Helsinki Stadium Renovation; Squash 2020 Support; Brazil Basketball

Helsinki Stadium Renovation

Finland's sports ministry says it will cover half of the costs associated with renovating the 1952 Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, the third most important event in its history, according to one stadium official.

The announcement was made Wednesday, and the city of Helsinki will cover the other half of the bill, if the city council approves the proposal.

"I feel like a winner," Stadium Foundation managing director Maija Innanen was quoted by the Helsingin Sanomat daily.

"This is the most important event in the history of the stadium after its completion in 1938 and the hosting of the Summer Olympics in 1952."

Exact costs are unknown at this stage, but initial estimates predict the tab will run to a little more than $250 million to modernize the stadium and its surrounding environs. Work will be completed by 2018 or 2019. Some of the projects include a new roof for the venue, replacing the wooden bleachers with individual seats and adding office space for sports organizations.

"I consider it crucial that we will be able to stage important international sporting events," sports minister Paavo Arhinmäki said.

"What kind of country is it that does not have a proper stadium?

"In its present state the stadium is hopelessly outdated. It would make no sense to carry out only a small-scale touching up job. The idea is that the stadium will be in tip-top shape for the next 50-60 years."

Helsinki Olympic Stadium is known for its distinctive architecture, including its famous tower.

Top Players Back Squash Bid

Women's world no. 1 one Nicol David and men’s counterpart James Willstrop are among 16 top squash players taking time out from the Allam British Open to support the sport’s 2020 campaign.

"It's fantastic that our leading players are so passionate about getting squash into the Olympic Games," World Squash Federation president N Ramachandran said Friday in a statement.

"Their support is an important element to our campaign as we head into a crucial 12 months that will see us present to the IOC Program Commission and Executive Board and explain what the benefits to the Olympic Movement would be if squash becomes part of the sports program for the 2020 Games."

The other candidates to secure the one available spot are karate, roller sports, wakeboard, wushu, sport climbing, softball and baseball. The IOC will vote at the 125th Session in Buenos Aires.

IIHF Packs Schedule

The schedule for ice hockey’s unusually packed 2012-2013 season is quickly taking shape.

The hosts and teams for 42 tournaments were announced Friday at the IIHF Congress in Helsinki, where the men’s world championships come to a close this weekend.

Next year is so busy because ice hockey has both its usual world champs as well as qualification events for Sochi 2014 to stage.

A total of 34 countries want to compete in the Olympic tournaments, but there’s only room for 12 men’s teams and eight women’s teams at the Games.

Click here to view a full rundown of the 42 events in 2013 and here to view the IIHF’s complete list of countries that applied for Winter Olympic inclusion.

Brazil Taps Basketball Squad

As many as four NBA players will represent Brazil in the men’s Olympic basketball tournament at London 2012.

Indiana Pacers guard Leandro Barbosa, San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter, Washington Wizards forward Nene and Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao all appear on the 15-man roster announced Thursday by Brazil coach Ruben Magnano.

An official 12-man is due to the International Basketball Federation by June 18 with the Olympic competition kicking off July 28.

Brazil is pitted against Australia, Great Britain and Beijing runner-up Spain with the third-place finisher from an Olympic qualifying tournament to be played in Venezuela in early July rounding out Group B at the Games.

Sailors Book Olympic Berths

Olympic sailing berths are running out at the ongoing 470 world championships off the coast of Barcelona.

On the women’s side, Denmark is the first to secure nation qualification, leaving Austria, China, Croatia, Poland and Russia battling for only four spots left at the Games as gold fleet races wrap up Saturday.

Chile, Canada, Ireland, Korea, Russia, Turkey and South Africa are already through to the men’s regatta at London 2012 after top finishes earlier in the week.

Written by Ed Hula III and Matthew Grayson.

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