The old English saying goes: ‘Too much of anything is harmful’. Despite being an undervalued expression, modern sport proves it is still 100% applicable. The subject of the matter in today’s sport would sadly be money; as despite its immense importance; its side effects can be extremely damaging.
Funding has always proved to be an issue in local sports, as due to lack of investment, disciplines find it hard to grow and attract many followers. Funding is always the keystone of any sport, and it is often the first step forward for anything. With proper funding, organisations can invest in the latest technology, advertise their sport and also invest in personnel, which can include general staff or even coaches and athletes.
In the world of today, the successful sports are the rich ones. Football is the most popular sport, as it is one of the richest, and clubs often pay their players millions of euros on yearly contracts. Despite the illustrious figures, not all is green on the football pitch, as having all the money in the world does not necessarily lead to success.
Clubs nowadays are in a constant battle against bankruptcy, and advertising has become a major issue. These lead to the emergence of a common problem: commercialisation.
Football is nowadays perceived as a business, and the beautiful game has lost its sparkle over the years. This example of how money can ruin a game should always be kept in mind, as money can be critical to sport, however it can also be critical in its downfall.
Secretary General for the Italian Olympic Committee and the European Olympic Committee, Dott. Raffaelle Pagnozzi knows that the Olympic Games are not immune to the problems faced by sports like football, Formula 1 and Rally motorsport.
“Commercialisation is the largest problem in today’s sport.” He argued, “And according to Dott. Pagnozzi it is also “the base of all dangers”. Today, all people think about it money and profit, and this aspect effects every angel of any sport.
Dott. Pagnozzi highlighted a list of problems in modern sport, which include Malta’s biggest nightmare: Obesity.
Statistics prove that the Maltese Islands boast the second highest obesity rates among children in the world.
Obesity has always been an issue locally, and Dott. Pagnozzi is sure Malta’s sporting bodies can help tackle the problem.
Commercialisation causes obesity due to ridiculous sponsors and adverts that invite children to eat unhealthy products. These sponsors are vital to each organisation; however one must not take the promotions too seriously.
Dott. Pagnozzi knows that “certain sponsors should not be accepted” however he is also aware of their importance due to their vital funds. This creates a vicious cycle; however Olympic Committes and in the case of Malta – the MOC can easily contribute to the solving of our problem.
The world knows about the dangers of childhood obesity, and global campaigns have the support of many influential personalities, including that of US President George W. Bush, who recently labeled “Childhood obesity is a costly problem for the country”.
Undoubtedly it is a problem for the world and governing bodies have their work cut out. Across the pond in Europe, campaigns and organisations have been set up to counter act the issue, and the Maltese Olympic Committee’s role in sport can be influential in tackling childhood obesity.
Commercialisation contributes to childhood obesity in more ways than one according to Dott. Pagnozzi. Modern families have lost influence on today’s teenagers, and from the tender age of 14, one loses many family ties due to independence.
The children are no longer enrolled in sporting activities and only take part out of their own free will. Most often, this leads to a slide in the number of hours one dedicates to sport, and subsequently this pushes obesity levels even further. Children must exercise, and the family still has a vital role to play. Dott. Pagnozzi is adamant that “if we tackle commercialisation: we can solve all our problems”.
Family units coupled with the Olympic Committees and proper marketing campaign could help solve the obesity situation, and another solution could lie in the rout of the problem: commercialisation. Governing and sporting bodies should take advantage of that fact that there are ridiculous amounts of money in modern sport, as one could now regulate the budget more freely, and could set aside money for the launching of various campaigns. Once a discipline is able to stand on its own two feet, advertisements will also change, and unhealthy lifestyles will no longer be promoted.
The children are our future, and if we want sport to have a future, then our children must be given a healthier future sooner, rather than later. Tackle obesity, before it tackles you.
Olympic Golden Rings winners of 2008
While the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games broke records in terms of participation and performances, they also beat the records in terms of worldwide television coverage, with broadcasts in more territories than ever before (over 220) and record viewership audiences in many territories.
As the first Olympic Games to benefit from 100 per cent high definition surround sound digital coverage, the Beijing Games were the most followed and watched in Olympic history. This participation of the world of television in the success of the Games was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last night at the “Olympic Golden Rings” ceremony.
27 films in the running
This year, 27 films were watched by an international jury, chaired by IOC Honorary President Juan Antonio Samaranch. The winners received their prizes at The Olympic Museum in Lausanne in the presence of the IOC President, Jacques Rogge, members of the IOC Radio & TV Commission, numerous representatives from the various rights-holding broadcasters, Organising Committees for the Games in Beijing, Vancouver, London and Sochi, International Federations, the City of Lausanne and the Canton of Vaud.
Four categories, 12 winners
Gold, silver and bronze trophies were awarded in four categories. NBC Olympics won gold in The Best Olympic Feature with “The clock of their lives”. Eurosport won The Best Athletes’ Profile for an inspiring story on Thai/German fencer Wiradech Kothny. Seven Network Australia collected gold for The Best Olympic Programme, while The Best Sports Coverage by the Host Broadcaster “BOB” was awarded to the coverage of sailing.
Two personalities honoured
During this ceremony, President Rogge paid tribute to two personalities from the world of television who, throughout their respective careers, have made media coverage of the Games a priority. The first, Fernando Pardo, has covered the Games since Montreal 1976, through both Spanish TV (TVE) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which he leaves this year after having occupied the role of Head of Sports Operations Group.
As for Manolo Romero, in 2008 he celebrates his 40th year in the field of Olympic broadcasting. From Mexico City 1968 to Beijing 2008, he has been the key man in broadcasting all the editions of the Summer and Winter Games. Since 2001, he has been Chief Executive Officer of Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS).
History of the Golden Rings
Created in 1976, the Olympic Golden Rings is a prestigious international contest through which the IOC seeks to promote and recognise the best TV images of the Olympic Games. This contest is organised every two years, on the occasion of the Summer and Winter Games, under the aegis of the IOC Radio & TV Commission.
All the 2008 winners
The Best Sports Coverage by the Host Broadcasting Organisation, the Beijing Olympic Broadcasting (BOB)
Gold: Sailing. Producer: Gary Milkis, BOB. Director: Christopher Lincoln, BOB. Coordinating Producer: Henry Mok, BOB
Silver: Table Tennis. Director: Xue Zhaohui, China Central Television (CCTV). Coordinating Producer: Bai Li, BOB
Bronze: Equestrian. Producer: Geoff Johnson, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Directors: Christopher Elias, Lawrence Isaac, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Coordinating Producer: Ted Ayling, BOB
The Best Olympic feature
Gold: NBC Olympics, “The Clock of their Lives”. Executive Producers: Dick Ebersol. Producers: David Neal, Mark Levy, Phil Parrish, Brian Brown
Silver: ZDF German Television, “The Drama of Liu Xiang”. Producer: Peter Leissl. Director: Eike Schulz
Bronze: BBC SPORT, “China and Table Tennis”. Producer: BBC Sport. Director: Richard Gort
The Best Athletes’ Profile
Gold: Eurosport, Olympic Magazine – “Profile on Wiradech Kothny”. Producer: Christian Seychal. Director: Eveline Jandrisits
Silver: ZDF German Television, “Profile of Liu Xiang”. Producer: Peter Leissl. Director: Eike Schulz
Bronze: NBC Olympics, “Profile on Natalie Du Toit”. Producers: Dick Ebersol, David Neal, Mark Levy, Brian Brown, Phil Parrish
The Best Olympic Programme
Gold: Seven Network Australia. Producer: Andy Kay, Director: Saul Shtein
Silver: NBC Olympics. Producers: Dick Ebersol, David Neal, Tommy Roy, Sam Flood. Directors: Bucky Gunts, Andy Rosenberg, Drew Esocoff
Bronze: BBC Sport. Producer: Alastair McIntyre, BBC Sport. Director: Richard Carr, BBC Sport
Special mention
Gold: Production of Opening and Closing Ceremonies by BOB (Manolo Romero, Ma Guoli, Yiannis Exarchos, Pedro Rozas). Producer: Jose Ramon Diez, BOB. Directors: Tapani Parm, Kalevi Uusivuori, YLE Finnish Broadcasting Company.
Commonwealth Games in Delhi will go ahead
Honorary Secretary of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Louise Martin has offered her assurances that the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi are not under threat in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks.
England’s cricketers returned to India on Monday 8 December 2008 to play a two-match Test series – less than two weeks after terrorists claimed the lives of more than 200 people in the country’s capital. Martin, who is also Chair of Sport Scotland, similarly believes that the 2010 Games should go ahead as planned.
“There are no thoughts of pulling the Games – it actually makes you more determined they go ahead,” she told The Scotsman, before adding that Delhi can host a “fantastic” Games and that the issue of an alternative host city was not worthy of discussion.
Martin, who also played down concerns over venue development progress, added: “Two weeks ago, at the CGF General Assembly in Gambia, we had a report from Delhi, which forecast that the Games will be delivered on time and on budget. We are aware of the situation and are monitoring it, but the venues are currently either just behind, or on target. I think everyone knows what will happen – they will deliver a fantastic games. But Delhi has been told they have to work faster.”
Samoa secures 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games
Samoa has won the right to host the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games. The Pacific island, which has a population of just 180,000, was awarded the event by the 71 members of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) at its recent General Assembly in Gambia. Thanks to Samoa’s hosting of the 2007 South Pacific Games, all venues for the event are built and currently operating. They are located in two precincts at Apia Park and the Faleata Sports Complex.
CGF President Mike Fennell said: “It is an important part of our ethos that all member countries and territories have the opportunity of hosting events. Not everyone can host the Commonwealth Games, but we firmly believe that smaller nations should look to host our Youth Games.” The next edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in the Isle of Man in 2011.
Samoa’s Commonwealth Games Association President, Vaeolenofoafia Vui Tapasu Leung Wai, said: “The success of the South Pacific Games has given my country great confidence and a determination to bid for other major international and regional events. The small and developing nature of our national economy and infrastructure cannot support a large-scale international event such as the Commonwealth Games. However, when combining our sporting infrastructure, organisational capabilities, friendly culture, and political stability, Samoa can host an exceptionally good Commonwealth Youth Games in 2015.”
He added: “Like most developing nations, Samoa has a young population. Having an event such as the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games will be an attractive event for the youth of Samoa and will provide tremendous encouragement for its young people to participate in sports.”
Along with the 2007 South Pacific Games, Samoa has built a reputation within the Oceania region for hosting major international and regional events. These include the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup in 2007 and the Oceania qualification tournament for the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Cup earlier this year. The Commonwealth Youth Games will be based in the Samoan capital, Apia from 14-20 September, 2015.
MIA Olympic Special – What’s On
Tomorrow on TVM at 5.15pm and on E22 at 7pm; Thursday 8 January on E22 at 10am (RPT), Friday 9 January on TVM at 10am (RPT) and Saturday 10 January on E22 at 3pm (RPT) will feature the main activities during the past year 2008. The first part will be screened in this week’s programme.
Schedule available
every week on www.nocmalta.org and on the Malta Independent newspaper every Tuesday. Produced in collaboration with E22.