London Latest - Mayors Mull Flag Handover; Pity, Optimism for Africa Village

(ATR) An African sport expert tells Around the Rings the closing of Africa Village is "a bit of a disgrace" for his continent.

Diamil Faye, owner of the consultancy firm JAPPO, said he was meeting with organizers to find out exactly why the hospitality facility closed –if ANOCA ran out of money, or if there was a problem with the company contracted to operate the venue.

"My reaction is that it's just a pity that we’re getting to this point. It’s a bit of a disgrace for Africa. Everyone was happy here to see a place where Africans could meet and share.

"It’s just going to give another dark side to our continent. I hope people come up with concrete solutions or answers."

On August 8, Africa Village unexpectedly closed.

Sources familiar with the situation told ATR at the time that suppliers were not paid, and the situation was described as "very bad" for exhibitors. Attempts to rescue the project last week fell through when the money "did not apear in suppliers' bank accounts".

The project, located in Kensington Gardens near the Albert Memorial, attracted 80,000 visitors in the 12 days it was open. In addition to stands showcasing different countries' cultures, visitors could watch live entertainment and dine on African cuisine.

It was billed as the first time 53 National Olympic Committees of Africa had come together for a single hospitality house. South Africa did not participate.

Faye said what’s critical is that Africa rebound quickly from the closing, and he noted that ANOCA president Lassana Palenfo is working to figure out why the facility had to close.

"It’s just time as Africans to produce positive stories. It is not helping us as Africans, even though yes, ANOCA tried to bring a positive story. The result is not in our favor.

"I just hope it doesn’t jeopardize any projects for Rio or any trust. It is important for all of us to get trust worldwide."

There were some positive outcomes from Africa Village, Faye said.

Since 1996, various people had tried to create a hospitality site for all African countries. None were successful.

"This time, at least, there was a structure, the house was there and it shows that people tried their best to put this together and can be proud of this. We would’ve loved to see this go to the end. It’s like a runner that’s stopped in the middle of the race."

He also said he felt some optimism that Africa could rebound quickly.

"If we get the right answer to what happened," Faye said. "If we don’t have the clear answer, I think the whole issue is going to be of trust. It will bring doubt on Africa."

Mayors Anticipate Flag Handover

Mayor of London Boris Johnson tells Eduardo Paes, his opposite from Rio de Janeiro, that he intends to be on his best behavior in the closing ceremony – but cannot guarantee anything.

"I know Mayor Paes is worried, and I can’t guarantee I won’t do anything crazy, but I will try and play it by the book," said Johnson, speaking at a joint press conference in the LMC two days before the curtain comes down on the London Olympics.

"I have very, very mixed feelings about handing (the flag) on to my friend Eduardo Paes, but there is great satisfaction as we feel we have done a pretty good job."

Paes went a stage further when he claimed: "London has done the greatest Games ever, and I congratulate Boris Johnson on leading the city of London."

He was full of praise for the Olympic Park, the logistical achievement in transporting so many people and the quality of the venues.

But he admitted to being thankful that Johnson will first hand the flag on to IOC president Jacques Rogge, who will then hand it on to Rio.

Comparing his emotions between receiving the Olympic Flag in Beijing four years ago and handing it over to Rio in London on Sunday, Johnson admitted: "You are talking about the difference between spine tingling apprehension and a steadily growing sense of relief."

Travel Report

Transport for London warns of heavy congestion on Saturday as many finals take place in various competitions.

Large crowds are expected in central London to watch the two race walks, which are non-ticketed. Also taking place is the men’s gold medal football match at Wembley from 3 p.m. TFL says that the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines are expected to be busy throughout the day.

Also, TFL says that many spectators are expected to attend the various live sites in London to watch the action on the big screens. This could cause congestion, especially around Hyde Park, where there will be a BT live site showing the Olympics on a big screen as well as providing music and entertainment throughout the day.

Media Watch

The British newspapers are hoping for a final flourish of gold on the penultimate day of London 2012.

The Daily Telegraph has a picture of GB’s 10,000m winner Mo Farah with the headline ‘FINAL PUSH FOR GLORY’ as he also competes in the 5,000m on Saturday night. The Independent carries on with the theme with its headline of ‘IT’S MO’S MOMENT’.

The Guardian leads with the headline ‘BRITONS BACK THE FEELGOOD GAMES’ as it reports that a recent poll shows that more than 50 percent of the population is vehemently supporting of the $14 billion spent on the Games, despite early misgivings.

Saturday’s Medal Events

Athletics – Men’s 50km Walk, Women’s 20km Walk, Men’s 5000m, Women’s 800m, Women’s 4x400m, Men’s Javelin, Men’s 4x100m, Women’s High Jump – Olympic Stadium

Basketball – Women’s – Basketball Arena

Boxing – Men’s 49kg, Men’s 56kg, Men’s 64kg, Men’s 75kg, Men’s 91kg

Canoe Sprint – Men’s Kayak Single 200m, Men’s Canoe Single 200m, Women’s Kayak Single 200m, Men’s Kayak Double 200m – Eton Dorney

Mountain Bike – Women’s – Hadleigh Farm

Diving – Men’s 10m Platform – Aquatics Center

Football – Men’s – Wembley Stadium

Rhythmic Gymnastics – Individual All-Around – Wembley Arena

Handball – Women’s – Basketball Arena

Hockey – Men’s – Riverbank Arena

Modern Pentathlon – Men’s – Aquatics Center, Copper Box, Greenwich Park

Sailing – Women’s Elliott 6m – Weymouth and Portland

Taekwondo – Women’s +67kg, Men’s +80kg

Volleyball – Women’s – Earls Court

Wrestling – Men’s 84kg Freestyle, Men’s 60kg Freestyle, Men’s 120kg Freestyle

Reported by Ed Hula III and Christian Radnedge

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