BBC’s Inside Sport Interviews Princess Anne

BBC’s Inside Sport was granted a rare interview with Princess Anne; it aired tonight on BBC One at 10:35 pm (local time). The princess is renowned for her industriousness in charity work and steadfast commitment to sports. She has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 1988 and was involved in London’s bid for hosting the Olympic Games in 2012. Anne is currently serving on the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games.

The Princess Royal At 60: An Inside Sport Special will air again on Sunday at 2:00 pm (local time) on BBC Two.

Princess Anne will be turning sixty on Sunday.

The BBC News article, “No plans to slow down as Princess Anne turns 60,” can be read here.

The BBC News photo presentation, “In pictures: Princess Anne at 60,” can be viewed here.

Photo: © Press Association

Prince Frederik Accepted Into the IOC

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark had his Olympic wish fulfilled yesterday when the International Olympic Committee elected him into their membership. He will serve an eight year term. The prince expressed his gratitude and said, “it has been a great experience for me to witness that the Olympic Movement is alive and kicking. I am also honored that the IOC today chose to elect me as a new member of the Olympic Movement.”

Copenhagen served as host for the 2009 XIII Olympic Congress and 121st IOC Session.

Photo: ©IOC/Richard Juilliart

The Prince of Orange Addresses Olympic Congress

The Prince of Orange is in Copenhagen this week fulfilling his duties as an International Olympic Committee member. He addressed the IOC Congress yesterday on the theme “How to keep the Games as a premier event.”

Below is the full text of Prince Willem-Alexander’s speech before the IOC Congress on October 3rd.

“Ladies and gentlemen,”

“When I was asked to make a modest contribution on the theme "How to keep the Games as a premier event" I felt that I first had to deal with the negative tones about whether this question.”

“Because the mere suggestion that the Games were not THE premier event would imply failure on my part as an IOC member and on the part of the entire Olympic Family. We could simply define the premier event as being more important than the number two and three events together. But the fact is that, as an event, the Olympic Games are in a class of their own.”

“In his contribution, Sebastian Coe made the following eloquent statement, "The Games Signify the most universal and unique social phenomenon for bringing together the peoples, cultures and countries of the world, the most successful movement for building international goodwill, cooperation and interaction and the embodiment of a set of values relevant to all societies. [1] I could not agree more. But note that Lord Coe did not once use the word 'sport'. There is in fact no event - sporting or otherwise - that can be compared to the Olympic Games. The Olympic Games are the ONLY premier event and it is up to us to Strengthen them.”

“Today I would like to look at some of the challenges facing the Olympic Movement. And I should like to share with you my views on how we could Strengthen the Olympic Games, and make them even more future-proof and beneficial than they already are. In doing so I shall take on board the many valuable contributions submitted to the Virtual Olympic Congress on this particular theme.”

(Challenges)

“We face many challenges. Pressure to deliver the best Games ever ", the enormous expense involved in hosting the Games, and commercial and political interference. There is also the need to strike a balance between tradition and evolution, between universal participation and participation by the best athletes, between control and flexibility, between the hardware needed for the games and post-Games utilization, and between our core business and the responsibilities that go beyond the event. Finally, there is the need for balance between the various actors that belong to the Olympic Movement.”

(Essentials)

“With so many challenges, we have no time to waste. But we need to focus our actions. We have to decide on the essential factors that make the Games a premier event. There are of course different viewpoints about what the term 'prime minister' implies, but I identify three interrelated essentials that deserve our attention.”

“The first is about delivering top-level sports. The competitions between the world's best athletes in individual or team events must always remain at the heart of the Olympic Games and they must be at least as important as the world championships of each sport. The sports on the Olympic program must therefore be those that are the strongest and most add value.”

“So to Strengthen the Olympic Games as a premier event, The Games must be about international competition at the highest level with the finest athletes participating in the sports that are most relevant and in line with the expectations of future generations. What is more, the games themselves must be an excellent product and experience. Olympic NOC or other related multi-sport events should be complementary to the games instead of copies of them. I could imagine for instance the Youth Olympic Games becoming a test run for future Olympic sports instead of a gathering of Olympic hopefuls, performing at sub-Olympic level.”

“So that was the first essential. The second and third go beyond delivering top-level sports. They are about the Games as a platform.”

“Our primary focus must remain on sports. The competitions are what the Games are all about. And given its independence, the IOC can not take the lead in addressing political matters. At the same time, however, we should not be too nervous about the fact that our event is considered an essential non-sports platform by global actors. We should actually take pride in that. Of course, hijacking the event for political purposes is totally unacceptable and we should always be on the alert that this does not happen. But I believe that this child of recognition from outside the world of sports confirms the Olympic Games' premier status.”

“So to Strengthen the Olympic Games as a premier event we must not oppose but welcome others from outside the Olympic Movement who consider the games to be a platform can benefit from their causes. Of course, they must show respect, and the Games and the athletes participating must not be affected.”

“The Games are also a platform for development, which brings us to the third essential.”

“To introduce the third essential I would like to quote Lord Coe once again. He wrote that "The Olympic Games provide a uniquely powerful platform for sport and a vehicle for developing sport globally, but also a platform for the many different sports and can play positive roles in our communities and societies and a vehicle for spreading the Benefits of sport . " The Games are indeed a catalyst for change in the host community, but they are also a catalyst for change elsewhere. And Increasingly we are becoming better equipped to monitor the impact of the Games.”

“So to Strengthen the Olympic Games as a premier event We must invest in sustainable development-related games, delivering positive long-term community benefits and legacies through sport. A new, integrated focus on community change and sustainable development will definitely Strengthen the premier status of the Games and contribute to a better world through sport.”

“In conclusion, I believe that the Olympic Movement, the IOC in particular, has the obligation to invest in these essentials. At the same time, I want to stress that the principles of Olympism should form the firm basis. NOCs and other members of our Family are now over stretched by the demand for diversification. The principles provide them with guidelines in making choices so that they can concentrate their resources where they really have an impact. I am convinced that this will severely then the Olympic Games as a premier event in these ever-changing times.”

“Thank you.”

[1] Contribution # 13: Why the World needs the Olympic & Paralympic Games more than ever, by Sebastian Coe

LATEST NEWS: Madrid Loses Bid to Rio De Janeiro for 2016 Olympic Games

The International Olympic Committee has just chosen Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to host the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games. Brazil will be the first South American country to host an Olympic Games. The contingents of Brazil and Spain gave impassioned speeches and spectacular presentations of their respective countries during the 121st IOC Session and XIII Olympic Congress in Copenhagen. Madrid had the backing of the Spanish king whilst Rio de Janeiro had Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Making his speech in the Bella Center, King Juan Carlos emphasized the importance of tradition along with the theme of keeping the human touch to the Olympic proceedings.

Spain last held a Summer Olympics Games in 1992. The city was Barcelona.

Photo: REUTERS

BREAKING NEWS: King Juan Carlos in Copenhagen for Olympic Games Bid

King Juan Carlos I of Spain participated in the recent bid for Madrid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games a few moments ago. The International Olympic Committee is in Copenhagen to decide the fate of four cities after hearing their formal presentations of commitment and spirit to the Olympic Games ideal. After a short coffee break, the members of the IOC will cast their vote and officially name the host city of the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympics Games.

The final four candidate cities for the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics are Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Chicago.

Photo: REUTERS

Prince Edward Attends Beijing Paralympic Games

Whilst Princess Anne is a member of the International Olympic Committee, her younger brother, Prince Edward, is a patron of the British Paralympic Association; a post he has held since November 2003. In his capacity as BPA’s patron, he travelled to the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games last week. Before leaving China, the Earl of Wessex will attend the British Paralympic Association Twenty Twelve Reception which will be hosted at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Beijing tomorrow.

For more information on the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, visit the official website.

For more information on the British Paralympic Association, visit the official website.

Photo: REUTERS

Princess Haya Plans to Compete in the London Olympics

As a member of the International Olympic Committee and President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale Executive Board, Princess Haya of Jordan’s agenda has been crammed with the obligations of these two posts, but she has revealed that she wants to participate in the equestrian events at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. “I still think of myself as an athlete. Yes, I want to compete in London,” she effused.

Besides revealing her desire to participate in future Olympics, the princess was optimistic about the outlook for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. During a CNN interview with John Vause, the princess offered nothing but praise for the hosts and said, “I think the crowd and the people in China are going to make it a fantastically fun games. That’s still to be seen, but from what we’ve already seen, the facilities are fantastic, and the athletes are really happy.”

Below is the CNN video: Saddling up for Olympics.

Photo: Petra

Prince Albert II of Monaco Celebrates His Half Century Mark

Prince Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre turned fifty today. He was born in 1958. His mother was the renowned American movie actress, Grace Kelly and his father was the reigning prince of Monaco, Prince Rainier III.

Amongst his educational experiences, Prince Albert earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Amherst College in Massachusetts in 1981.

Prince Albert is an avid sportsman. Amongst his numerous accomplishments, he has participated in five Winter Olympics as part of Monaco’s bobsled team. He also formed Monaco’s official Bobsled, Toboggan and Skeleton Team. Since 1985, he has been a member of the International Olympic Committee.

The prince began his training in Monaco’s State Affairs in 1984. When his father passed away on April 6, 2005, Albert became Sovereign Prince.

In 2006, he trekked to the North Pole. His expedition was in commemoration to the 100th year anniversary of his great-great grandfather, Prince Albert I, who also explored the Artic region.

On a personal note, his current girlfriend is Charlene Wittstock, an accomplished South African swimmer.

The prince has no legitimate heirs, but is the father of two children from previous relationships. His daughter, Jazmin Grace, is sixteen years old and his son, Alexandre Eric Stéphane, is four years old.

Prince Albert II is quite popular with his people and following the royal motto Deo Juvante which means “with God's Help” he will serve Monaco for many years to come.

For information on his initiatives, speeches and accomplishments, visit Prince Albert II of Monaco’s official website.

Willem-Alexander's 40th Birthday Celebration

A sumptuous 40th birthday celebration is planned for The Prince of Orange. He will be hosting a reception, Saturday, September 1st at the Paleis het Loo in Apeldoorn.

Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands was born on April 27, 1967 at the University Hospital, Utrecht. He received the title Prince of Orange on April 30, 1980 when his mother, Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard, ascended the throne upon abdication of her mother, Queen Juliana on her 71st birthday.

The prince married Máxima Zorreguieta on February 2, 2002. He resides with Máxima and their three daughters, Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Ariane at the Villa Eikenhorst on the De Horsten estate in Wassenaar.

The prince holds many public appointments. He is a member of the International Olympic Committee, Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation and Aide-de-Camp Extraordinary to Her Majesty the Queen.

He completed his military service in the Royal Netherlands Navy. He also received instruction in the Royal Netherlands Army and Air Force at the Netherlands Defence College. He holds the ranks of Commodore in the Royal Netherlands Navy reserve, Brigadier General in the Royal Netherlands Army reserve and Commodore in the Royal Netherlands Air Force reserve.

Willem-Alexander is an accomplished pilot. He obtained his first pilot's license in 1985. He is licensed to fly private, military and commercial aircraft.

Lastly, the prince has a fervor for sports. Some of his favorite pastimes include tennis, golf, skiing, riding and sailing. Being a man of action, he also loves running, rock climbing, skating and diving.

Photo: Jeroen van der Meyde

Princess Haya of Jordan Elected IOC Member

On July 7th, Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, president of the Federation Equestre Internationale, was elected a member of the International Olympic Committee. She will act as an IOC representative in the United Arab Emirates. In her acceptance speech, she recalled her desire at an early age to become a part of the elite sporting body, saying: "Since the age of six I have followed the spirit of Olympism and dreamt of serving the Olympic Family. Now I have been honoured by the trust of the IOC through their election of me to their membership.”

Since 1999, the IOC term of office for all members was mandated to eight years, subject to review and renewal through re-election every eight years thereafter. Several royal members were up for renewal this year including: The Prince of Orange, Prince Albert of Monaco and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg.