auckland region. Turin (Italy) will host the 2013 edition from 2 to 11 August.

Organised for the first time on the South American continent, from 12 to 14 March, the 1st Sportel Rio 2012 was a success, with the participation of 567 people, and 312 companies from 48 nations. Talks on the prospects of the Brazilian market were a great success among the participants, who were also able to meet footballing legend Ronaldinho Gaucho and boxing legend “Popo” Freitas. The next SportelMonaco will be held from 15 to 18 October 2012.

For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team.

Source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/3/prweb9323668.htm

6 Tips for London Olympics Travelers

Going to the Olympics? Better Get Going NOW. 

(Why you need to book your London trip today + 6 tips for travelers)

NEW YORK, March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Thinking of jetting off to London last-minute to catch this summer's Olympic Games? Think again. With the city bracing itself for a tourist tsunami, latecomers can expect little flexibility from airports, hotels, and car services that are already stretched to the max. Officials from the London Olympic Committee are strongly urging visitors to plan their trips now.  

The sheer numbers back them up: the city is expecting 9 million visitors to flood streets that offer only 100,000 hotel rooms. And the travel bottleneck promises even greater headaches. This week, the Associated Press reported that four leading airlines have warned of an air-traffic surge that could cause chaos at the city's hub airports, making re-bookings difficult and new bookings virtually impossible, even for private flyers.

Phil Mathews, President of Air Partner, leading air charter company specializing in travel to the Olympic Games, says, "We're rapidly approaching the 100-day mark before the Games' opening ceremonies, but visitors still think they have time to spare. They don't. The one message we're trying to convey is book now and plan your trip down to the most minute detail."

Based in both the U.S. and the UK, Air Partner is a valuable resource for travel to London this summer. To help tourists make sure they get to the Games -- and have a great time once they get there -- Air Partner offers these tips:

1) Book Now. Every day you wait makes it less likely you'll be there for your favorite event. Affordable commercial seats are drying up, and rigorous pre-determined flight bookings mean limited slots for private aircraft. Last minute changes and/or bookings could result in your flight plan being rejected by airport or military authorities.

2) Use Public Transportation. In a jam-packed city, knowing the right route can save you hours in travel time, especially for those flying into regional airports rather than the hubs (Heathrow and Gatwick). Air Partner has identified the most convenient public transportation routes from the airport to your Olympic venue or accommodation.

3) Consider Hotel Alternatives. Limited lodgings necessitate creative thinking. Travelers struggling to find accommodation should consider outside-the-box options like camping or apartment stays. Local university halls are being made available as extra space and outside the city, VisitBritain.com lists an additional 27,000 room options across the UK.

4) Make it a Hiking Trip. London hopes to have 100 percent of spectators make it to the events by public transportation, cycling, or walking. Helpful tools such as the London 2012 Spectator Journey planner will show you the best ways to get to the Olympic venues from your lodgings.

5) Take Advantage of Free. For those who can't get tickets, free events such as the marathon begin and end on The Mall and big screens displaying live coverage will be set up in Hyde Park, Victoria Park, and Potters Field Park.

6) Plan, Plan, Plan. Opportunities such as city tours and show tickets sell out fast, so look into offers like the London Pass and other special events that are featured at the same time (London 2012 Festival).

The message is clear: London may be calling, but wait too long to pick up and you'll miss out.  Book your trip today.

For rolling updates from Air Partner as you plan, follow @APOlympicEnvoy on Twitter.

CONTACT: Erin O'Neil PH: 212-431-1470

SOURCE Air Partner

News Release Source : http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/going-to-the-olympics-better-get-going-now-143636866.html

London Olympic 2012 Official Mobile Game

Neowiz Internet Announces the London 2012 Official Mobile Game and Official Social Game

• International Sports Multimedia Limited (ISM) has granted the exclusive publishing rights for the London 2012 Official Mobile Game and the London 2012 Official Social Game to Neowiz Internet 
• London 2012 - Official Mobile Game will be released in May 2012 
• London 2012 - Official Social Game will be released in June 2012

SEOUL, South Korea, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Neowiz Internet is pleased to announce they will exclusively develop and publish the London 2012 Official Mobile Game and the London 2012 Official Social Game, which has been granted by International Sports Multimedia (ISM), the exclusive worldwide licensee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for Interactive Entertainment Software.

The London 2012 Official Mobile Game will feature the latest gaming technology, utilizing powerful smartphone hardware and graphics capabilities. It will be released on both Android and iOS devices in multiple languages. Users will be able to select nine playable events from a variety of sports including Athletics, Swimming, Archery, Shooting, Canoe Slalom and more. The game's exciting controls, mix of colorful 3D graphics, realistic movements and fun game mechanics will appeal to gamers of all ages.

The London 2012 Official Social Game will be released on Facebook and other leading social networks. Users will build, operate and manage their own city, featuring London landmarks and Olympic Games venues, whilst competing with others and challenging their friends. A wide variety of tasks and storylines will guide users through every step of building their own attractive and unique Host City.

"Neowiz Internet is excited to be developing the London 2012 Official Mobile and Social Games," said Kiwon Lee, CEO of Neowiz Internet. "Both games will carry the Olympic Spirit to millions of people in every corner of the world."

The Games of the XXX Olympiad are scheduled to take place in London, United Kingdom from the 27th of July to the 12th ofAugust 2012.

[About Neowiz Internet:]
Neowiz Internet provides internet software and services in South Korea. The company provides mobile games through its mobile social game platform, Pmangplus and its music streaming and download services reach half of the Korean population.

[About ISM]
ISM is the IOC's exclusive worldwide licensee for Interactive Entertainment Software. In addition to these exclusive rights, ISM is one of the world's leading providers of sports fantasy games working with a number of sport's governing bodies. Visit the company's website at www.ismltd.com

Source : http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/neowiz-internet-announces-the-london-2012-official-mobile-game-and-official-social-game-143801366.html

London Olympics : Timely Tips

Weather is Becoming Beautiful in the U.K., the Time is Right to Explore Touring, Traveling, or Moving to London

RoadFish.com men's lifestyle and finance magazine offers timely tips, suggestions and ideas if traveling or moving to London.

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 24, 2012

RoadFish.com men’s lifestyle and finance magazine explores the perks to travel or even move to the beautiful, elegant, and culturally rich United Kingdom. Many of RoadFish.com’s colleagues, friends, and even family members reside in Great Britain, and the men’s lifestyle and finance magazine today discussed ways for locals and tourists to travel, live or even move within England’s stunning capital city.

RoadFish.com’s Senior staff writer is quoted as saying, “As a company, we work with and have so many relationships with British-born natives. Interacting with them every day and learning the ‘local’ takes on England makes it hard not to look at this awesome nation and not dream of traveling or living there someday. There is so much that London has to offer.”

Among the many perks on RoadFish’s “move to London” list, England’s capital city happens to be next to New York City and Tokyo as being one of the world’s leading financial centers, putting it in incredibly good economical position. London is also the world’s 5th largest metropolitan vicinity, and is home to countless museums, galleries and cultural institutions. For folks who are considering moving to or within London, the local estate agents can provide incredibly valuable assistance.

RoadFish.com points out the obvious benefit of visiting or moving to a fellow English-speaking nation. RoadFish.com’s Senior staff writer stated, “When I’ve traveled internationally in the past, it’s always been to non-English speaking countries. I’ve felt vulnerable at times, and the language barrier certainly posed a challenge. I wonder how much I missed out on by not being able to speak the local language. Visiting or moving to England, language is a non-issue.”

There are certainly countless other reasons to visit or tour London. In their article in the Daily News and Analytics,co-writers Ismat Tahseen and Maheka Mirpuri quote the age old saying, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, for there is in London all that life can afford.” The top ten reasons to visit London, according to this DNA article, are music, Madame Tussauds, Buckingham Palace, the city’s history and architecture, Wimbledon, The Thames, theater, eating out, the nightlife, and the shopping opportunities. It is a city in which culture, business, entertainment, and history.

Lauren Barack of USA Today offers some tips if you are planning on visiting London within the next couple of months. For a March activity in England’s capital city, Barack suggests the Ideal Home Exhibition at the Earls Court Exhibition Center. This year, the Ideal Home Show runs from March 16th through April 1st and features more than 600 exhibitors on topics such as home interiors, home improvements, ideal gardens, food and house wares, gadgets, and even home shows. The Ideal Home Show has been running annually for over 100 years, making for a traditional English activity. If visiting in April, Barack reports that the London Marathon takes place in the middle of the month. The marathon route takes participants along a historical route including such historical spots as Greenwich Park, Westminster Bridge, Isle of Dogs, Victoria Embankment, and St. James’ Park. If on holiday during the week of Easter, Barack recommends the Battersea Park Easter Day Parade and its colorful floats and marching bands, and the Easter Monday horse-drawn carriage procession.

RoadFish.com’s Senior staff writer references the quote typically credited to Ghandi, ‘the world is a book, and those who have not traveled have only read one page.’

This summer, London will host the Summer Olympic Games for the third time (the first two were in 1908 and 1948), making it the first city in the world to have held three summer Olympics.

About RoadFish.com

RoadFish.com is an online men's lifestyle and finance magazine targeted toward men in their 30’s and 40’s that have already attained a moderate level of success in life, and are striving toward more. It goes over current events of interest to this group, such things as exciting adventures, making money, consumer interests, mortgage rate information, and dating tips, as well as ways to make more and save more money. It is a publication owned by Purpose Inc.

Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/travel-move-live/united-kingdom-london/prweb9325705.htm

London Olympic Highlights of the Week

IOC Announces Olympic Highlights of the Week

On 13 and 14 March, IOC President Jacques Rogge led the discussions during this year’s first meeting of the IOC Executive Board (EB). The EB took a number of decisions, including proposing the candidatures of Tsunekazu Takeda (Japan), Aisha Garad Ali (Djibouti), Pierre-Olivier Beckers (Belgium), Frank Fredericks (Namibia) and Lingwei Li (China) for the election of a maximum of five members by the 124th Session in London

(PRWEB) March 20, 2012

IOC ACTIVITIES
PRESIDENT
On 13 and 14 March, IOC President Jacques Rogge led the discussions during this year’s first meeting of the IOC Executive Board (EB). The EB took a number of decisions, including proposing the candidatures of Tsunekazu Takeda (Japan), Aisha Garad Ali (Djibouti), Pierre-Olivier Beckers (Belgium), Frank Fredericks (Namibia) and Lingwei Li (China) for the election of a maximum of five members by the 124th Session in London. During its meetings, the EB examined the reports by the IOC commissions and administration, as well as the progress of preparations for the next editions of the Olympic Games, i.e. London 2012, Sochi 2014, Rio 2016 and PyeongChang 2018.

This week in Vidy, President Rogge has met: 

• Carlos Arthur Nuzman, IOC member and President of the NOC of Brazil and the Rio 2016 Organising Committee; and Bernard Rajzman, Chef de Mission of the Brazilian Olympic delegation for the Games in London;
• IOC Vice-President Zaiqing Yu, accompanied by former badminton player, Lingwei Li, who is also a member of the IOC Programme Commission;
• The President of the NOC of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Vasil Tupurkovski; and
• The President of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and IOC member Marisol Casado.

MEMBERS
Mario Vázquez Raña has informed the IOC President of his decision to resign as an IOC member and as a member of the IOC Executive Board, Chairman of the Olympic Solidarity Commission and President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). The IOC President thanked Mario Vázquez Raña for all that he had done for the Olympic Movement over more than 30 years.

HONORARY MEMBERS
The President of the Association of the National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), Lassana Palenfo, has been raised to the rank of Officer of the National Order of Merit by Malian President Amadou Toumani Touré. He received this distinction at a ceremony held alongside the sixth edition of the International Convention on Sport in Africa (CISA), which took place in Bamako (Mali) from 1 to 3 March. Lassana Palenfo was also inducted into the African Sport Hall of Fame in the “Administrators” category.

Henry Edmund Olufemi Adefope died on 11 March at the age of 85. He was an IOC member from 1985 to 2006, before becoming an honorary member. He played an active role in sport, leading a number of sports organisations in Nigeria and Africa, including the NOC of Nigeria from 1967 to 1976. He was a member of the following IOC commissions: Tripartite, Apartheid and Olympism, Medical, Preparation for the 1996 Olympic Games, Enquiry for the Games of the XXVII Olympiad in 2000, Evaluation for the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad in 2004, and Sport and Environment.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS
SUMMER IFS
At the 14th edition of the World Indoor Championships, held in Istanbul (Turkey) from 9 to 11 March, the President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Lamine Diack, announced the creation of the IAAF Hall of Fame. To mark this year’s IAAF centennial, 24 athletes will be inducted into this Hall of Fame. An official ceremony will take place during the centennial gala in Barcelona (Spain) on 24 November 2012. The IAAF Council also met in Istanbul, taking a number of decisions, in particular concerning the organisation of various championships.

On 18 June 2012, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) will celebrate its 80th anniversary. To mark this occasion, FIBA has launched an online photo contest, http://www.80years.fiba.com. The first prize is a trip for two people to the basketball finals at the Games in London.

A press release by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) has informed us that, from now on, fans and media throughout the world will be able to follow the daily lives, trips and Games preparations of two fencers on the road to London 2012. The blogs of Dutch epeeist Bas Verwijlen and Canadian sabre fencer Philippe Beaudry will be available at http://www.fie.ch.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has announced that, at the deadline of midnight on 7 March, all the NOCs concerned had confirmed the participation of their gymnasts in the Games in London, filling the places allocated in their respective countries. These lists will be available on the FIG’s official website. At the Games, the FIG will have a quota of 324 gymnasts.

Six teams have qualified for the men’s Olympic handball tournament in London from 28 July to 12 August following the 2011 World Championships and the continental qualification tournaments. The six remaining teams will be known after the three Olympic qualification tournaments which will be held from 6 to 8 April.

According to a press release from the International Swimming Federation (FINA), some 900 athletes participated in the swimming test event held from 3 to 10 March in London’s Aquatic Centre. This test event included the British National Championships and British trials for the Games. From 20 to 26 February, this venue hosted the Diving World Cup and will also play host to the synchronised swimming qualification tournament from 18 to 22 April, with both competitions serving as test events for London 2012.

Furthermore, following a postal vote, the FINA Bureau has made several nominations. Dennis Miller (Fiji) thus becomes the Bureau’s new Vice-President for Oceania, while Matthew Dunn (Australia) becomes the Bureau member for Oceania. The FINA Bureau has also confirmed that a Facilities Committee and High Diving Commission have been created.

This week, the International Rugby Board (IRB) informed us of the death of the New Zealand rugby player and administrator, Jock Hobbs, at the age of 52. In his career, Hobbs played 21 matches for the All Blacks from 1983 to 1986. As Chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union, he played a pivotal role in obtaining the 2011 World Cup for his country. He served on the IRB Council from 2002 to 2007 and was also a member of the IRB’s Executive Committee and Chairman of its Regulations Committee.

WINTER IFS
On 1 March, the International Ski Federation (FIS) launched an improved version of http://www.fis-ski.com for mobile devices. Accessible at mobile.fisski.com (or m.fisski.com), this application has a new, more user-friendly interface and layout.

NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES
In the framework of its support to the NOCs, Worldwide Olympic Partner Procter & Gamble (P&G) announced its partnership with the NOC of South Africa (SASCOC) at a press conference on 7 March at Olympic House in Johannesburg. Through this partnership, P&G South Africa will not only support the South African Olympic team for London 2012 but will also be contributing to the development of South Africa’s next generation of champions by assisting in youth development. Those present at the press conference included P&G Vice-President for South and East Africa Stanislav Cecera, SASCOC Secretary General Tubby Reddy, SASCOC President Gideon Sam and IOC member Sam Ramsamy.

On 13 March, the NOC of Colombia presented the “Live the Olympic Spirit – London 2012” competition, launched by Worldwide Olympic Partner McDonald’s. Aimed at Colombian 8-to-14 year-olds, the winner of the competition will receive a trip to London during the Games. Those present at the launch included NOC President Baltazar Medina and athletes Mariana Pajón and María Luisa Calle, who have already qualified for the Games in London and are members of the competition jury.

Through its commission on healthy habits and nutrition in sport, the NOC of Spain has organised a lunch conference on the theme of wellbeing, health and society. The main speaker was Valentin Fuster, the Director of the Madrid-based National Cardiovascular Research Centre and the Director of the Cardiology Institute of the Mount Sanai Hospital in New York.

On 12 March, in Twickenham, the Princess Royal, IOC member, and Colin Moynihan, the President of the British Olympic Association, joined the families and friends of potential Team GB athletes at an event held as part of the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Committee’s “Nearest and Dearest” programme. This programme will guide and advise the families and friends of the members of the Olympic and Paralympic teams in the run-up to and during the Games in London.

The Indonesian Olympic Committee celebrated its 60th anniversary on 11 March at a ceremony held in Senayan, Jakarta. NOC President and IOC member Rita Subowo made an opening speech recalling the history of the NOC and its participation in the Olympic Games since its recognition in 1952. Other speakers included Sports Ministry representative Djoko Pekik Irianto and former NOC President Agum Gumelar.

On 6 March at the headquarters of the Lithuanian NOC, a ceremony was held for the national winners of the IOC Art and Sport competition. The jury of experts selected schoolgirl Dovile Grigaliunaite as the winner of the graphical drawings category. Artist Vytautas Karciauskas, won the first prize in the sculpture category with his work entitled “Ecolympics Tree”. The prizes were handed out by NOC President Arturas Poviliunas, in the presence of the teachers and parents of the young artists, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Olympic champions Vida Venciene and Lina Kaciusyte.

ORGANISING COMMITTEES FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES
LONDON 2012
At the Global Sports Forum, held in Barcelona (Spain), the “International Inspiration” programme of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) was awarded the J.A. Samaranch Trophy for the most innovative sports-based project. LOCOG Chairman Sebastian Coe participated in a question-and-answer session on the 2012 Games during this Forum.

SOCHI 2014
The Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi in 2014 has announced the launch of a nationwide project for organising the live sites at the 2014 Games in Russia’s major cities. Spectators will be able to see and experience the Games on big screens. The cities of Krasnodar and Sochi are among the first to join this programme, and the first live sites will be opened in these cities to coincide with the 2012 Games in London. It is estimated that 30 million people will visit the Sochi 2014 live sites, giving almost every family in Russia the feeling that they are a part of this great Games experience.

TOP PARTNERS
Worldwide Olympic Partner Procter & Gamble has teamed up with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to launch the “P&G Capital Clean Up” campaign. The campaign encourages Londoners to come together in a show of community spirit and pride for a series of 22 clean-up events taking place across the capital from March to June.

For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team.

Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/3/prweb9307694.htm

Edinburgh International Festival Announces Contribution to London 2012

The line-up for the Edinburgh International Festival has been announced, with seven performances and productions planned as part of the London 2012 Festival.

(PRWEB) March 15, 2012

The line-up for the Edinburgh International Festival has been announced, with seven performances and productions planned as part of the London 2012 Festival.

The Royal Highland Centre’s Lowland Hall is being converted into a theatrical space to house three productions for the London 2012 Festival which cannot be staged in conventional theatres.

Legendary French director Ariane Mnouchkine returns to the UK with production Les Naufragés du Fol Espoir (Aurores), while Christoph Marthaler's adaptation of My Fair Lady, Meine faire Dame – ein Sprachlabor, will also feature. The third production is 2008: Macbeth, Grzegorz Jarzyna’s multi-media version of the Shakespeare classic.

'Fantastic programme'

London 2012 Festival Director Ruth Mackenzie said: ‘Edinburgh International Festival along with Creative Scotland are key partners in delivering a fantastic programme for the London 2012 Festival in Scotland, which will deliver a legacy of new audiences and partnerships leading right up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

'This programme is a great example of the once-in-a-lifetime shows which will bring tourists and visitors to Edinburgh as part of the celebrations of the London 2012 Festival.’

Elsewhere, director Silviu Purcărete returns with a new production of Gulliver’s Travels in collaboration with Irish musician Shaun Davey, marking another performance as part of the Festival’s contribution to the London 2012 Festival.

'The power of culture'

Edinburgh International Festival will feature almost 3,000 artists from 47 nations, gathering to share the live experience of theatre, dance, opera and music.

Festival Director Jonathan Mills said: ‘The Festival remains one of the world’s most important examples of the power of culture and the arts to transform individual ambitions and lives.

‘We rejoice in our partnership with the Olympic Games. A partnership that exemplifies the greatest sporting and finest cultural celebrations in the world standing shoulder to shoulder in the same country.’

Find out more about the Edinburgh International Festival

For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/3/prweb9288362.htm

Final Test Event Tickets Go on Sale Today

Tickets to five of the final London 2012 test events go on sale today, 15 March, at 10.00am.

(PRWEB) March 14, 2012

Tickets to five of the final London 2012 test events go on sale tomorrow, 15 March, at 10.00am.

This will give the general public a unique opportunity to watch international sport in world class venues in the Olympic Park prior to the Games.

Tickets priced from £3-£20 will be available for Synchronised Swimming, Hockey, Wheelchair Tennis, Water Polo and Paralympic Athletics.

Synchronised Swimming, taking place in the Aquatics Centre from 18-22 April, will see Great Britain compete alongside world-class teams including Russia, the current Olympic and World Champions.

From 2-6 May, some of the world’s best men’s and women’s Hockey teams including Australia, the world’s top ranked men’s team, Argentina, the current women’s world champions, and both Great Britain’s men’s and women’s teams, will play a crucial part in testing the Riverbank Arena.

In the Water Polo Arena, from 3-6 May, the Great Britain women’s team will line up alongside teams from Australia, USA and Russia. At the same time, 40 Wheelchair Tennis players from around the world will take part in the first competitive tournament at Eton Manor in the Olympic Park.

On Tuesday 8 May more than 200 Paralympic athletes from 50 nations will battle it out in track and field events in the Olympic Stadium.

Additionally, the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships will take place in the Olympic Stadium from 4-7 May with tickets available to members of BUCS.

On Saturday 5 May a special ticketed event called ‘2012 Hours to Go: An Evening of Athletics and Entertainment’ will follow on from the BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships. After the Athletics has finished, a celebrity host will be joined by famous faces including Olympians and Paralympians for a series of stunts, games, challenges and prizes. Tickets also go on sale tomorrow, 15 March, at 10.00am priced at £20 and £10.

All tickets are available from http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/londonpreparesseries

Five further test events - Wheelchair Rugby, Shooting, Paralympic Archery and Boccia - will take place in April and May with access available to local residents, members of National Governing Bodies and athletes’ friends and families.

The world class sporting events, part of the London Prepares series, will give the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) the chance to test elements including venue operations, spectator flows, workforce, security, the field of play, scoring, timing and results.

The events will also give LOCOG the first opportunity to test the Olympic Park’s common domain, the spectator areas between the five venues which will be operating concurrently, when more than 70,000 spectators visit the Olympic Park on Saturday 5 May.

Debbie Jevans, London 2012 Director of Sport, said: ‘We are now in the home straight and having staged 31 successful test events we are in a good position as we head towards the Games themselves. As with all our test events we will be testing a range of our operations including field of play and also our workforce. During our programme of six events in the Olympic Park over a seven-day period we will also be able to focus on our overall Park operations outside the sport venues and this will be invaluable.’

Tickets to the Football test event, to be held at the City of Coventry Stadium on 23 April, are on sale now fromhttp://www.theticketfactory.com/footballtournamentqualification or by telephoning 0844 338 800 and fromhttp://www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by telephoning 0844 277 0700.

UK Sport’s World Class Events Programme supports the Visa London Disability Athletics Challenge. As a global sponsor of the Olympic Games since 1986 and the Paralympic Games since 2002, Visa continues its support for the London 2012 Games with individual sponsorship of five of the remaining test events. Visa (debit, credit, prepaid) is the only card accepted for online ticket sales for these London Prepares series events.

Ticketed test events:

Apr 18-22 FINA Olympic Games Synchronised Swimming Qualification, presented by Visa. Aquatics Centre, Olympic Park. Tickets £5- £20

Apr 23 Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualification Play-Off Match, City of Coventry Stadium. Tickets £5-£10

May 2-6 Visa International Invitational Hockey Tournament, Riverbank Arena, Olympic Park. Tickets £5- £15

May 3-6 Eton Manor Wheelchair Tennis International, Eton Manor, Olympic Park. Tickets on sale for 5 May £3- £5

May 3-6 Visa Water Polo International, Water Polo Arena, Olympic Park. Tickets £5 - £15

May 8 Visa London Disability Athletics Challenge, Olympic Stadium, Olympic Park. Tickets £5

Non ticketed test events:

Apr 18-19 London International Invitational Wheelchair Rugby Tournament Basketball Arena, Olympic Park.

Apr 18-28 ISSF Shooting World Cup, The Royal Artillery Barracks.

May 3-6 London Para Archery International Tournament, The Royal Artillery Barracks.

May 4-7 BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships, Olympic Stadium, Olympic Park.

May 5-7 London Boccia Invitational 2012, Basketball Arena, Olympic Park.

Notes to editors:
For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

About UK Sport
UK Sport’s World Class Events Programme distributes approximately £3.5 million of Lottery funding each year to support the bidding and staging costs of major events on home soil, as well as providing specialist support to organisers. Ahead of London 2012, events are supported primarily based on their likely performance impact, but consideration is given to the broader impacts of events: to maximise the wider sporting, social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits, as well as sporting performance and legacy.

Over 100 events, hosted by at least 35 different towns and cities, will have been supported from 2007 until the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These competitions will have attracted around 30,000 athletes and provided opportunities for over 27,000 officials and volunteers to gain international sporting experience and develop key skills ahead of London 2012.

About Visa Europe
In Europe, there are 445 million Visa debit, credit and commercial cards. In the 12 months ending September 2011 those cards were used to make purchases and cash withdrawals to the value of €1.7 trillion. 14% of consumer spending at point of sale in Europe is with a Visa card, and almost 80% of that is on Visa debit cards.

Visa Europe is owned and operated by more than 3,700 European members and was incorporated in July 2004. Visa Europe is independent of global Visa Inc., with an exclusive, irrevocable and perpetual licence in Europe, while both companies operate to ensure global interoperability. As a dedicated European payment system Visa Europe is able to respond quickly to the specific market needs of European banks and their customers - cardholders and retailers - and to meet the European Commission’s objective to create a true internal market for payments.

Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world. In addition, Visa/PLUS is one of the world’s largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in over 200 countries.

About Team 2012
Team 2012 presented by Visa is a fundraising programme designed to provide UK athletes with the tools and support to reach their full potential and win more medals at European Championships, World Championships – and of course at the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012. It is a joint venture between the British Olympic Association, ParalympicsGB, UK Sport and LOCOG. Alongside the vital role played by The National Lottery and Exchequer funding, Team 2012 will help fund our athletes over the next two years. The vast majority of funds raised through Team 2012 will be distributed by UK Sport through its World Class Performance Programme which ensures that the UK’s most talented athletes have every chance of reaching their potential. Having run their programme since 1997, UK Sport has developed a highly successful ‘No Compromise’ approach, which ultimately means taking no short cuts in resourcing the best athletes to realise their medal ambitions. Funding is provided to athletes via their sport’s governing body, in support of a performance programme that includes coaching, training and competition support, medical and scientific services and equipment and access to the best facilities.

London 2012 Games partners:
The Worldwide Olympic Partners who support the London 2012 Olympic Games and the National Olympic Committees around the world are Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos, Dow, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Procter and Gamble, Samsung and Visa.

LOCOG has seven domestic Tier One Partners - adidas, BMW, BP, British Airways, BT, EDF and Lloyds TSB. There are seven domestic Tier Two Supporters – Adecco, ArcelorMittal, Cadbury, Cisco, Deloitte, Thomas Cook and UPS. There are now twenty-eight domestic Tier Three Suppliers and Providers – Aggreko, Airwave, Atkins, Boston Consulting Group, CBS Outdoor, Crystal CG, Eurostar, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, G4S, GSK, Gymnova, Heathrow Airport, Heineken UK, Holiday Inn, John Lewis, McCann Worldgroup, Mondo, NATURE VALLEY, Next, Nielsen, Populous, Rapiscan Systems, Rio Tinto, Technogym, Thames Water, Ticketmaster, Trebor and Westfield.

There is one domestic Tier One Paralympic Games-only Partner, Sainsbury’s and one domestic Tier Three Paralympic Games-only Supplier, Otto Bock. The London 2012 Paralympic Games also acknowledges the support of the National Lottery.

Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/3/prweb9284196.htm

London Olympics : Public Invited to Evening

Public Invited to Evening of Entertainment at Olympic Stadium

40,000 people will be given the opportunity to join famous faces, celebrities and sports stars for an evening of entertainment at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday 5 May.

(PRWEB) March 13, 2012

40,000 people will be given the opportunity to join famous faces, celebrities and sports stars for an evening of entertainment at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday 5 May.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today announced that tickets for the event will go on sale from Thursday 15 March priced at £20 and £10 (concessions) available from the Ticketmaster website.

The special ticketed event called '2012 Hours to Go: An Evening of Athletics and Entertainment', will follow on from the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships taking place in the Stadium on the same day.

As members of the public arrive at the Stadium at 7pm, they will watch the final hour of the BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships’ evening session where competitors will join the ranks of previous BUCS champions including Perri Shakes-Drayton, Dai Greene and Hannah England. The evening session will also include a series of UK Athletics Invitational events featuring some of Britain's best athletes who will be aiming for a place in Team GB this summer.

After the athletics has finished, a celebrity host will be joined by famous faces including Olympians and Paralympians for a series of stunts, games, challenges and prizes. The 40,000 strong-audience will be narrowed down to one lucky winner who will be brought into the middle of the Stadium to officially open the venue.

Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: “This is a great opportunity for people to experience the venue that will take centre stage this summer. As well as a great evening of entertainment, this will be an invaluable test and another warm-up event for the Olympic Stadium.”

Information on the host, celebrities, schedule and prizes for the evening will be released in the coming weeks.

Notes to editors:

1.    The BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships will take place in the Olympic Stadium from 4–7 May with tickets available to members of BUCS.

2.    BUCS is the national governing body for higher education sport in the UK, which aims to enhance the student sporting experience in performance, competition and participation. Delivering 50 sports, including disability sports, the BUCS programme is available to 2.3 million students across the UK with over 100,000 students regularly competing in the programme. By providing access to and encouraging participation in sport, BUCS is committed to getting students more physically active. In 2012, the annual BUCS Outdoor Athletics Championships is a London 2012 test event as part of the London Prepares series. The BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships takes place 4th – 7th May as part of Universities Week 2012, which will recognise and celebrate the contribution that our universities make to the Olympic movement and the sports industry in the UK.

For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

London 2012 Games partners:
The Worldwide Olympic Partners who support the London 2012 Olympic Games and the National Olympic Committees around the world are Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos, Dow, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Procter and Gamble, Samsung and Visa.

LOCOG has seven domestic Tier One Partners - adidas, BMW, BP, British Airways, BT, EDF and Lloyds TSB. There are seven domestic Tier Two Supporters – Adecco, ArcelorMittal, Cadbury, Cisco, Deloitte, Thomas Cook and UPS. There are now twenty-eight domestic Tier Three Suppliers and Providers – Aggreko, Airwave, Atkins, Boston Consulting Group, CBS Outdoor, Crystal CG, Eurostar, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, G4S, GSK, Gymnova, Heathrow Airport, Heineken UK, Holiday Inn, John Lewis, McCann Worldgroup, Mondo, NATURE VALLEY, Next, Nielsen, Populous, Rapiscan Systems, Rio Tinto, Technogym, Thames Water, Ticketmaster, Trebor and Westfield.

There is one domestic Tier One Paralympic Games-only Partner, Sainsbury’s and two domestic Tier Three Paralympic Games-only Suppliers, Otto Bock and Panasonic. The London 2012 Paralympic Games also acknowledges the support of the National Lottery.

Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/3/prweb9279737.htm