Hosting IOC member Prince Albert of Monaco can always be counted on to ask questions during the discussion period. But he may have to leave the Grimaldi Forum in a hurry.
"Albert told me if I stand up in the middle of the Session and leave, it's not because of you, it's because of something else," said IOC President Thomas Bach. "So let us see whether he has to leave or to stand up."
Of course, Bach is referring to "the upcoming princely births," as the royal palace of Monaco refers to the impending joyous event. Princess Charlene is pregnant with twins and one will be the new heir to the throne.
"This is not in our hands; this is in the hands of somebody up there," Bach said.
Although Princess Charlene’s due date is later this month, twins often come early. "If everything is going according to plan, we will unfortunately not have this joyful event for our Monagasque hosts during the Session," Bach said. "If you want to experience this here, you may have to stay some days longer in Monaco."
There will be quite a celebration:42 cannon shots (21 for each child) shall be fired from Fort Antoine and church bells shall ring for 15 minutes, followed by boat horns, according to an announcement from the palace. An official proclamation signed by Albert will confirm the birth of the twins and will be displayed at the entrance to the Princely Palace.
On a later date, which will be declared a public holiday, the couple will present their new arrivals to the people of Monaco.
IOC Session Badges
Due to the extraordinary status of the 127th Session, only two types of badges have been minted. IOC members receive one with a white ribbon, while everyoneelsereceives a red-and-white striped ribbon attached to their badge.
Session badges are highly coveted items. Typically, only a select few journalists receive the badges as an honor but every reporter covering the Session received one in their bags upon registering.
Big Birthday
Steve Wilson, one of the leading members of the Olympic press corps, celebrates his 57th birthday on Dec. 6. The Associated Press writer commented to ATR that being born in 1957 and celebrating his 57th birthday: "it’s beautiful -- the year, the symmetry; everything!"
Wilson’s birthday frequently has coincided with the final meeting of the year for the IOC EB.
An example of the high regard Wilson’s colleagues have of him: he is set to be elected president of the Olympic Journalists Association on Sunday. Wilson is unopposed in his race, as are the other candidates: Reuters’ Karolos Grohmann for vice president and ATR editor Ed Hula for Secretary General.
Bag Faux Pas
Journalists received a handsome blue notebook in a smart gift box from the Monaco Olympic Committee—the organizers of the Session. All seemed copacetic until opening the notebook which has a built-in cover for tablets. But not just for any tablet. One for an iPad. One of the products TOPsponsor Samsung is fighting bitterly over marketshare. Samsung, by the way, also has the tablet computer category as part of its worldwide Olympic deal. A spokeswoman for the IOC was quick to point out to Around the Rings, the gifts were organized by the Monaco session hosts, not the IOC.
Written and reported in Monaco by Ed Hula III and Karen Rosen.
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