500 Days to Sochi Paralympics; Lance Armstrong Loses Oakley

Sochi Marks 500 Days to Paralympics

Sochi 2014 unveiled Tuesday a Russia-wide "Accessibility Map" for aspiring athletes to find accessible venues.

"This project will help generate awareness across Russia of accessible facilities and is a project that, with the help and support of the IPC, could act as a blueprint for other countries to follow," said International Paralympic Committee President Philip Craven.

"Planning for the launch of this project started some time ago under the supervision of the IPC, and I am pleased to see it come to fruition to mark 500 days to go."

Located at www.kartadostupnosti.ru, the map has 500 barrier-free venues.

"The Equal Opportunities Park" was the center of the Monday's activities, including opportunities to participate in Paralympic sport and a performance from the "Class Mira" organization, which produces theatrical works from disabled students.

"I am sure that the high accessibility standards that will have been set in the Olympic region by 2014 will be needed in other cities across the whole country, and our efforts in passionately promoting the Paralympic values will help to remove the ‘barriers’ in society towards people with a disability forever," said Sochi 2014 President and CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko.

Lance Latest

Lance Armstrong lost his final sponsor, Oakley.

In a statement, the eyewear manufacturer said its decision was based on the International Cycling Union’s ruling to uphold the United States Anti-Doping Agency "reasoned decision" and strip Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles.

"When Lance joined our family many years ago, he was a symbol of possibility," Oakley said in a statement.

"We are deeply saddened by the outcome, but look forward with hope to athletes and teams of the future who will rekindle that inspiration by racing clean, fair and honest."

ESPN reports the loss of Armstrong’s endorsements will cost the cyclist $35 million over the coming years.

Italian Olympians to Visit Ferrari HQ

Italy’s medal-winning Olympians and Paralympians received an invitation to the Ferrari headquarters.

Luca di Montezemolo, chairman of the world’s most famous luxury automobile manufacturer, extended the invitation to Italalian Olympic Committee (CONI) president Gianni Petrucchi on Monday.

Petrucchi will lead the delegation on the Oct. 29 visit, when athletes are scheduled to meet di Montezemolo and tour Ferrari’s headquarters.

Ferrari has worked with Italian sport federations on technology-related matters.

Gold Medalist Receives PM Honor

Saori Yoshida will receive the "People’s Honor Award" from the Japanese government for her 13 consecutive Olympic and world championship titles.

Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura made the announcement on Tuesday.

"I'm really surprised and really honored," the wrestler said.

"I think I can live up to the award by winning a 14th straight global title, aiming for another gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and doing more to renew my world record."

A ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 7 for her to receive the award at the Prime Minister’s office. She is the 20th recipient of the People’s Honor Award.

IAAF Awards Chinese TV Rights

CCTV is the IAAF’s broadcaster of choice in China.

A six-year deal signed Tuesday in Beijing gives the state TV network rights from 2014 to 2019, a period including the 2015 World Athletics Championships in Beijing as well as the 2017 world champs in London and 2019 in a city to be determined.

"I am particularly pleased that this agreement will ensure that coverage of the IAAF’s most important events will not only be seen in China but by the broadest possible audience, thanks to CCTV’s status as the country’s most important free to air broadcaster," said IAAF President Lamine Diack.

"One of the key pillars of the IAAF’s commercial and sporting strategy is to fully develop the potential of our sport in Asia, and this deal is a major step in this direction."

Reported by Ed Hula III and Matthew Grayson

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