UCI Modernizes Logo -- Federations Focus

(ATR) The International Cycling Union (UCI) released its new logo and branding identity on Wednesday.

The new logo will still feature the federation’s iconic rainbow stripes but will no longer retain its circular design that reflects on the sport itself. The rainbow stripes now follow the pattern of the letter U in the logo with the federation’s bold letters standing to their right.

The stripes are also said to reflect on the heritage of the UCI world championship events. The design and branding strategy was created with the help of the branding agency SomeOne.

"The refreshed brand identity symbolizes the UCI’s commitment to modernize and innovate while staying true to the organization’s heritage and tradition," UCI president Brian Cookson said in a statement.

The logo is accompanied by a series of other changes within the federation’s communications package, including new iconography, graphics, photography and typography.

Feds React to Tokyo 2020 Shortlist

On Monday, the Additional Event Program Panel for Tokyo 2020 announced the eight federations that will move on to the second stage of the selection process to earn a spot in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Among the eight federations selected were sport climbing, wushu and roller sports. Sport climbing and wushu both pointed their popularity in the host country of Japan as a possible reason for their selection.

"This is a good sign that wushu is being globally recognized as a fast-growing sport, and one that’s popular especially among youth. Wushu [is] also very popular in Japan, so I believe that making the sport part of the Tokyo 2020 Games would undoubtedly add a dynamic appeal that will attract great interest from the Japanese public," said wushu president Zaiqing Yu.

"As a sustainable activity that develops strength, flexibility and analytical skills, competition climbing is a perfect reflection of the Olympic values. It is also one of the fastest growing sports in Japan, and the country is fostering a lively and vibrant climbing community and several world level athletes, in both senior and youth categories," the International Federation of Sport Climbing said in a statement.

The International Federation of Roller Sports tells Around the Rings all of their efforts are now focused on earning a spot in the 2020 Games.

"FIRS is of course excited and proud to be included in the short list for Tokyo 2020. We know the path is still long, but we will work even harder to let our sports shine into the Olympic Games: we will do our best to fulfill our mission to spread Roller Sports all around the globe and to engage kids, youth and adult on our 'for-all' disciplines. The Olympic goal is for the Roller Sports the most desired aim."

These federations along with the sports of baseball and softball, bowling, karate, squash and surfing will enter phase two of the selection process. Each federation will submit more details to and have interviews with the Additional Event Panel on August 7-8.

Tokyo 2020 will submit their proposal for additional events to the IOC in September.

FIL Chooses Conference, Championship Hosts

Leaders of the International Luge Federation (FIL) met in PyeongChang, South Korea on Saturday, June 20 for the 63rd annual FIL Conference.

During the meeting at the home of the next Winter Olympics, the conference awarded the 65th edition of the conference in 2017 to Romania. The city will be decided at a later date with the Romanian capital of Bucharest or the holiday resort city of Mamaia as the two possible candidates.

The host of the 2019 FIL World Championships was also decided during the meeting and was awarded to Winterberg, Germany. This will be the 48th FIL World Championship and the third time Winterberg has hosted the event. Winterberg was chosen over competitors Lake Placid and Sochi.

Although Lake Placid will not host the 2019 competition, they will host the FIL Conference in 2016.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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