Seems like it’s going to be a tough trek for the Asuncion siblings. They’re the Philippines’ bet in the Badminton event for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Kennie and Kennivic Asuncion, the country’s top badminton pair, face an uphill climb in their bid to qualify for the Beijing Olympics in August. For falling short in their recent stints in Europe, the siblings need an extraordinary effort in their next tournaments to keep their dream of playing in the quadrennial tournament alive. The two, according to RP team coach Errol Chan, should come up with strong performances in major tournaments to make it to the magic 16. Only the top 16 teams in the world are allowed to take part in the Beijing Games slated on Aug. 8 to 24. A short... [Read more]

Tokyo, 4 April 2008 – Ahead of the ANOC General Assembly in Beijing, TOKYO 2016, Japan’s Bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, today took a big step forward by gaining the strong support of the national sport federations and leveraging an opportunity to strengthen further TOKYO 2016’s plan. The conference held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government gathered officials from Olympic and Paralympic sport federations together with Governor of Tokyo and TOKYO 2016 President, Shintaro Ishihara, JOC Sports Committee Chairman, Tomiaki Fukuda, and TOKYO 2016 Chairman and CEO, Dr Ichiro Kono. They were able to discuss in detail the bid process schedule, TOKYO 2016’s plan and the role each federation will play. [Read more] [Read more]

Madrid, April 4th 2008 — The leaders of the Madrid 2016 Olympic bid today announced the 30 sponsors that have committed more than €12 million of support for the campaign. A business network comprising some of Spain’s biggest companies have joined forces to ensure the bid has the financial backing needed to win the competition to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2016. The main sponsors – those who have committed €1 million or more – have formed the Madrid Club 16. These companies, which include leading financial, commercial and construction businesses, are: Accenture, Caja Madrid, Garrigues, El Corte Inglés, ICC Group, Inmobilaria Espacio and Madrid Espacios y Congresos (Madrid Trade Fair). Alberto Ruiz Gallardón, the Mayor... [Read more]

3 April 2008 – Remaining four months must focus on integration to ensure Games-time delivery of seamless operations and timely decision-making. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games today concluded its tenth and final meeting with the Beijing Organising Committee (BOCOG) confident that BOCOG is on the right track with its preparations for this summer’s Olympic Games, which begin in just 127 days. The Commission, which is the body appointed by the IOC to oversee the operational aspects of the Games, spent three days (1-3 April) in the Chinese capital helping to guide the organisers as they work to put on successful Games this August. Commenting at the conclusion of the meetings,... [Read more]

It’s a brand new month! I’m here again dutifully reminding you guys about the poll I’m running here at Light the Torch. Poll Question: 2008 Beijing Olympics: Which event will you watch the most? You can choose from the options as follows: # Athletics – Track # Aquatics – Swimming # Gymnastics – Artistic # Gymnastics – Rhythmic # Cycling – BMX # Basketball # Aquatics – Diving # Athletics – Triathlon # Football # Weight lifting # Wrestling # Badminton # ping pong # Beach Volleyball # Sailing Yea, you can still add the event of your choice onto the list or choose from the ones listed. We’d love to hear what you think! Note that the poll is located on the sidebar, right portion of your screen... [Read more]