UPDATE: A non-profit organization tries to raise money to help promote sport in the developing world. Initially, the IOC supported the group. But — last week — decided to uninvite them to participate in any way at future Olympics. Apparently paying sponsors feel the publicity and funds that Right to Play generate at the Olympics would somehow detract from their own marketing. You might remember that China did not want Right to Play in Beijing because they were vocal about Chinese companies not doing enough to improve Human Rights in Africa.
Click through to the links if you want to know more.
====
Right to Play are the good guys.
Olympic Champions Trent Dimas and Kyle Shewfelt are two of the gymnasts who support this organization. Phoebe Mills is another.
… The IOC confirmed Thursday it has ended its relationship with Right to Play. That will prevent the international humanitarian organization from setting up shop at Olympic venues during the 2010 Vancouver Games, plus the upcoming Olympics in London and Sochi, Russia.
…
International Olympic Committee spokesperson Emmanuelle Moreau said in an e-mail the decision “had nothing to do with sponsorship.” …
She’s a lying liar. (Her job description, I assume.)
The refreshingly straight talking IOC veteran Dick Pound admits the decision was to protect its sponsors during the Games:
… “When you raise a lot of money from people who support your exercise, you can’t have them ambushed by somebody else,” Pound said in an interview. “Right to Play knows that.” …
The IOC are the bad guys. As usual.
The Olympics are all about the money.
Right To Play is an athlete-based international humanitarian organization that emphasizes sports to aid the development of children and youth in underprivileged areas of the world. The organization has its headquarters in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The organization was founded by Norwegian speedskating star and four times Olympic champion Johann Olav Koss. Other Olympians involved with Right To Play include Canadians Clara Hughes, who has won medals in both the summer and winter games, Praveen Perera, Alexander Ovechkin, Beckie Scott, and American Joey Cheek, who donated his 2006 Winter Games earnings from the medals he won, and Dutch Boxer Arnold Vanderlyde, just to name a few.
Right To Play programs are currently being implemented in 23 countries: Azerbaijan, Benin, Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Israel, Lebanon, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, UAE, and Zambia.
Right To Play uses sports as a way to teach children about teamwork, fair play, conflict resolution, self-esteem, communication, commitment, respect, and integrity. Right To Play is committed to improving the lives of children and to strengthening their communities by translating the best practices of sport and play into opportunities to promote development, health and peace.
Wikipedia
You can volunteer or register your support on the official website – Right to Play
(via Gymbrooke Sports News)
UPDATE: TCO did a little more digging on this story. Turns out it was a complaint by Olympic sponsor GM that resulted in the humanitarian group being cut out of future Olympics.
TheStar.com – Shame on IOC for banishing charity group
Gymnastics Coaching.com 