Golf and Rugby a step closer to Olympic inclusion
Seven sports were attempting to become Olympic sports for the 2016 Olympics, only two are more than likely in the running to join a list of 26 core sports. They are rugby and golf.
The five to miss out are baseball, karate, roller sports, softball and squash. Baseball and softball were dropped from the Olympics after the Beijing Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee Executive Board proposed the addition of rugby and golf as they offer the most value to the Olympic movement.
Key factors considered when selecting the sports include universality, popularity, good governance, youth appeal, respect for athletes and respect for the Olympic values.
The final decision about the inclusion of golf and rugby will be made at the full IOC meeting onOctober 9 at the 121st IOC session in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The proposed format for golf as put forward by the International Golf Federation will see eight days of competition, four for men and four for women. Both formats will be the traditional four day 72 hole format. 60 men and 60 women will participate.
The rugby will be in the form of sevens. The International Rugby Board proposed 2 to 4 days fo competition. There will be 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams for a total of 288 athletes. The teams would be split into two pools of 6 with the top two teams in each pool advancing to the semi-finals.
“We’re obviously thrilled that the IOC Executive Board has recommended that golf should be added to the 2016 Olympic Programme,” said Ty Votaw, Executive Director of the International Golf Federation Olympic Golf Committee, which has been coordinating the Olympic bid. “We believe we have presented a compelling case as to why golf should be added and we look forward to the IOC’s final vote in October.”
Golf is seeking re-inclusion into the Olympic family after last being included in the 1904 Olympics. Back then only the USA and Canada competed in the sport.
Bernard Lapasset, President of the IRB, said: “We would like to thank the IOC Executive Board for selecting Rugby Sevens from what are seven strong and diverse sports. We recognise the significance of this milestone in our campaign but are also mindful that the ultimate decision rests with the IOC members when they meet in Copenhagen on October 9, 2009.
The 15 a-side form of rugby union was played at four of the first seven summer Olympic Games. It made its debut at the Paris games in 1900. The IOC cancelled rugby union as an Olympic sport shortly after the 1924 games in Paris. It was actually Pierre de Coubertin who introduced rugby to the Olympics.
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