IOA Election Set
The Indian Olympic Association says it hopes for "perfect relations" with the IOC after setting its election date for Nov. 25.
V.K. Malhotra, acting president of the IOA, made the announcement at a Monday press conference.
"The IOC had asked us to furnish information on two issues: one, the date of elections and the other to ensure voting right majority of National Sports Federations whose disciplines are in included in Olympic Games in the electoral college of the IOA," Malhotra was quoted by the Times of India.
"The Executive Board today unanimously decided to hold the elections on November 25. And for the second issue raised by the IOC, we have decided to form a standing committee to ensure that the NSFs whose sports are in Olympic Games have majority voting rights in the electoral college."
He also explained the status of IOA president Suresh Kalmadi, about whom the IOC had also asked for clarification.
"We have written to IOC on this issue. We have made our stand clear. Kalmadi himself has said that he would not be involved in the day-to-day affair of the IOA in foreseeable future. I don't know why this Kalmadi issue suddenly came up."
Kalmadi was jailed on corruption charges from the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Women and Sport Award Nominations
Nominations are underway for the2013 IOC Women and Sport Trophy.
The Women and Sport Commission is askingNational Olympic Committees, International Federations and NOC continental associations to submit candidature files by Nov. 29 for "people who have promoted and pioneered the advancement of women in sport, either in the playing arena or at administrative level".
The six trophies – one for the world and one for each of five region – will be presented in July 2013 in Lausanne.
New NOC Chief for Vietnam
A gold medal is tops on the agenda for the new president of the Vietnam Olympic Committee.
Hoang Tuan Anh, the current sports minister, was elected new VOC president on Sunday, according to reports in local media.
Anh replaces Nguen Danh Thai, first elected in 2001.
Media reports say the VOC acknowledges its "failings" over the last four years, which included "a lack of objectives and development plans for Asiad and Olympics activities."
Generations for Peace in Yemen
Forty youth leaders are fresh off a visit to Yemen to help children in conflict-ridden areas as part of Generations for Peace.
Programs included "Sport and Peace, Train The Trainer, Working with Children and Youth, Peace Building, Advocacy and Partnerships, and sport-based games" to connect with children in Aden through the Social Services Association and the Government Youth and Sport office.
"We want to empower other active leaders of youth to become Generations For Peace Delegates and Pioneers and be part of the positive change process to reduce violence and conflict in Yemen," said Raseena Mohammad, one of the delegates.
Pin Fever
Watch for some big names to show up for the 31st Olympin Collectors Club Memorabilia Festival from Friday to Sunday in Atlanta.
The city is home to a large number of Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Their alumnae organization has been working with Olympin and will have a reunion in conjunction with the show. That means there will be 15 or more Olympians and Paralympians attending the show at various times. At least 10 will attend the Friday dinner, with more involved on Saturday. Several are planning to have tables on Saturday where they will have memorabilia for show and / or sale. Most will be available for autographs and pictures, including special guest Pat McCormick, the only double and back-to-back gold medalist in women’s diving.
Other confirmedOlympians and Paralympians attending the show include Dennis Berkholtz (handball, 1972 and 1976);Bob Pickens (wrestling, 1964);Mel Pender (athletics, 1968) andTommie Smith (athletics, 1968).
The event is set for the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown. Tables are still available for vendors; a banquet, reception and auction are on the schedule. Admission is free.
To book a table or to check updates, visithttp://www.olympinclub.com/benefits_fair.html.
Written by Ed Hula III, Matthew Grayson and Aaron Bauer.
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