April 06, 2008

IOC head criticizes violence against Olympic relay

By Lei Lei (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-04-09 07:01

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge Tuesday criticized violent protests that targeted the Beijing Olympic torch relay in London and Paris over the past few days, saying they are unacceptable.

"I'm definitely concerned about what has happened in London and in Paris," Rogge said. "I'm deeply saddened by the fact that such an important symbol has been attacked. We recognize the right of people to protest and express their views but it should be non-violent We don't accept violence."

IOC President Jacques Rogge speaks to reporters during a press conference on Saturday April 5, 2008, in Singapore. [Agencies]

He made the remarks in Beijing on the sidelines of the General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC).

"The IOC definitely wants and wishes for the Olympic flame to be respected, because it is a very important symbol that unites people," he said.

Rogge said he is determined to deal with political interference in sports.

"If you have passion for Olympism, you know that you will have to fight against many things for the rest of your life," he said. "I would have to fight against doping. I would have to fight against injustice and inequality between rich and less rich countries. I would have to fight against a lot of issues. The influence of politics in sport is one of the many issues that we have to deal with every day in sport."

Reviewing the seven-year preparation by the Beijing Olympic organizers, the IOC president said he was "very happy with the progress".

"The preparation corresponds exactly to the detailed plan that we submitted to BOCOG in 2001, but there are still a couple of issues that have to be finalized. This is normal because we are now 120 days out of the Olympic Games."

On air pollution, he said Beijing's efforts are satisfactory.

"We applaud the Chinese government for taking many measures that will not only help the Beijing Games, but will also be a permanent improvement to handle the pollution issue in the country. So I think China is tackling that issue in a good way."

Support from Qatar

Crown Prince of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Tuesday gave strong support to the Beijing Olympics.

"Qatar Olympic Committee would like to state that it does not agree with the various calls to boycott the Olympic Games in Beijing," Sheikh Tamim, who is also chairman of Qatar's Olympic Committee, said in a statement.

"Qatar Olympic Committee strongly supports this important sporting event and it will endeavor to contribute to its success," he said.

Swedish IOC member Gunilla Lindberg also said Tuesday the protests surrounding the torch relay were "damaging the Olympic movement".

"I think it is very sad. I get angry," Lindberg was quoted as saying by AP.

IOC press chief Kevan Gosper said he was "desperately disappointed" by the chaotic scenes in Paris, but said the torch relay will go on as scheduled.

"My belief is the torch relay will stay on course, there may be adjustments to it, but I think it would be wrong to do anything other than try and get the torch through to its ultimate destination," he said.

Women of the Naxi ethnic minority play a football game to welcome the Olympic flame in a village of Lijiang in Southwest China's Yunan Province March 31, 2008. [Xinhua]

An outdoor light stands outside Beijing's National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest for its interlaced stell sheel, April 1, 2008. The stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the athletics events during this summer's Olympics, is almost ready for testing next month. [Asianewsphoto]

Two overseas staff put down red floor covering on the track inside Beijing's National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, April 1, 2008. The stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the athletics events during this summer's Olympics, is almost ready for testing next month. [Asianewsphoto]

Newly-installed outdoor lamp stand outside Beijing's National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest for its interlaced stell sheel, April 1, 2008. The stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the athletics events during this summer's Olympics, is almost ready for testing next month. [Asianewsphoto]

An interior view of Beijing's National Stadium with new red floor covering on the track in this photo taken April 1, 2008. The stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the athletics events during this summer's Olympics, is almost ready for testing next month. [Asianewsphoto]

Workers check the new red floor covering inside Beijing's National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, April 1, 2008. The stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the athletics events during this summer's Olympics, is almost ready for testing next month. [Asianewsphoto]

The National Stadium, or "Bird's Nest" is lit in colors at night and reflected in the water in Beijing, in this file photo dated March 3, 2008. The stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the athletics events during this summer's Olympics, is almost ready for testing next month. [Asianewsphoto]

Soccer star Lionel Andres Messi speaks during a press conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina, wishing he could represent his country to compete for Olympic medals. [Xinhua]

Paper-cutting artist Du Wanli holds up her creations carved out of leaves featuring the five Fuwas, the mascots for the Beijing Olympic Games, in her home in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong Province, March 3, 2008. Du spent more than two months finishing the artwork, expressing her best wishes for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games. [Xinhua]

Paper-cutting artist Du Wanli carves a design out of a leaf featuring the five Fuwas, the mascots for the Beijing Olympic Games, in her home in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong Province, March 3, 2008. Du spent more than two months finishing the artwork, expressing her best wishes for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games. [Xinhua]

Paper-cutting artist Du Wanli shows off on her creations carved out of leaves featuring the five Fuwas, the mascots for the Beijing Olympic Games, in her home in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong Province, March 3, 2008. Du spent more than two months finishing the artwork, expressing her best wishes for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games. [Xinhua]

Paper-cutting artist Du Wanli cuts out parts of a leaf to create her artwork in her home in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong Province, March 3, 2008. Du spent more than two months finishing the artworks carved out of leaves, expressing her best wishes for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games. [Xinhua]

Torch Carriers Condemn Disruptions of Flame Relay

San Francisco torchbearers Kortney Clemons and Dean Karnazes denounced Tuesday the attempts to disrupt the Olympic flame relay in Paris as they attended an exhibition of "Lucky Cloud" torch in the backdrop of Golden State Bridge.

For 27-year-old Kortney Clemons, a paralympian for the Beijing Games in September, the Olympic flame is sacred and the arrival of the flame is a time to celebrate but not protest for any reason.

"I am so excited to be part of the torch relay. It would be perfect relay without any disruption and it's a great time to celebrate for everyone upon the arrival of the Olympic flame " said Clemons, who lost his right leg in Iraq war in February 2005.

"It's time to wrap up our differences and celebrate the occasion. It's not in compliance with Olympic spirit to binding politics with sports," added Clemons.

Clemons started training on sprint months after losing his leg in a bomb explosion, but he has never surrendered to the cruel twist of fate. He won his place in Beijing Paralympics on June for 100m and is looking forward to Beijing journey.

When he heard someone tried to grab the torch from Chinese wheelchair torch bearer Jin Jing in Paris on Monday, Clemons condemned the action inhumane and crazy.
When Jin Jing was waiting for second runner Anthony Ricardo, former French national basketball player, several Tibetan separatists threw themselves at Jin and her two companions. Nearly knocked off from her wheelchair, Jin protected the torch from the mob.

Clemons believed that he was selected as torchbearer for his efforts of never giving up hopes.

Dean Karnazes, a keen marathon lover, has just completed 50 marathons, in 50 states in 50 days. Dean has tried to encourage people to adopt healthier, more environment-friendly lifestyle. For his efforts, Time magazine named him one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World".

"For me Olympic flame stands for hope, inspiration, optimism and Olympic spirit, so the flame is carrying an important message to world," said Karnazes, adding the Olympic flame is uniting people together instead of dividing.

"No one is entitled to destruction of the spread of Olympic flame. It stands for freedom and pride, it's a time for people coming together for harmony, but not confrontation," he said.

Both the bearers were excited with Wednesday's run and are expecting a great relay in their hometown, the sole relay destination in North America.

The flame is making its sixth stopover of global journey in San Francisco before heading for Buenos Aires.

Eigo Sato from Japan performs during the freestyle motocross show "Red Bull X Fighters" in Mexico City's bull ring in this picture taken April 4, 2008. Picture taken April 4.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Sebastian Wolter of Germany performs during the freestyle motocross show "Red Bull X Fighters" in Mexico City's bull ring in this picture taken April 4, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Dany Torres of Spain performs during the freestyle motocross show "Red Bull X Fighters" in Mexico City's bull ring in this picture taken April 4, 2008. Picture taken April 4.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Dany Torres of Spain performs during the freestyle motocross show "Red Bull X Fighters" in Mexico City's bull ring April 4, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Joe Allison, a nine-year-old boy from Totnes, Devon smashed a world record by hanging 16 pieces of spoons on his face। (Photo: nddaily.com)

BEIJING, April 5 (Xinhuanet) -- A nine-year-old boy smashed a world record by hanging 16 pieces of spoons on his face, media reported Saturday.

Joe Allison, from Totnes, Devon, beat the previous record of 15 spoons set by a 16-year-old in the United States in May 2004.

He could balance 16 spoons on his face -- five from his forehead, one from his nose, two from his chin, three from each cheek and one from each ear.

But he admitted he didn't know what's behind his amazing talent.

"They just stick on," he said.

"It's something I can do easily and I know I'll make 17 one day, but I'll probably have to wait until I grow a bit so there's some more space on my forehead," said the schoolboy.

Joe discovered his talent two years ago when his cousin challenged him to balance a spoon on his nose.

His mother Fenella, 42, a swimming teacher, said: "I'm really, really proud of him because he can do something that no one else in the world can do.

The little boy is to appear on the talent TV show Britain's Got Talent, where he will hang the spoons from his face and do a little jig.

Officials are now double-checking footage of Joe's record attempt before entering him into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Local policeman clashes with a protester (bottom) during the Olympic torch relay in London, capital of Britain, April 6, 2008। A few "pro-Tibet independence" activists tried to sabotage the torch relay, stirring clashes with British police. At least 25 people were arrested. (Xinhua/Qi Heng)

BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- A Beijing Olympic official on Sunday strongly criticized the attempt by some "pro-Tibet independence" activists to sabotage the torch relay event in London, as an obvious act of defying the Olympic spirit.

A spokesman from the torch relay center of the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee said that as the highest symbol of the Olympic spirit, the Olympic flame represents peace, friendship and progress. Under the authorization of the International Olympic Committee, the Beijing Olympic torch relay is taking its journey of harmony throughout the world, sharing the passion and glory of the Olympics with the world, and has received warm welcome from the people en route.

However, a few "pro-Tibet independence" activists attempted to sabotage the torch relay in London today, which is a serious violation of the Olympic spirit, as the Olympic flame belongs to the world, the spokesman said. The act will surely arouse the resentment of the peace-loving people, and is bound to fail, he added.

London welcomes the Beijing Olympic flame on Sunday as part of the global Olympic Torch Relay in the run-up to the Beijing Olympic Games. As a grand festival in London, tens of thousands of people lined the route of the relay to cheer the event, far outnumbering the protesters.

Yet some protesters tried to sabotage the torch relay, by trying to grab the torch or extinguish it, stirring clashes with British police. At least 25 people were arrested.

The torch is traveling through ten London boroughs from Wembley in the west to Greenwich in east London, with each borough marking its arrival with entertainment and local events, bringing London's color and vibrancy to life while showcasing the capital's famous landmarks.

Jiang Xiaoyu (L front), the executive vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG), walks out of the cabin with the lantern which holds the Olympic flame in his hands at the airport in London, capital of Britain, April 5, 2008। London is the fourth leg of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games flame global tour।(Xinhua/Zhou Wenjie)

By sportswriter Zhang Rongfeng

LONDON, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The Olympic flame for the Beijing Games landed Saturday in London, the 2012 Olympics host city, setting out for the largest city relay outside the Chinese mainland.

The Olympic flame will be carried through London as part of the global Olympic flame journey. Large crowds are expected to cheer for the 80 torchbearers, including Paralympics, Olympic athletes and celebrities as they carry the torch through 10 London boroughs from Wembley to Greenwich.

As the host of the 2012 Olympic Games, London relay is designed to cover the longest route.

The first torchbearer is Steve Redgrave, quintuple Olympic gold medallist rower from Marlow Bottom. After striking gold in Sydney, Redgrave became the only English athlete ever to have won gold medals in five consecutive Olympic Games. His first Olympic gold came in the coxed fours in Los Angeles in 1984, followed by gold with Andy Holmes in the coxless pairs at Seoul in 1988, gold with Matthew Pinsent in the coxless pairs at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

An infant girl born with two faces three weeks ago in northern India.(Xinhua/AFP Photo)

BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhuanet)-- An Indian infant girl born with two faces eats and breathes normally despite having two pairs of eyes and lips and two noses, according to the baby's parents quoted by media reports Monday.

The baby, who is yet to be named, was born to factory worker Vinod Kumar and his wife Sushma three weeks ago in northern India.

She has drawn a stream of curious observers, with some even considering her a deity.

"I had never seen something like this in my life so naturally I was a little scared when I first saw her," her father was quoted as saying.

The baby's grandfather said she "is very special to us."

The family said it has no plans to consult doctors to check if the girl can receive treatment or corrective surgery.

"The doctor said everything is normal when she was born. So where's the need to get medical help?" said the child's father.

"She's fed through one mouth and sucks her thumb with the other. We use whichever mouth is free to feed her."

The family lives in mud-and-brick house in Noida town, about 50 km (30 miles) northeast of New Delhi.

The case comes just months after Indian doctors performed a rare, marathon surgery to remove the extra limbs of two-year-old girl Lakshmi Tatma born with four arms and legs.

A staff worker shows the commemorative Beijing Olympic Flame Relay Badge in Beijing, China, March 31, 2008. The commemorative Beijing Olympic Flame Relay Badge founded of pure gold and silver will be on sale in the near future. Different designed images of cities on the Beijing Olympic Flame Relay route are engraved on the face of the badges.

olympic spirit

IOC head criticizes violence against Olympic relay

Naxi women play football to greet Olympic flame

National Stadium almost ready

Lionel Andres Messi gives best wishes to Beijing Olympic

Leafy Fuwa creations

Torch Carriers Condemn Disruptions of Flame Relay

Freestyle motocross show in Mexico

Boy sets world record by hanging 16 spoons on face

Beijing Olympic spokesman condemns attempts to sabotage torch relay in London

Olympic flame lands in 2012 host London

Indian baby girl with two faces doing wel

Commemorative Beijing Olympic Flame Relay Badge to be on sale

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