Rogge Says U.S. Rights Talks to Open
IOC President Jacques Rogge says negotiations for the U.S. TV rights to the 2014 and 2016 Olympics could start later this year.
In an interview with Steven Wilson of Associated Press, Rogge says the time will be right.
"We will most likely start negotiations either at the end of this year or in the beginning of next year. The economy is improving, and the economy is definitely the major factor for which we waited," Rogge is quoted.
He says a half-dozen bidders are expected and that he believes Fox will make a strong bid. The U.S. rights holder through the 2012 Games is NBC.
In other comments, Rogge said talks with the U.S. Olympic Committee about a revised revenue sharing agreement would begin immediately, well-ahead of a 2013 deadline for a new deal.
Rogge tells AP that settling the controversial deal would improve the chances for a new bid for the Games from the U.S.
"We always welcome a good and strong American bid. We know they can do it. To solve this money issue can only foster possibilities for the future."
Horses Board Planes Bound for Equestrian Worlds
The biggest ever horselift is underway ahead of this weekend’s opening of the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky.
More than 500 animals boarded flights, 10 of them on specially fitted charter planes, in Belgium, Amsterdam, Australia and South America.
The quadrennial competition begins Saturday, marking the first time the Games have been held outside of Europe.
More than 900 athletes and 1,300 horses will ride in eight disciplines throughout the next two weeks.
"For anyone who enjoys the combination of horses and thrilling sport, the unique occasion of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is a must," International Equestrian Federation president Princess Haya bint Al Hussein said in a statement.
Events run through Oct. 10.
AIBA Lifts Korean Boxing Ban
South Korean boxers are free to compete in the Asian Games in two months and the London 2012 Olympics.
The International Boxing Association reversed itself Thursday, just 10 days after handing down the suspension.
The Korean Olympic Committee announced Friday that the country’s fighters are eligible for international competition and that AIBA would lift its ban on the Korean Amateur Boxing Federation next week.
AIBA’s executive committee met Thursday in Lausanne and informed the KOC of its decision Friday, the KOC said in a statement.
KOC president Yong-Sung Park took over KABF last week and will form a new board Sept. 30. Elections for president will follow.
KABF’s suspension came after former president Jae Joon Yoo "caused serious damage to the image and reputation of AIBA and its members," AIBA said in a statement.
Yoo resigned from the post earlier this month after more than a year of scandal.
AIBA’s executive committee will next convene Nov. 2 in Kazakhstan on the eve of the AIBA Congress, which had been scheduled at one time for Korea until relations soured withthe KABF.
New Sponsor for French NOC
Somfy, sponsor for the Annecy 2018 Winter Olympic bid, has expanded its support as the newest sponsor for the CNSOF, the national Olympic committee for France.
Somfy, headquartered in Cluses, near Annecy, is a worldwide manufacturer of motorized shutter and window systems for homes and businesses.
The company has been a sponsor of the French ski team since 2005.
Terms of the new sponsorship were not disclosed.
On hand for the sponsorship announcement were Jean-Philippe Demaël, CEO of Somfy, CNSOF President Denis Masseglia, Edgar Grospiron, Annecy 2018 CEO, Christian Monteil, chairman of the Annecy 2018 Supervisory Board and President of the Haute-Savoie, Annecy Mayor Jean-Luc Rigaut and Jean-Jack Queyranne, President of the Rhône Alpes Region.
Rugby Stadium Named for Henri Serandour
The late president of the French NOC is now remembered with a rugby arena that carries his name.
Henri Serandour Stadium was dedicated Sept. 18 in Concarneau, in Serandour’s native Brittany. He was a devotee of rugby.
Serandour died last November after a long illness, serving as CNSOF president for six years.
On hand for the ribbon-cutting was Bernard Lapasset, president of the IRB, the international federation for rugby.
Happy Birthday Bud
Belated birthday greetings: Olympic filmmaker Bud Greenspan turned 84 on Sep. 18.
Written by Matthew Graysonand Ed Hula.
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