Olympic Newdesk- Rochette Cleared to Skate, IOC will monitor Sochi Environment, YOG

Rochette Cleared to Skate

Olympic bronze medalist and Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette received clearance from the International Skating Union to perform a TV tribute to her late mother this week.

As a member of the ISU, Rochette needed clearance from federation to perform the exhibition. Rochette withdrew from the upcoming ISU World Championships and is instead choosing to perform the tribute to her mother Thérèse Rochette.

"We appreciate the ISU worked with us to find a solution for this situation," said William Thompson, Skate Canada’s

CEO. "They have agreed to relax ISU rule 136 for Joannie in this instance, due to the unique and extenuating circumstances of this particular request. We want to thank the ISU for their consideration and understanding in reviewing this in light of Joannie's situation."

The made-for-television program is called Thin Ice on ABC. She plans to use the routine that she skated in exhibition gala in Vancouver. The routine includes music by Celine Dion, one of her mother's favorite singers.

IOC on Sochi Environment

The IOC will seek guarantees from Sochi 2014 organizers that it will address environmental issues following a UN report.

IOC inspectors led by Jean-Claude Killy will seek assurances on environmental issues when they visit Sochi next month. The IOC co-com is scheduled to conduct its next check-up of Olympic preparations in the Black Sea resort April 13 to 15.

Sochi's environmental record came under scrutiny on Tuesday when the United Nations Environmental Program released a report saying the government "did not take into account the cumulative and synergetic effects of the various projects on the ecosystems of the Sochi region and its population."

"We know that the Russian authorities are paying very close attention to environmental issues, as far as the Games are concerned, and we expect that the situation will be dealt with appropriately," said the IOC in a statement to Around the Rings late Tuesday.

"The report published today by UNEP recognizes a strong spirit of cooperation and issues a series of constructive recommendations that we are confident will be taken on board by the relevant authorities. It is very important for the IOC that Organizing Committees deliver the Games in a sustainable way and with respect for the environment," the IOC said.

A spokeswoman from Sochi 2014told Around the Rings on Tuesday that the committee and the government must work together to make ensure that the environment is protected.

Rogge Plans Singapore Trip

IOC President Jacques Rogge will make his second trip to Singapore next week in preparation for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games.

Rogge will be in Singapore from Monday, March 22 to 25 to review progress for the Games that are scheduled for August 14-26. Rogge will meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and visit venues including the Youth Olympic Village on the Nanyang Technological University campus.

During the week, Singapore will host Chef de Missions Seminar for the Games with representatives from various National Olympic Committees in attendance. Rogge and the prime minister will address the seminar on March 24.

Coca-Cola Commonwealth Games

Top Olympic sponsor Coca-Cola is supporting the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Coca-Cola India and Delhi 2010 organizers reach a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday for the beverage company to sponsor the Games. Coca-Cola will be the exclusive beverage provider for fans, athletes and officials at the Games.

Coca-Cola Company has sponsored the Olympics since 1928. In 2008, Coca-Cola India was the official beverage partner for Youth Commonwealth Games in Pune.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place October 3-14.

Sulser Succeeds Coe on FIFA Ethics Panel

New FIFA ethics committee chairman Sulser succeeded Sebastian Coe in the role after the double Olympic gold medalist resigned to work on the England bid.

Sulser, a former professional footballer who was capped 49 times for Switzerland before becoming a lawyer, said he was honored to chair the committee.

"I am certain that we can do something positive if we work together as a team, with a transparent approach and with a clear application of the Code of Ethics in order to protect the integrity of football," he said.

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Written by Mark Bisson and Sam Steinberg.