Olympic Formats Take Centre Stage At FEI General Assembly

Olympic formats were the focus of this afternoon’s session at the FEI General Assembly in San Juan (PUR), with FEI President Ingmar De Vos leading discussions with National Federations on proposed radical changes to Olympic competition formats.

“Olympic Agenda 2020 is a driving force in this process, but even prior to that we already knew that changes needed to be made to our formats and the presentation of our sport”, the FEI President said in his opening address.

“But why do we want to change our formats and the way our sport is presented? The answer is really quite simple, because we want to remain relevant in today’s ever changing sporting landscape and gain the exposure and visibility our sport deserves.

“As the IOC President aptly said at the IOC Session in Monaco last December, ‘to change or to be changed, that is the question’. This is why we are here today, to lead that change.

“We need to take advantage of the excitement and drama of our sport, make it easier to understand, attract young and larger audiences, be broadcast friendly and see more nations represented in our sport.”

Olympic Agenda 2020

In today’s session, the FEI President underlined the implications of Olympic Agenda 2020, and the move from a sport-based to an event-based Olympic programme for Tokyo 2020, before opening the floor to the Olympic equestrian discipline Chairs, John Madden (Jumping), Frank Kemperman (Dressage) and Giuseppe Della Chiesa (Eventing).

John Madden underlined the interest and understanding the IOC President Thomas Bach has of equestrian sport, which was clearly demonstrated during his official visit to FEI Headquarters last week, and the very real need to respond to the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations.

Maria Gretzer, the Swedish Olympic Jumping rider and athlete representative on the FEI Executive Board since 2013, strongly echoed this view on the back of her experiences at the recent IOC Athletes Forum in Lausanne (SUI).

Harmonising Olympic equestrian sport with a cap of three team members across the three disciplines was one of the key proposals in today’s session, with the by-product of increasing the number of flags at the Olympic Games. Separating individual and team events and removing team drop scores were also put forward.

Under the new proposals, Dressage would have a total of 15 teams and 15 individual athletes, using heats to qualify the top 18 for the individual final, maximising the emotion and drama of the sport.

In Jumping, there would be 20 teams and 15 individuals, with a jump-off for first place in both individual and team. If team gold is decided by a jump-off, all three team horse/rider combinations would compete against the clock but only the best score would count. Other proposed changes would see the team Jumping mirroring the current successful Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ format, with just the top 10 teams starting with zero penalties in the medal-decider final.

In Eventing, the Dressage phase would be condensed to a single day using a shorter test, and the traditional format of Dressage, Cross Country and Jumping would be kept to retain the essence of the discipline, protect horse welfare and ensure reliable immediate results.

Olympic formats were the focus of today’s session at the FEI General Assembly in San Juan (PUR), with FEI President Ingmar De Vos (left) leading discussions with National Federations on proposed changes to Olympic competition formats. The three Olympic discipline Chairs, Frank Kemperman (Dressage), John Madden (Jumping) and Giuseppe Della Chiesa (Eventing) detailed the proposals to delegates. (FEI/Richard Juilliart)

The individual Jumping phase would be used as the qualifier for the top six or seven teams to go through to the team final, with the potential of having all three team members in the arena together, jumping one after another, so that a team result would be instantly available.

Following input from Open Forums at this year’s Pan American Games, the Longines FEI European Eventing Championships and the Asia-Pacific qualifier for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Boekelo (NED), it was suggested that an alternative name, such as “Equestrian Triathlon” could improve understanding of the sport for a mainstream audience.

The proposals generated healthy debate amongst the National Federation representatives.

CAF PRESIDENT HAYATOU UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

President of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Issa Hayatou, yesterday underwent a successful kidney transplant.

He has never hidden the sufferings of his kidney failure in recent times. However, it did not prevent him from discharging fully and continuously his functions with the world football body, Africa and the Olympic movement.

His current tasks as Acting FIFA President and CAF President will continue as planned.

Issa Hayatou, President CAF
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“I am pleased with the positive news given by the medical personnel. On behalf of CAF and on my own behalf, I wish our President a speedy recovery. In the coming days, I will be in regular contact with him and I am glad to know that in future, he will be back on our side,” said CAF Secretary General, Hicham El Amrani.

Following recommendations by medical personnel, the CAF President will observe some days of rest.

Portugal To host 2016 World League Group 2 finals

Portugal will be the host of the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World League Group 2 Finals, it was officially announced by FIVB.

The competition will be held over 9 and 10 July. The city will be confirmed at a later date. African Champions Egypt will be the African Representatives in the upcoming Group 2 of the World League after they won Group 3 in the 2015 edition.

Group 2 next year comprises of 12 teams who will compete in four-team pools over three weekends, before the top three plus hosts Portugal qualify to the Final Four.

Portugal to host 2016 World League Group 2 finals

The participating teams in Group 2 are Japan, the Netherlands, Canada, Finland, the Czech Republic, Cuba, Korea, Portugal, Egypt, Turkey, Slovakia and China. The eight teams competing in Group 2 in 2015 (Cuba, Canada, Japan, Korea, Czech Republic, Portugal, Finland, Netherlands) have been joined by wild cards China, Turkey, Slovakia and 2015 Group 3 winners Egypt.

Venues for the Group 1 Final Six (13-17 July) and Group 3 Final Four (1-3 July) will be announced at a later date.

TAREK AL-ADWAR, CAVB

Betsy Alison awarded for Para World Sailing development

Betsy Alison (USA) has been awarded the ISAF President’s Development Award for her outstanding achievement in the development of Para World Sailing in 2015.

Awarded at the 2015 Annual Conference in Sanya, China, Alison was presented with the award by ISAF President Carlo Croce at the meeting of ISAF Council.

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Alison commented on the award, “First of all I was speechless, honestly, for me it’s incredibly satisfying to be recognised for what so many people have worked so hard for, for so long.

“Even though we have had such a disappointment with the Tokyo 2020 IPC decision, the fact of the matter is that sometimes bad news or disappointing circumstances can provide the opportunity to change things in a manner that will make the sport better going forward.

“That’s the opportunity we have right now so working with the Para World Sailing Committee we are thinking way outside of the box and colouring outside the lines and look at ways, whether it’s through making equipment more simple and affordable to looking at events and making the format super exciting for the public and the media to follow.

“We have a great opportunity that we want to capitalise on and we’re going to explore some options in the next 12 months.”

A successful sailor and coach, Alison is currently the Head Coach of the US Paralympic Sailing Program and Chair of the Para World Sailing Committee.

Alison is well known for bringing new sailors into the sport at grass roots level – much more than simply taking sailors out on the water for an initial experience. She has supported and provided clinics at grass root level events in and around the USA with her main aim of developing a pathway for all types of people, with differing levels of disabilities and competition experience.

She was instrumental in the revision and editing of the 1996 IFDS Disabled Sailing Manual and she worked to design and implement a classification system for the inclusion of sailors with visual impairments in Para World Sailing competition at all levels.

The American has also provided coaching for the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge, held the first Disabled Sailing Instructor Workshop and developed Pioneer Grants which enabled community sailing programs to incorporate Para World Sailing into learn to sail programs.

ISAF President Carlo Croce with Betsy Alison

With a long list of projects and commitments Alison continues to pursue challenges with a broad mind set and concluded by saying, “The reason why I do this with such a passion is the reaction of the sailors. It is really incredible to see what I think is an underserved group of people that are athletes, who have a competitive mind that don’t let circumstances affect their outlook and pursuits.

“When I wake up and I think I am having a bad day, I realise that I have nothing to complain about. The fact of the matter is that it is a great part of sailing that I really want more people to experience and understand. That’s now happening within ISAF and the entire organisation is starting to realise the hidden gem of Para World Sailing.”

The ISAF President’s Development Award is the second time Alison has been recognised for her work. In 2006 she was the recipient of the Gay S Lynn Memorial Trophy for her outstanding service to sailing and sailors with disabilities.

Seven Sailors inducted into World Sailing’s Hall of Fame

In 2007 the International Sailing Federation celebrated its centenary and to mark the occasion, introduced a Hall of Fame.

Olin Stephens, Dame Ellen Macarthur, Paul Elvström, Barbara Kendall, Eric Tabarly and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston were all inducted in the first instance.

They have been joined by seven new inspirational sailors who have been honoured at the 2015 Annual Conference.

These individuals have made a significant impact on the water, but also with their remarkable attitudes and dedication to sailing whilst onshore. They have all in their own way helped shape the sport we enjoy today.

ISAF WORLD SAILING

The inductees are:

Dennis Conner

If one is to think of sailors of the America’s Cup, one name springs to mind instantly – Dennis Conner. A four times winner.

Conner, known as Mr. America’s Cup to you and me, has experienced the full gamut of the cup, as the defeated, the defender and ultimately the winner of the Cup. In 1980, Conner was credited with turning the America’s Cup into a professional competition with sailing occurring on 300 days of the year.

Conner has also made his mark in sailing outside of the Cup, with an incredible 28 World Championship victories and an Olympic Bronze medal from the 1976 Games.

Alessandra Sensini

Alessandra Sensini is the most successful female Olympic sailor in history, with a total medal count of one Gold, one Silver and two Bronze medals. Her remarkable achievements have covered three different classes within the windsurfer discipline. Her ability to remain at the top of her sailing for such an extended period is tribute to her level of talent and dedication to her sport.

Sensini was in Sanya to receive her recognition and was presented with a unique blue World Sailing logo pennant that only inductees to the Hall of Fame received.

On her induction Sensini said, “I want to thank you all because it is an honour for me to be here today. Some years ago I received the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award and that was amazing for me. To be inducted into the Hall of Fame is totally unexpected.

“I want to thank ISAF President Carlo Croce because after I stopped competing he brought me into the Italian Federation to support and promote Youth Sailing and the new generation. I hope that I will be able to inspire the new generation and pass on my knowledge in the sport of sailing.”

Harold Vanderbilt (1884 – 1970)

Harold Vanderbilt was a man of many talents. Along with his champion sailing, a champion bridge player (he influenced changes to the rules of game which are still in force today), an author and a pilot.

However it was his achievements in the America’s Cup J-Class boats where he stood tall. Vanderbilt successfully defended the Cup in 1930, 1934 and 1937.

Vanderbilt was also instrumental in developing and promoting a set of racing rules based on his experience in the America’s Cup. It was through his efforts with the assistance of other visionaries that the modern Racing Rules of Sailing were adopted in 1960.

Sir Peter Blake (1948 – 2001)

Sir Peter Blake is one man who can truly be described as a legend amongst the sailing world. The New Zealander achieved greatness in many aspects of our sport. From leading New Zealand to victory twice in the America’s Cup, to winning the Whitbread Round the World Race and holding the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest sailing time around the world.

Sir Peter was also known for his efforts in promoting environmental protection. Indeed it was his pursuit of environmental water monitoring which took him to the Amazon River in 2001 where his life was tragically taken during a pirate attack.

Sir Peter Blake was also the joint inaugural winner of the Rolex World Sailor of the Year award in 1994.

Buddy Melges

The Melges name has had a massive impact on modern sailing particularly with the family’s boat building company.

Buddy has achieved competitive greatness in areas as diverse as Olympic Sailing (Bronze medal in 1964 in the Flying Dutchman and a Gold medal in 1972 in the Soling), the America’s Cup (Oldest helmsman to win at 62 years), numerous World Championship victories in the Star and 5.5 Meter classes and finally as an Ice Boat Champion.

His contribution in being an engaged and fierce competitor across multiple classes as well as his ongoing development in boat design have helped shape sailing as it is today.

ISAF President Carlo Croce

Valentin Mankin (1938 – 2014)

Valentin Mankin who was born in the Ukraine is still the only Olympic Sailor to have become an Olympic Champion across three different classes. Mankin won the Gold medal in 1968 in the Finn class, Gold in 1972 in the Tempest, as well as a Silver medal in the Tempest in 1976. He then won Gold again in 1980 in the Star class.

Mankin is also regarded in high esteem for his work ethic, his leadership as a mentor and for being an all round great sportsman.

Torben Grael

Torben Grael is one of Brazil’s greatest sailing exports. He is one of only three individuals to have won five Olympic medals in sailing, including two Bronze medals, a Silver medal and two Gold medals across two classes (Soling and Star).

Further to this impressive record, Grael has also excelled in other areas of sailing. He has won both the Volvo Ocean Race (as skipper of ‘Ericsson 4’) and the Louis Vuitton Cup (as tactition on ‘Luna Rossa’). He has also won numerous World Championships including in the Star class and 12 Meter class.

In recognition of his achievements, Grael was awarded the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award in 2009.

AIBA’s HeadsUp Initiative Rolls Out In Africa With Signing Of Partnership With Zambian National Olympic Committee

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has finalised a new partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Zambia to promote the HeadsUp programme in Zambia and the southern Africa region. Based upon the four core pillars of Sports, Health, Education and Sustainability, the HeadsUp charter was signed off in Lausanne by Mrs Myriam Moyo, President of the NOC of Zambia and Dr C-K Wu, President of AIBA.

In the spirit of the recently launched HeadsUp charter in Doha, Qatar, during the AIBA 2015 World Boxing Championships, the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Zambia will become a major boxing hub for the region, allowing boxers to use the facilities as well as coaches for training courses. It will also be the ideal scouting platform for promising local talent.

Mrs Myriam Moyo, President of the NOC of Zambia and Dr C-K Wu, President of AIBA.

“This agreement with the NOC of Zambia is a perfect fit for our HeadsUp initiative. By collaborating with the new Olympic Youth Development Centre, we will be nurturing future African champions and it is one step further in fulfilling AIBA’s role in Africa,” said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

Since 2010, the NOC of Zambia, in conjunction with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Government of Zambia have operated an Olympic Youth Development Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.

“We are delighted to partner with AIBA around the HeadsUp project as it will strengthen the boxing community not only in Zambia but in the entire region, and inspire future generations of women and men African boxers,” said Mrs Myriam Myo, President of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia.

HeadsUp charter was signed off in Lausanne by Mrs Myriam Moyo, President of the NOC of Zambia and Dr C-K Wu, President of AIBA.

About HeadsUp

HeadsUp is a global program developed by AIBA to promote the core values of boxing. The objective is to foster AIBA initiatives to promote the development and growth of the sport at a national and international level and to change the perception of boxing, enhancing the positive aspects of the sport including discipline, training and the sense of self that it imbues in all participants.

http://www.aiba.org/headsup/

2015 Nigerian Sports Award: Voting Closes Sunday November 15

…As organizers unveil nominees for the Journalists categories.

As the countdown for the 2015 edition of the Nigerian Sports Award continues, the organizers have announced that the voting phase will close as scheduled by midnight of Sunday November 15, 2013.

According to the spokesman for the award and the Executive Director, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Mr. Kayode Idowu, the voting phase, which started on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 is expected to close as stipulated in the timelines of the 2015 award.

Idowu urged sports loving Nigerians who still wish to vote for their Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year to take the opportunity of the remaining few days to do so before the deadline.

He noted that interested members of the public should send SMS SMOTY for Sportsman of the Year or SWOTY for Sportswoman of the Year and the name of the athlete to 33140 or nominate through twitter using the hashtag #SWOTY or #SMOTY and the name of choice winner to @ngrsportsaward.

In the meantime, the panel of the Nigerian Sport Award has released the list of shortlisted nominees for the media categories of 2015 Nigerian Sport Award.

For the Sport Journalist of the Year (Print) category, Oludare Shina of Goal.com, Tana Aiyejina of The Punch Newspaper, Johnny Edwards Complete Sports and Kayode Ogundare i-Soccer while Ganiyu Yusuf of the Complete Sport, Bola Omilabu of the Nation and SportingLife Newspaper battles John Ebota of The Nation, Segun Ogunfeyintimi and Akeem Salawu of The Vanguard Newspaper for the Photo Journalist of the year.

Kayode Idowu, Nigerian sports awards

The Radio Sport Journalist of the Year, last year’s winner Godwin Enakhena, Top Radio was shortlisted alongside with Murphy Djemba of Brila FM, Chinasa Ibonye, City FM and Udeme George, Love FM,Abuja.

The nominees of 2015 Nigeria Sport Award include Miyen Akiri of Galaxy TV, Mosez Praiz of Supersports and Austin Okon-Akpan of Channels TV.

The 2015 Nigerian Sports Award event is schedule to hold on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the Marquee, Oceanview, Eko Hotel Lagos.

Rio 2016 Olympic Rugby Qualifiers: Nigeria’s Ekpo Relishing Golden Opportunity

A member of the senior National Rugby team player, Ekpo Samuel says representing Nigeria for the first time at the 2016 Olympics qualifiers is really an honor for him because being a part of the team on the threshold of 1st ever Olympics qualifiers is not a mean feat.

Speaking from their base in Southern Sun hotel in Johannesburg, the Cowrie RFC of Lagos player explained that being selected to represent the country out of over 150 million Nigerians is a national honor which he will cherish for the rest of his life.

The Black Stallions’ 7s Prop said, although booking a ticket to the Rio 2016 Olympic games looks like a tougher target, he was quick to point out that nothing good comes easy.

Ekpo is optimistic that the blend of the foreign and home based players will definitely be the premise on which the team will build their success having seen what the foreign professionals are bringing to the table.

Nigeria National Rugby team player, Ekpo Samuel

He believes the experience garnered while playing regularly in the United States of America and the United Kingdom will definitely rub off on the home based lads and the overall performance of the team.

He finally called on millions of Nigerians to see Rugby as they see football and celebrate rugby players as they will celebrate football players whenever they achieve any good result on the international scene.

FIFA boss Hayatou hands big kudos to Eaglets

Acting President of world football governing body, FIFA, Alhaji (Dr) Issa Hayatou has felicitated with the Nigeria Football Federation over the Golden Eaglets’ successful defence of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at Chile 2015.

In a letter dated 11th November and addressed to NFF President Amaju Pinnick, Hayatou commended the efforts of the Nigerian youngsters in retaining a title they had won for a record fourth time in the United Arab Emirates two years ago.

“On behalf of the international football family, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Golden eaglets on retaining the FIFA U-17 World Cup crown in Chile last Sunday, a record fifth championship at this level.

“Your triumph was undoubtedly by a team effort and besides the players who performed so well, I would also like to give special mention to your Coach Emmanuel Amuneke, to the entire technical, administrative and medical team, and to all your fans.

Issa Hayatou, President CAF
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“This victory is proof that another very exciting generation of Nigerian footballers is emerging and I am looking forward to seeing them further develop and reach even greater heights in the game.”

Sports Minister praises victorious Eaglets

Newly appointed Minister of Youth & Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalong on Wednesday night, in what was his first official assignment after taking the oath of office earlier in the day, gave kudos to the Golden Eaglets for winning a record fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup at Chile 2015.

Speaking at reception organized by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports led by DG Sports, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut for the Golden Eaglets and the Scrabble World Cup-winning team at the Transcorp Hiton Hotel in Abuja, Dalong said Nigerians were happy with the Eaglets for representing the country with pride in Chile. He equally challenged administrators to be alive to their responsibilities in order to change the face of the sport sector of the economy.

“The performance of the Golden Eaglets at the World Cup has shown that success has so many fathers,” said Dalong.” If they had lost, Nigerians would have not have welcomed with love. But their victory has once again shown that sport is a universal tool for our unity because the players were picked from different places but they were united as one in Chile.

“We want to thank them and their officials for making us proud with their performance,” he stated, advising administrators to find a lasting solution to all manner of malaise, including internal wrangling, which has endangered the growth of sports in the country over the years.

NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, wished the new Minister a successful tenure in office even as he reiterated the federation’s commitment to a sustainable football culture with systematic approach towards its development.

“Though many people did not give these boys a chance when they were traveling out of the country, the NFF knew they have the capacity,” noted Akinwunmi. “In truth, the victory of the team is a continuation of Nigerian football’s rich culture at the U-17 level but we are developing a systematic approach so that we can nurture them for the future.”

He affirmed the desire of the NFF at ensuring transition of players from one level to the other hence it’s decision to re-confirm Coach Amuneke as Eaglets’ Head Coach with additional responsibility of assisting coach Manu Garba at the U-20 level.

Also in attendance at the event were a host of top administrators from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as the NFF including 2nd Vice President Mallam Shehu Dikko; Alhaji Ahmad Kawu; Alhaji Ahmed Fresh; Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande; Chief Felix Anyansi and; General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

Coach Amuneke gave the vote of thanks, calling on both Muslim and Christian sports administrators in the country to embrace God in other to discharge their duties without fear or favour and to treat equally every Nigerian irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

Gambia Women shock Ghana in CAVB Continental Cup

CAVB Continental Cup- 2nd round Pool B

Gambia women beach volleyball team shocked Ghana in the opening game of the Group B African beach volleyball Continental Cup which is considered as qualifiers for Rio Olympics 4-0 at Triechville Sports Complex in Abidjan. Gambia surprised their fellow West Africans after 2hours of stiff resistance. Gambian pairs Sainabou Tambedou/Aminata Gaye, Fatoumatta Ceesay/ Abie Kujabie set Triechville Sports Complex ablaze when they pulled the first set (21-14, 21-13).

Gambia and Ghana with the referees

The Ghanaians opted for an unlikely comeback in the second round with Gloria Addah scoring points for the team The Gambia remained firm in their court. The Ghanaian side came up very strong in the ultimate round winning 21-18 but the Gambian pair of Fatoumatta Ceesay and Abie Kujabi drew fresh blood to overcome the towering Ghanaian team. This is the first major victory for the Gambia women against an opponent outside Zone 2.

“It really was one step at a time, and we knew we would get there if we just took it moment by moment,” Sainabou Tambedou said. “It’s super exciting now that we’re finally through to the next round of the continental cup. “It’s our togetherness, there is no magic. We are all friends on and off the court, and that’s really helpful. We all trust each other on the court, and that’s very important.” That trust will especially factor in against Burkina Faso.

Meanwhile the host Ivory Coast lost to their neighbors Ghana 4-0 earlier on in the men’s category

Day one results
Women
Gambia A v Ghana B 2-0 (21-14, 21-13)
Gambia B v Ghana A 2-0 (21-12, 21-10)
Gambia A v Ghana A 2-0 (21-17, 21-11)
Gambia B Ghana B 2-1 (18-21, 21-17, 15-11)

Ghana and Gambia

Men
Ivory Coast A v Ghana B 0-2 (16-21, 15-21)
Ivory Coast B v Ghana A 0-2 (26-28, 13-21)
Ivory Coast A v Ghana A 0-2 (20-22, 7-21)
Ivory Coast B v Ghana B 0-2 (10-21, 19-21

Muhammed L. Saidykhan