News from the NOCs - Spain Centennial; Panama Warning; German Slogan for Sochi

Spain NOC Turns 100

The Spanish Olympic Committee celebrated its 100th anniversary on Wednesday.

More than 800 people were at the ceremony at Teatros del Canal de Madrid, including all 130 of the country's living medalists, the Prince Felipe of Spain and IOC president Jacques Rogge, among other dignitaries.

A statement on the COE website says Rogge congratulated the COE "for the tireless work done in spreading Olympic ideals and the representation of the Olympic Movement in Spain."

Special tribute was also paid to the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, which the COE noted are the only ones to take place in Spain – "so far." Madrid is bidding for the 2020 Olympics.

Alejandro Blanco, current COE president, paid tribute to the living past presidents and secretaries general of the COE too.

Panama Olympic Committee Warning

The IOC has warned the Panama Olympic Committee that the NOC must hold its elections on Dec. 16.

Infighting has plagued the POC for years with rival factions claiming they are the legitimate leaders.

Should the POC fail to hold elections on the date originally scheduled, the IOC reportedly said it could suspend the POC, similarly to what happened with the Indian Olympic Association, according to local media reports. Panamanian IOC member Meliton Sanchez would also be tasked with organizing a new meeting to elect leaders of the POC.

German Olympic Team Slogan

"Us for Germany" is the motto for the 2014 German Olympic team.

On Tuesday, the German Olympic Committee (DOSB) unveiled the motto, "Wir für Deutschland" in German.

The DOSB also unveiled its winter team site for the next Olympics, available here, as part of its communications strategy leading up to the Sochi Games.

Fans can interact with the winter team using #WirfuerD on Twitter and @DSB.

Anja Huber, skeleton bronze medalist from Vancouver, told the DOSB her fans appreciate all the information on her training and lead-up to competition, and it will help "increase the anticipation for Sochi."

Germany sent 153 Olympians to Vancouver, the fourth-largest team, winning 30 medals, second overall in the medal tally.

With the Advent season in full swing, the DOSB also has its own "Advent Calendar."

Teams throughout Europe are employing an online calendar with one Facebook visitor receiving a prize each day. On Christmas Eve, the DOSB winner will win a chance to meet German Olympians.

"The Advent Contest is just one of many measures that will help to build bridges: from summer to winter, from athlete to fan, from the digital to the real world," the DOSB said.

Stoss Reelected

Karl Stoss will serve another four years as president of the Austrian Olympic Committee.

He was unopposed at a recent general assembly of the OOC.

"I’m very glad that I can continue on the path I commenced in 2009," Stoss said at his reelection. "We’ve reached many goals in the last couple of years since my assumption of office. The OOC got rid of all the burdens from the past – nationally and internationally – within a very short period of time and has a good reputation again. The IOC basically overwhelmed us with its congratulations. Many domestic companies are interested in a partnership with the OOC. The majority of these revenues will be invested in the training of the domestic top athletes."

Secretary general Peter Mennel says the OOC has already started work for Sochi and beyond.

"We are supporting training camps for the luge, bob- and skeleton team and tests of the Austrian Skiing Federation and are looking for the ideal location of our Austria House," he said.

"And we’re currently working on a squad for Rio. That’s how we guarantee the best preparations to our top athletes over a maximum period of four years."

Darryl Seibel Remains at BOA

Darryl Seibel tells Around the Rings he will remain as the British Olympic Association’s communications director.

"It has been an absolute privilege to work with the British Olympic Association for the past three years, highlighted of course by the extraordinary London 2012 Games," he said in an email.

"As we move into 2013, I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with the BOA, our partners and the British media. While the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead are very different from those of the past few years, they are no less significant."

Happy Birthday

U.S. Olympic Committee Chief Communications Officer Patrick Sandusky celebrates his birthday today, Dec. 12.

His new age was not supplied to ATR.

Written by Ed Hula III.

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