Lausanne Named 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games Host

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today named Lausanne, Switzerland, as the host city of the 3rd Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2020. Lausanne, home to the IOC headquarters since 1915 and known as the Olympic Capital, was chosen over Brasov, Romania, during a vote at the 128th IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur, with 71 votes to Brasov’s 10. In line with Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC’s strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement, approved last December, the Evaluation Commission for the Winter Youth Olympic Games 2020 focused its assessment of the two Candidate Cities for the first time on the key opportunities and risks associated with both bids and a focus on the athletes’ experience. The Commission, chaired by IOC Member in China Yang Yang, noted that both Lausanne and Brasov were capable of organising the Games. Lausanne was praised in particular for its good use of existing, temporary and demountable venues, in line with Olympic Agenda 2020 sustainability reforms. Lausanne 2020 organisers have proposed 10 to 19 January 2020 as the dates for the Games. Over 1,000 athletes ranging in age from 15 to 18 are expected to compete at the Winter Youth Olympic Games 2020. Both YOG Candidate Cities were informed that a review of sports, disciplines and events will take place after the 2nd Winter Youth Olympic Games, due to be held in Lillehammer, Norway, in February 2016, and that the overall list of events would be completed approximately three years ahead of the Youth Olympic Games 2020.

Britain Congratulates Beijing On Winning 2022 Winter Olympic Bid

he British Olympic Association (BOA) on Friday congratulated Beijing on winning the bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games and believed the Chinese capital will host a "great" Winter Olympics. Bill Sweeney, the BOA Chief Executive, told Xinhua: "Congratulations to the city and people of Beijing on winning the bid for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. Team GB has fond memories of the impressive stadia, friendly people and exceptional Games having competed in Beijing at the 2008 Olympics. I am sure that Beijing will host a great Winter Olympics for the athletes of the world. "We wish Beijing the best of luck in their preparations and look forward to Team GB competing in Beijing once again in 2022," he said. Beijing beat Kazakhsatan city Almaty, the only other contender, in the IOC vote held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, earlier on Friday to become the first city to host a summer and winter Games.

Chinese President Extends Appreciation To IOC For Trust And Support

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a letter of appreciation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach on Friday evening, expressing thanks to IOC for its trust and support in selecting Beijing together with Zhangjiakou as the host of the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

In the letter, President Xi said, "Today, Beijing together with Zhangjiakou has won the bid to host the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Let me extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, our appreciation to the IOC for its trust and strong support over the years."

President Xi said, "To present a fantastic, extraordinary and excellent Winter Olympics is the aspiration of over 1.3 billion Chinese people. We will fulfill all our commitments and witness, together with the people of all other countries and the IOC, the advent of a new phase in the development of the Olympic winter sports and in the spread of the Olympic spirit."

"The Chinese government and people will implement in good faith the Olympic Agenda 2020, create a new record for the same city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, and make new contribution to the advancement of the Olympic spirit," President Xi said.

85 IOC Members Voted To Choose Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics

Eighty-five members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)  voted to decide the host city of the 2022 Winter Olympics race on Friday afternoon, the IOC confirmed.

Fifteen members, about 15 percent of the IOC members, did not vote. They are 11 "excused" members including world soccer chief Joseph Blatter, three Chinese - Yu Zaiqing, Li Lingwei and Yang Yang, and IOC President Thomas Bach. Beijing is widely seen as the front-runner in the competition against Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Eighty-one members will vote in the 2020 Youth Olympic race between Lausanne and Romania's Brasov. In addition to Blatter there are four other Swiss who are ineligible: Gian Franco Kasper, Rene Fasel, Denis Oswald and Patrick Baumann and one Romanian in Octavian Morariu. Interestingly, because Lausanne is planning to hold some events over the French border, Tony Estanguet and Guy Drut are also excluded.

Beijing To Host 2022 Winter Olympic Games

*New opportunity, new dream: the 2022 Winter Olympics in China. Photo: AP

BEIJING: Despite concerns around the city's chronic smog, human rights record – and lack of snow – Beijing has won the right to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, becoming the first city to host both the summer and winter editions of the Games.

Beijing, which emerged as an unlikely favourite in the vote after numerous cities steeped in winter sports tradition dropped out the bidding process, beat out its sole competitor in the vote – Almaty, Kazakhstan.

.The International Olympic Committee awarded the Games to Beijing in a ballot held in Kuala Lumpur

Beijing plans to repurpose a number of the iconic buildings that hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics, including the Bird's Nest Stadium and the Water Cube, for indoor ice events like speed skating, ice hockey and curling.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/beijing-wins-2022-winter-olympic-games-in-choice-between-imperfect-bids-20150731-gip5th.html#ixzz3hTGgyVAa

Kiri-Kiri All Stars Hold AllStars International To A Draw

Kiri-Kiri All stars held All Stars Family Fc. Yaba/Surulere to a 1 -1 draw in an early morning soccer played at the Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba at the weekend. In a clash of stars.

The clash of both teams which was between our former soccer ambassadors was explosive but very, very entertaining with the two side reproducing the old flashes that endeared them to football fans some years back.

After a barren first half, substitute Gabriel Edem beat enterprising Kiri-Kiri All Stars goal tender, Wale Alao with a flashy shot to give his side the lead in the 87^th minute but dashing Michael Nnaji restored the parity with a volley that kept the All Star Family goalkeeper Alao Olufisay guessing just before the full time. It was against the run of play.

All stars Family was lucky not to concede a 49^th minute shot taken by Kiri-Kiri All Stars Point-man Oghenero Michael when his shot from the right flank narrowly missed the target.

At his post match comment, the All Stars Family technical adviser Sunny Joe lauded both teams for exhibiting spirit of sportsmanship. “The match was neatly and hotly contested, Sunny Joe who was in company of the Financial secretary of the Club Ita Otubong stated.  In his own comment,  the Kiri-Kiri all Stars chief coach, Lawrence Orairo, has this to say: Don’t forget that we are champions of Festac All Stars Competitions. Hence I am not surprised that the standard exhibited by my wards was high . The coach who was in company of the chairman of Kiri-Kiri All Stars chief Sunday Agulefo opined.

The match was well handled by ex-defender of Delta Steel, Aladja Ajaokuta, Dominic Umoh.

Mention must be made of All Stars Family strongman Uwem Umoh who fought tirelessly to keep the Kiri-Kiri razor sharp strikers at bay.

Eket Youth To Celebrate 13 Years Of Successfull Competition

The founder of Eket Youth Football Competitions in Akwa-Ibom State, spoyj-south Nigeria and ex- international Striker Victor Udofa, has announced in Lagos that adequate arrangements has been put in place for the youth in Eket Town to celebrate their 13 years of successful hosting competitions in the area.

The competitions are: Eket Senatorial District youth Soccer championship; tagged Hon. Mrs. Owidehe Ekpotai Eket Unity Cup, and Eket Friendship youth Soccer championship, tagged Hon. David Lawrence Friendship Cup.

According to Victor Udofa, the idea of the aforementioned competitions was muted after the disbandment of Mobil Peagacious Fc. of Akwa Ibom State, in 1999.

“As a result of the disbandment of Mobil Peagacious FC, we the youth felt very bad about the action of the management of Mobil peagacious, hence in initiated the idea to organize a competition so that the disbandment would not affect the soccer career of the budding stars in our area.” Udofa an ex-influential player who is an indigene of Eket explained.

“The Eket youth soccer championship in which Eleven Local Governments in the area will be vying for honours will hold from September 8 to October 6, 2015, while the Eket Federal Constituency Unity Cup would be staged between October 13 and November 10, 2015, with the Eket Senatorial District youth soccer championship holding from November 17 to December 8, 2015 at Eket Sports Stadium, in Eket LGA, Akwa-Ibom State.” The ex-footballer  who featured for many clubs in the country including Bendel Insurance FC of Benin, First Bank FC. of Lagos, Police and defunct Stores FC. of Lagos and Concord FC. of Abeokuta stated.

Victor Udofa also featured for Wintan Thir FC. of Switserland, Stade Dunboneben Fc. of Cameroun, Tonnere Kalala FC. of Cameroun and Command FC. of Zurich from where he sustained a nagging injury that kept him out of football.

Eagles:Give Oliseh A Chance, Says Agulefo

The chairman of Kiri- Kiri All Stars  FC, chief Sunday Agulefo, has urged Nigerians to give the intending Super Eagle Manager and ex-captain of the squad, Sunday Oliseh a chance to prove his mettle.

Chief Agulefo who spoke with AroundTheSports correspondent at the All Stars Family Club House in Lagos over the weekend, said the Nigeria needs a change, hence "I strongly believe that the change started from the top."

When asked to give his opinion about Westerhof statement on Oliseh, he said, “in my opinion Westerhof is playing the role of a politician because if he is not playing the role, he will not be in other people;s country and be deciding the affairs of such a country as he is doing in Nigeria.

"To the best of my knowledge Sunday Oliseh is a good player who played for this country, Nigeria during his playing career, he is set to create an impact as a coach and manager and that is why the NFF should give him a chance."

Nigeria Sends 45 Athlrtes To Special Olympics World Summer Games

Special Olympics Nigeria on Friday said that 42 athletes and 18 officials would represent the country at the 14th Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, the U.S.
Naomi Saliu-Lawal, National Director of the body, said told a news conference in Lagos that the team would depart the country on July 20.
The Games are scheduled to hold from July 25 to Aug. 2 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Special Olympics Nigeria on Friday said that 42 athletes and 18 officials would represent the country at the 14th Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, the U.S.
Naomi Saliu-Lawal, National Director of the body, said told a news conference in Lagos that the team would depart the country on July 20.
The Games are scheduled to hold from July 25 to Aug. 2 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

“Nigerians should expect the best from the team and I’m assuring the country that the athletes will come back home with medals,” she said.
The director also said the body had signed a contract with Exxon Mobil to empower the special athletes in vocational skills.
She said the programme would start as soon as the athletes returned from the games.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the association, Victor Oshinbolu, has commended the coaches and sponsors of the team for their support to the athletes.
Oshinbolu said that all hand should be on deck to encourage children with disabilities to take to sports.
“We must put in a collective effort to encourage these athletes in order to give them a sense of belonging in the society,” he said.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/07/45-athletes-to-represent-nigeria-in-special-olympics-world-summer-games/#sthash.DQu0syki.dpuf

Nigerians should expect the best from the team and I’m assuring the country that the athletes will come back home with medals,” she said.
The director also said the body had signed a contract with Exxon Mobil to empower the special athletes in vocational skills.
She said the programme would start as soon as the athletes returned from the games.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the association, Victor Oshinbolu, has commended the coaches and sponsors of the team for their support to the athletes.
Oshinbolu said that all hand should be on deck to encourage children with disabilities to take to sports.
“We must put in a collective effort to encourage these athletes in order to give them a sense of belonging in the society,” he said.

Formula One Driver Jules Bianchi Dies After Crash

NICE, France: The family of Jules Bianchi says the French Formula One driver has died from head injuries sustained in a crash at last year's Japanese Grand Prix.
The news was posted on Bianchi's official Twitter feed early on Saturday morning French time and later confirmed by the Manor F1 team.
Bianchi, 25, had been in a coma since the October 5 accident, in which he collided at high speed with a mobile crane which was being used to pick up another crashed car.

Jules Bianchi, 25, had been in a coma since the October 5 accident. Photo: Reuters

The family statement said "Jules fought right to the very end, as he always did, but today his battle came to an end. The pain we feel is immense and indescribable."

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Bianchi competed in 34 races over the 2013 and 2014 seasons, scoring the first ever championship points for Manor - then known as Marussia - by finishing fifth at last year's Monaco Grand Prix.
The Manor team tweeted: "We are devastated to lose Jules after such a hard-fought battle. It was a privilege to have him race for our team."

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorsport/formula-one-driver-jules-bianchi-dies-after-horror-crash-20150718-gif8k1.html#ixzz3gEigVXBL

Genzebe Dibaba Breaks World Women's 1500 Metres R*&*ecord

*22-Year-Old World Record Falls
Ethiopia's world indoor champion Genzebe Dibaba broke the 22-year-old 1,500 metres world record on Friday when she clocked three minutes 50.07 seconds at the Monaco Diamond League.
Running the last lap on her own after the pacemaker dropped out, the 24-year-old dipped inside Chinese Qu Yunxia's previous mark of 3:50.46 set in Beijing on September 11, 1993.
"I am very happy," Dibaba told the track announcer as the crowd stood and applauded.
Dibaba, the younger sister of three times Olympic champion and 5,000 metres world record holder Tirunesh Dibaba, said on Thursday she would decide whether to run the 1,500 or the 5,000 at next month's Beijing world championships after Friday's race.
She told reporters she had been concentrating on her speed in training this year.
Five personal bests were set in the race.
-Reuters

 

Djokovic rolls into Wimbledon final

WORLD No 1 Novak Djokovic has overcome shoulder problems and an inspired Richard Gasquet to march regally into the Wimbledon final.
The defending champion will play either seven-time champion Roger Federer or world No 3 Andy Murray after posting a 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-4 triumph.
The performance earned the Serb a place in his 17th grand slam final and his fourth at Wimbledon, where he will chase a ninth major overall.
“It was a very good performance considering the occasion,” Djokovic said.
“Semi-finals is always tough. Richard had a great tournament and deserved to be in the semi-finals.
The first set was a turning point. I thought I played really well after that.
“I’m definitely living the dream playing here in Wimbledon. I’m just glad to be in another Wimbledon final.
“There’s a lot at stake and I’m gonna be ready for it.”
Watched by Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg, Djokovic was given a standing ovation after rifling a forehand winner into open territory to close out the match after 2hrs, 20mins.
Unbackable with a 12-1 win-loss record against world No 21 Gasquet, Djokovic traded on colossal serving to advance.
Renowned more for athleticism and defence, Djokovic expertly kept Gasquet at bay with thunderous serving.
He edged closer to lifting a third All England Club title — a feat that would match the haul of his coach Boris Becker — with 11 aces and 44 aces.

Eagles: Keshi's Sack Was Long Overdue, Says Chukwuma

Chief Gabriel Chukwuma (Gabros) needs no introduction when it comes to football matters in Nigeria. Before the coming of Ifeanyi Uba, he was the sole financier/ proprietor of Gabros international FC of Nnewi now Ifaenyi Uba united. He has also served as the first vice chairman  of the Nigeria football Association (NFA) now Nigeria football federation (NFF). He spoke in an  interview beginning with NFF, Keshi and the Eagles. T him, the sack of super eagles coach Stephen Keshi was long overdue and that most Nigerian coaches are the bane of the country’s football among other issues.

So far, what is your assessment of  NFF President Amaju Pinnick?

He is a good man. But so far he has performed below my expectation. The things our national team coaches used to do in the past are still happening even today. I thought the NFF president should have been able to stop them from collecting money from players. That is, he should have been able to introduce the culture of merit to our football like it used to be in the days of late Emeka Omerua. Most of our coaches are cash and carry. And they are player’s agents. This cannot help our football grow.

What is your view on Keshi's sack?

Frankly speaking, the Sack of Coach Stephen Keshi was long overdue. Keshi would have been sacked long ago, but my friend pinnick was just afraid. You know the Coach was well connected and he was influential. He was always applying for jobs in other countries even before the time he was sacked.

However, am glad that my friend Pinnick Finally got the courage to sack him.

There is nothing Keshi would have done again. For now we do not have a national team. And there is nothing anybody can do .What we have in the name of coaches are player’s agents. Before the coming of Ifeanyi Ubah, I was one of the highest stakeholders in Nigeria Football. And I have the requisite Football experiences. I do not need to watch a team twice to commend or dismiss the team. Keshi was about four years old with the super Eagles. But how super were they? Where were the Eagles? Who can close his eyes and name 10 quality players of the super Eagles under Keshi.

So, what is your advice now that Keshi is out?

Amodu and Yusuf as caretaker coaches should just start building a National team for us. They should lay a solid foundation for a true super Eagles team.

Keshi  tried, he did his best. But his return to the team was uncalled for.  He came back because he had a godfather and he was influential. This is the time for the NFF to go for a reputable foreign coach. I do not mean the type of foreign coach the NFF bigwigs will be sharing his salary in London. The coach must not be player’s agent. And all football agents must be kept at bay. Look at the game against Chad,Keshi dressed a player that in all sincerity had no business with the super Eagles. It was simply the handiwork of player’s agents.

What of the U-20 team that crashed out at the last World Cup

It is the same problem. The last time the team crashed, I thought we should have learnt some lessons. For it to happen again there is no need asking question, we have not changed. And this is the change I expected my friend, pinnick to have effected by now. The coach of the U-20 team that was star- studded needs to be sanctioned. In fact, coaches that fail dismally that way are supposed to be banned for at least ten years. Our problem is that shortly after some of these coaches fail, you see them return to some of the teams. They keep coming and going in a circle that is why they don’t learn any lesson. Anybody that watched the U-20 team will agree with me completely.

The Super Falcons also crashed out tooin the early stage of Women Women?

That is the same problem. They equally paraded galaxy of stars some of the best in the world but there was no coach.His sack was also a relief.

In all what is your relationship with NFF like?

That is the problem. I can say it is cordial, I can say is it not cordial. You know if it is as cordial as it is supposed to be, I should have been talking to them directly rather than on the pages of the NEWSPAPER, my thinking is that once in a while, the NFF should invite me so that we share ideals together. Perhaps they fear that I am too independent, straight-forward and I call spade-spade all the time.

From Gabros International FC to Ifeanyi Uba United. what actally happened?

The moment we returned to the premier league, I put together the amount that will be involved in the running of the team, the only person I was convinced that could do it was ifeanyi Uba. He loves football and he has the means. I am not talking about experience. With time he will acquire the experience. The most important thing is that he is capable. If there are ten Nigerians supporting Nigerian youths like Ifeanyi Uba, it would have been a lot better for the country.

He is currently building two stadia. On completion, they will be the best in the country. I implore the Anambra State government to give him support. I will be giving my own support in my own way. This is important because he is building the facilities for Nigerian youths and Anambra youths in particular.

So far he has been very wonderful. The team demanded for four vehicles, he provided eight. As it stands now, we are not in competition with any club in the premier league. I have watched all the clubs, I did not see any team that has the king of players we have. We have super players with age on their side.  Even government approached me, but for me government will crash the team in no time, but for Ifeanyi Uba I have confidence that the team will go places.The team merely suffered a setback some time but they are recovering.

What is your position in the team now?

I have retired. I now supervise and offer advice. I have run the club for close to twenty years and handed over to a younger person. People thought I was in football because of money, but today they have apologized to me haven seen actually what is involved, or what it takes to run a Football club.

What is your rating of the League Management Company (LMC)

I will give them kudos in the area of officiating. Officiating has improved very well.

Where I disagree with them is on the amount of money that they give to clubs, for me, each club deserves at least Fifty Million Naira (N 50,000,000) in sponsorship. And for the first team, one Hundred Million Naira Only (N100, 000.000) is Ok. For the four teams that go on relegation at least (N20, 000.000) each to enable them reorganize and return to where they belong.

Nigeria has a lot of stars; we should Nurture them to stardom. Their only problem is that they do not have money to bribe their way into the national teams. What we see are Agents craftily introducing even amateur players to our coaches at the expense of over One Hundred & Seventy Million Nigerians. This is a mortal sin because in Nigeria Football is higher than Religion.

There is speculation that Aliko Dangote plans to investment in Arsenal FC of England. what is your advice to him?

It is a welcome development. But it would have been better if he first of all acquires a premier club in Nigeria. Through the local club, Nigerian players can easily be moving to England to play for Arsenal and other premiership clubs. It will make a wonderful partnership.