Taipei Times’ staff reporter Richard Hazeldine is running an article series, profiling some of the sports that enters this years edition of World Games in Taipei. For us active players, it’s quite easy to frown upon Ultimate being labeled as “obscure”. I can agree on labeling Boules as obscure, I’ve seen far too many french old boys sipping on red wine, smoking a cigar and chucking metal spheres at a (smaller) wooden sphere.
The list of featured sports at World Games is somewhat funny. My idea of World Games is that it’s supposed to be an entry point to the Olympic Games. And my idea of the Olympic Games is that the featured sports should be just that; a sport. But come on. Billiards, Body Building, Boules, Bowling, Casting, Dancing, Life Saving, Roller Sports, Tug of War and Water Skiing? All of the “sports” above except Body building and Casting are recognized by the IOC. But just because you can COMPETE in something, doesn’t make it a sport. Ultimate is featured in World Games for the third time in a row. I assume Ultimate won’t make it to London 2012 either.
In order to be recognized, these organisations must apply the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code and conduct effective out-of-competition tests in accordance with the established rules. The recognition of IFs newly recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) shall be provisional for a period of two years or any other period fixed by the IOC Executive Board. At the end of such period, the recognition shall automatically lapse in the absence of definitive confirmation given in writing by the IOC.
In The Prohibition list (PDF) you can read about what isn’t allowed. But what do they expect? “Out-of-competition” tests? In Finland 2004, a lot of participants was scared about the announced doping tests. They never took place, cost too much money. All of a sudden there was a rage among players being clean for 3 months or so. Poor them. Can’t be healthy can it? It sure can. But out-of-competition.. I think I need to contact IOC and see how it’s made possible for let’s say.. Soccer? Do they test EVERY player or just the participating players? Can’t remember me being tested for doping at the age of 13.. Or at the age of 14 playing basketball.. If I get a reply, I’ll post it. And what about the Boules players? They are inducing WHILE chucking. Ultimate players are most of the time not that stupid.
COTP: Poultry Days 2009 Highlights. The narrator more or less explains why I chose this clip.
Stephen Hubbard posted a pretty interesting breakdown of wind throwers on his blog. There are 10 stages that ranges from “Unaware” to.. “Unaware”. I see myself between 5 and 6.. Look at the list and leave your reply in the comment section below.
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[...] And then there’s the thing about doping. [...]