Post by schlager7 on May 22, 2006 8:47:31 GMT -6
122
This is the number of affiliated federations and this figure will increase again in the next few months when we receive the relevant documents. The increase in the number of our federations is of utmost importance, as it is proof of the global appeal of our sport. In the last fifteen years, we have experienced a 50% growth in the number of affiliates and we can be confident that this trend will continue.
Following the decision of the International Olympic Committee to allocate 12 extra places to us for the Beijing Olympic Games, our sport can only be thankful for the decisions made at our Doha congress. The IOC has definitely been swayed by the fact that our sport takes into consideration all judicious recommendations issued and that it is capable of embracing all the changes necessary for its development.
The positive evolution of our sport has been obvious for a number of years, as we have amended our rules in an effort to modernise. It now seems we should take a break, at least until the Beijing Olympic Games. I believe we should now focus on other areas.
First of all, refereeing. It is becoming crucial that our decisions be more unbiased and, to this effect, we must use all available means. The use of video does not constitute a novelty per se: if my memory serves me correctly, this possibility was favourably voted upon twenty or so years ago, following a proposal made by yours truly, President of the Propaganda Committee of the FIE at the time. However, the software and means required for its implementation were lacking then. They are now available and we believe we will be ready for Beijing.
It is imperative that we use the Internet to broadcast our major competitions. As we unfortunately will never be as popular as ball games, television, at least for now, will only become interested in our sport if its media impact is favourable. The Internet will enable us to be our own broadcaster and, as our image is relatively easy to capture and favourably perceived by the public, success is guaranteed.
This is why we will be particularly attentive to which “Grand Prix” we choose to webcast. This quality requirement must be combined with the excellent organisation of these competitions (electronic scoreboards compulsory, coloured pistes etc.). The style and broadcasting of our sport will make it possible to gain our place among the top Olympic sports. If we can achieve this, the possibility of obtaining two further medals for the London 2012 Games might become reality.
I am obviously keen on obtaining these two extra medals but I would like to draw your attention to the number of extra places that will be needed, as teams in each weapon require twenty four places, thereby reducing the global potential of our sport. This is why I am delighted with the twelve places granted by the IOC for Beijing, as these extra places will give us the possibility of inviting twelve other countries to join us in the great Olympic celebration. The transparent mask and wireless device are also necessary tools (for epee and foil) in our effort to extend our appeal. We have made proposals to this effect, hoping that the idea will gain ground, as it would be a shame that our application for two extra medals be rejected again due to deep-rooted stubbornness.
As I have been saying for many years, our future is in our own hands. Let’s throw caution to the wind and give our sport a 21st century style while retaining the values it has promoted for centuries: the spirit of chivalry, respect of the opponent, courtesy… in one word, education - the fencer’s salvation!
Rene Roch
This is the number of affiliated federations and this figure will increase again in the next few months when we receive the relevant documents. The increase in the number of our federations is of utmost importance, as it is proof of the global appeal of our sport. In the last fifteen years, we have experienced a 50% growth in the number of affiliates and we can be confident that this trend will continue.
Following the decision of the International Olympic Committee to allocate 12 extra places to us for the Beijing Olympic Games, our sport can only be thankful for the decisions made at our Doha congress. The IOC has definitely been swayed by the fact that our sport takes into consideration all judicious recommendations issued and that it is capable of embracing all the changes necessary for its development.
The positive evolution of our sport has been obvious for a number of years, as we have amended our rules in an effort to modernise. It now seems we should take a break, at least until the Beijing Olympic Games. I believe we should now focus on other areas.
First of all, refereeing. It is becoming crucial that our decisions be more unbiased and, to this effect, we must use all available means. The use of video does not constitute a novelty per se: if my memory serves me correctly, this possibility was favourably voted upon twenty or so years ago, following a proposal made by yours truly, President of the Propaganda Committee of the FIE at the time. However, the software and means required for its implementation were lacking then. They are now available and we believe we will be ready for Beijing.
It is imperative that we use the Internet to broadcast our major competitions. As we unfortunately will never be as popular as ball games, television, at least for now, will only become interested in our sport if its media impact is favourable. The Internet will enable us to be our own broadcaster and, as our image is relatively easy to capture and favourably perceived by the public, success is guaranteed.
This is why we will be particularly attentive to which “Grand Prix” we choose to webcast. This quality requirement must be combined with the excellent organisation of these competitions (electronic scoreboards compulsory, coloured pistes etc.). The style and broadcasting of our sport will make it possible to gain our place among the top Olympic sports. If we can achieve this, the possibility of obtaining two further medals for the London 2012 Games might become reality.
I am obviously keen on obtaining these two extra medals but I would like to draw your attention to the number of extra places that will be needed, as teams in each weapon require twenty four places, thereby reducing the global potential of our sport. This is why I am delighted with the twelve places granted by the IOC for Beijing, as these extra places will give us the possibility of inviting twelve other countries to join us in the great Olympic celebration. The transparent mask and wireless device are also necessary tools (for epee and foil) in our effort to extend our appeal. We have made proposals to this effect, hoping that the idea will gain ground, as it would be a shame that our application for two extra medals be rejected again due to deep-rooted stubbornness.
As I have been saying for many years, our future is in our own hands. Let’s throw caution to the wind and give our sport a 21st century style while retaining the values it has promoted for centuries: the spirit of chivalry, respect of the opponent, courtesy… in one word, education - the fencer’s salvation!
Rene Roch