Pistorius talks London 2012 on Tonight With Jay Leno - Insidethegames.biz

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By Tom Degun

October 10 - South African Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius has discussed his involvement at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on NBC's Tonight With Jay Leno show, one of the biggest television chat shows in the United States.

The 25-year-old from Johannesburg became the first double leg amputee to compete in athletics at the Olympics, reaching the 400 metres semi-final, before winning two gold medals and a silver at the Paralympics a month later.

Pistorius, who appeared alongside US actor Tyler Perry and the music band Plain White T's, discussed the Games with Leno, claiming that it was his team that had helped him make both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in top condition.

"When you get to the top of competition, you realise it is the whole team around you that gets you to that position," he said.

"It is not just you.

"I've got a phenomenal team behind me and it is great.

"I needed all their support because London 2012 was so crazy.

"You walk out into that stadium and you can hear a wall of noise.

"You try and stay calm but it is so loud; it was just amazing."

Oscar Pistorius won two gold medals and a silver at the London 2012 Paralympics

The appearance comes just days after Pistorius appeared with Ryder Cup hero and vice-captain Paul McGinley at the Dunhill Links golf Championships in Scotland.

He will be remaining in the US for the rest of the week, where his next appearance will be on the Piers Morgan Tonight show on CNN on October 12, followed by the Larry King Now show on HULU.com, to be broadcast at a later date.

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Long and Martin named US Paralympic Sportspeople of the Year ... - Insidethegames.biz

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By David Gold

September 20 - The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has announced its Paralympic athletes and teams of the year following the London 2012 Games.

Swimmer Jessica Long (pictured top) was awarded the Paralympic Sportswoman of the Year title after she won eight medals, five of them gold, in London.

Equalling the haul of fellow swimmer Jacqueline Freney of Australia, Long took home the most medals won by any athlete in London, and brought her total to 17 medals won over three Paralympic Games.

The award adds to the Disabled Swimmer of the Year accolade Long received in 2011 from Swimming World Magazine, and the ESPY Award for the Best Female Athlete with a Disability she won earlier this year.

The Paralympic Sportsman of the Year was Raymond Martin, the wheelchair racer who won every event he entered on his Paralympic Games debut at London 2012.

Raymond Martin won every event he entered on his Paralympic debut at London 2012

The 18-year-old won the United States' first track and field gold of London 2012 in the T52 100 metres, before winning the 200m, 400m and 800m.

The Paralympic Team of the Year award was given to the United States' men's quad doubles wheelchair tennis pair of David Wagner and Nick Taylor, who won their third consecutive gold medal in London.

They stunned British favourites Peter Norfolk and Andy Lapthorne in the final at Eton Manor earlier this month to defend their title.

The Americans have now won the event at each Paralympic Games since it was introduced at Athens 2004.

David Wagner and Nick Taylor celebrate their London 2012 wheelchair tennis gold

In addition, Wagner claimed silver in the men's singles competition, with Taylor taking bronze.

"We are so proud to honour these young men and women who represent the finest ambassadors of sport," said USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun.

"Through their commitment to excellence on and off the field, these athletes represent our country with incredible grace and composure, and their outstanding achievements are an inspiration to all Americans."

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Prince Charles holds reception to thank London 2012 volunteers - Insidethegames.biz

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By Duncan Mackay

September 21 - The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have held a reception to thank some of the people and organisations who helped make London 2012 such a success. 

Charles and Camilla were hosted a reception at Clarence House for 120 Games Makers and volunteers, 30 Team London Ambassadors and 40 members of the military who worked at the Games.

Charles and Camilla spent time talking with the volunteers about their experience which many have called the "opportunity of a lifetime".

The Royal couple chatted and joked with the individuals who came together to help London 2012 the most successful Olympics and Paralympics in history.

Particularly poignant was the story of 25-year-old Genevieve Robinson, who overcame the grief caused by the death of her father Shaun to take part as a volunteer in the Opening Ceremony.

Robinson revealed to Charles and Camilla that her father came down with leukaemia before she was selected and died without being able to see her participate.

"I didn't think I would be able to return to anything in the world, but he was so excited and he wrote a little book and diary while he was in hospital," she said.

"With that I was just like, 'I have to do it, I have to carry on', so I did and it was the best thing I've ever done.

"I was drumming in the Opening Ceremony and just thinking of him."

Christopher Locke worked as a volunteer despite having to commute 7,900 miles from the Falkland Islands.

The 53-year-old, who served as a junior officer in the Navy during the Falklands War in 1982, moved to Mount Pleasant in February to work as a harbour master.

But he did not want to pass on the opportunity to take part in the Olympics and opted to travel between the Falklands and London four times to be part of Danny Boyle's Opening Ceremony team.

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Former Sports Minister to oversee investigation into Australian ... - Insidethegames.biz

By Duncan Mackay

September 16 - Former Sports Minister Warwick Smith (pictured) is to head the investigation into Australian swimming's disappointing performances at London 2012, it has been announced.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has taken over jurisdiction of the inquiry from Swimming Australia to ensure its independence.

The decision was taken after Swimming Australia and the ASC met to discuss plans for the review amid growing reports of disharmony within the squad in London, where Australia claimed just one gold medal in the pool - the lowest haul since Barcelona 1992.

The latest allegations include that a young swimmer was physically and verbally bullied at the team's pre-London 2012 training camp in Manchester.

Smith was called in to head up the review after conducting a similar operation last year for Football Federation Australia.

He will be assisted by Australian Institute of Sport director Matt Favier, who worked in Britain for eight years for UK Athletics and UK Sport, while the remaining members of the panel are expected to be announced this week.

They will investigate why Australia's swimmers so underperformed, winning 10 medals, although six of them were silver, including Emily Seebohm in the women's 100 metres backstroke.

Emily Seebohm won one of Australia's six silver medals in what was generally a disappointing performance at London 2012

Former swimmers and Swimming Australia Board members Tim Ford and Kieren Perkins were expected to lead the review, though they could be among those to join the panel.

Newly appointed ASC chairman John Wylie welcomed the review but said it had to have sufficient independence "to ensure its process and recommendations have credibility with the Australian community."

The ASC will focus on the use of taxpayer funds, with the review to be completed in time to consider funding allocations in early 2013.

In 2011/2012, the ASC invested more than AUD$10 million (£6.5 million/$10.5 million/€8 million) in the sport across both high performance and participation.

"The Sports Commission takes very seriously the fact that it is investing taxpayers' money into sports," ASC chief executive Simon Hollingsworth said.

"ASC investment is based on sound evidence, the achievement of agreed outcomes and proof that sports are being administered in a way that uses funding for greatest impact.

"For swimming, this review will be critical in allowing the ASC Board to make an informed decision on future funding allocations."

The review will cover performance and the sport's administration and is expected to investigate recent claims of behavioural and cultural issues within the national team.

Smith's appointment was backed by Australia's current Sports Miinister Kate Lundy.

"Warwick is eminently qualified and well-credentialled to lead the panel," she said.

"High quality leadership in sport is essential to ensure the public can have confidence that government funding is wisely invested.

"I look forward to the recommendations from this review process, as ultimately the implementation of the outcomes will guide future funding decisions."

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Glasgow 2014 snap up London 2012 director as new deputy chief ... - Insidethegames.biz

By Duncan Mackay

September 17 - Glasgow 2014 have made their first major raid on London 2012 following the conclusion of the Olympics and Paralympics to appoint Ty Speer (pictured) as their new deputy chief executive and he will lead the £100 million ($162 million/€123 million) commercial programme for the Commonwealth Games, the biggest event ever to be held in Scotland.

The 46-year-old American was the client services director at London 2012 where he led the development of key sponsorship properties, including the Olympic Torch Relay, Volunteer Programme, Cultural Olympiad and the Paralympic Games.

It marks a return to the Commonwealth Games for Speer who worked for Melbourne 2006 as its geeneral manager of sales and commercial.

He had been one of the longest serving members of London 2012 having joined the Organising Committee in August 2007.

As part of his role he headed up all client relationships with 55 sponsors and regular engagement with the British Olympic and Paralympic Associations and key public sector partners including the Greater London Authority, Visit London and UK Sport.

In addition, during the past 18 months Speer led the operational integration of the London 2012 commercial programme into the overall Games delivery operation.

Speer's appointment means that the top two positions at Glasgow 2014 will be held by Americans, as chief executive David Grevemberg is from Louisiana.

"Glasgow 2014 will be a world-class sporting and cultural celebration full of opportunities for Scotland and I am delighted to welcome Ty as part of our winning team," said Grevemberg.

"Ty brings with him a wealth of delivering experience at the highest levels of international sporting events.

"His knowledge, experience and leadership will all be great assets to the Organising Committee in delivering on our ambitions of an outstanding Commonwealth Games for Glasgow and for Scotland."

As client services director at London 2012, Ty Speer was involved in the commercial programme for the successful Olympic Torch Relay

Speer, who is from Atlanta and a graduate of Duke University in North Carolina, will officially join Glasgow 2014 in November when his contract at London 2012 ends.

In his new role Speer will lead the teams delivering the Games' commercial revenues across sponsorship, ticketing, international broadcast rights sales and licensing and merchandising as well as taking management responsibility for a number of other areas.

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games have a budget of £524 million ($850 million/€648 million) of which the Organising Committee will raise £100 million ($162 million/€123 million) in commercial revenues.

Glasgow 2014 will be hoping that Speer proves to be as innovative as he was during Melbourne 2006, when he was involved in linking up with telecoms conglomerate ­Telstra and other partners to stream the event online and via mobile phones, at the time a revolutionary concept.

"Glasgow 2014 is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for Scotland and I am thrilled to be part of what will be a great success story for the city and for Scotland," said Speer.

It is clear from commitment shown and the enthusiasm generated that the Games already have a fantastic momentum.

"I look forward to maximising all opportunities to deliver an outstanding sporting and cultural celebration of which Scotland can be proud."

Several other senior figures from London 2012 are expected to relocate to Scotland during the next year to work for Glasgow 2014.

"Ty has made a valuable contribution to the overall success of the London 2012 commercial programme, both in generating income, and in providing delivery leadership for our Commercial Partners," said Chris Townsend, the commercial director of London 2012.

"I am sure he will commit himself to the success of Glasgow 2014."

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School's out for Sochi 2014 representatives following completion of ... - Insidethegames.biz

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By David Gold

September 14 - More than 300 representatives from Sochi 2014, including members of the Organising Committee and volunteers, have completed learning programmes based around London 2012.

From the start of the Olympics to the end of the Paralympics those involved took part in observer and secondment programmes – the largest in Games history.

Participants (pictured top) gained invaluable knowledge as they gear up to stage the Winter Olympic and Paralympics in February 2014.

Some 270 events were held including seminars, meetings with experts, suppliers and sponsors, and visits to competitions and venues.

Nineteen employees of Sochi 2014 worked full-time with the London 2012 Organising Committee over several months, six of the party doing so under the auspices of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Sochi 2014 representatives learned several valuable lessons from visiting London 2012, including Olympic Village management

The group focused on all aspects of Games organisation, including logistics, Olympic Village and venue management, transport and accommodation.

The volunteers at London 2012 have been widely praised for their enthusiasm and spirit, and their number included over 100 representatives from Sochi as well as Kazan, which hosts the next Summer Universiade in 2013.

The Russian volunteers worked more than 10,000 hours during the Olympics and Paralympics, and organised an excursion across London for the country's Paralympians at the end of the Games.

Key to Sochi's experience in London was Sochi.Park in Kensington Gardens, which was situated adjacent to Russia.Park, the official headquarters of the Russian Olympic Committee.

IOC President Jacques Rogge enjoys a taste of Russia during a visit to Sochi.Park 

In total 80,000 people visited Sochi.Park to experience a taste of Russian winter during the British summer.

An ice-dancing show featured Russian Olympic and world champions, a cable car experience through "Sochi" and even an opportunity to enjoy a snowball fight with the mascots of Sochi 2014.

Among those dropping in to Sochi.Park were International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge, René Fasel, the President of the International Ice Hockey Federation, and Russian Olympic Committee President Alexander Zhukov.

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Sainsbury's announce London 2012 Paralympic Games legacy project - Insidethegames.biz

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By Tom Degun at Chiswick School in London

September 14 - Supermarket giant Sainsbury's, a Tier One sponsor of the London 2012 Paralympics, has today announced its Games legacy project, which will see it invest £1 million ($1.61 million/€1.25 million) over the next four years to get more disabled children in school involved in sport.

The new inclusive sports initiative titled "Active Kids For All" was announced at Chiswick School in London where a star-studded cast including four-time Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds (pictured top) was in attendance.

The initiative will be an Inclusive PE Training Programme that is designed to ensure teachers within schools have the required skills and confidence to teach and include disabled children in activity, PE lessons and sport.

With about 80 per cent of all disabled children currently attending mainstream schools, the funding from Sainsbury's in these Active Kids For All training courses will ensure that over 500,000 disabled and SEN children will lead healthier and more active lifestyles.

This funding will be matched by Sport England who alongside the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS), Youth Sport Trust (YST) and the British Paralympic Association (BPA), have developed and will deliver the programme in schools and the wider community.

ParalympicsGB secured 120 medals at London 2012, including 34 golds, 43 silver and 43 bronze

The announcement comes after the conclusion of London 2012 on Sunday (September 9) where International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven described the event as the "greatest Paralympic Games ever".

The Games saw ParalympicsGB win more medals than in Beijing in 2008, from more sports, while they finished third on the medal table.

Nevertheless, BPA chief executive Tim Hollingsworth said the future of Paralympic sport in Britain is just as important to the organisation as the London 2012 performance.

"It's not just the pictures of our medallists that are out there now, but how the pictures are used in the next six months, and the next year, to inspire others," he said.

"We are hoping to inspire a generation, not just about disability sport but about what it's possible for people to achieve.

"Our inspirational athletes have sprinkled their stardust on that ambition, and our task is to use that as we move on from the Games in a world of widened perceptions."

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London 2012 security contract is one of kind, says G4S chief ... - Insidethegames.biz (blog)

By Tom Degun at the House of Commons in London

September 11 - G4S chief executive Nick Buckles told the Home Affairs Select Committee here that the unique nature of the contract his company signed with London 2012 to become security providers for the Olympic and Paralympic Games is the main reason why they failed to deliver.

G4S revealed it could not provide the required number of guards at the Olympics with just days to go to the start of the Games, forcing the Government to commit 3,500 military personnel to fill the security void.

It came after G4S signed a £284 million ($442 million/€361 million) contract with London 2012 to provide 10,400 security guards for the Olympics, but only 4,000 guards were trained and ready by the time of the opening of the Games.

But Buckles (pictured top), who admitted to the Home Affairs Select Committee in July that the episode had been "a humiliating shambles", said the contract signed with London 2012 was a major problem.

"The contract we signed is one of a kind," Buckles told the chairman of the Home Affairs Committee Keith Vaz as he was grilled on the high-profile failure.

"It is different to any other contract that has been carried out by any other private sector company in the world for security.

"There is no blueprint for it, there is no track record for it and there is no book.

"There is not another contract like it and when we signed it back in December; we clearly thought we could deliver on it.

"But it is a seriously complex project.

"These are not excuses, they are just explanations and there are of course regrets."

Only 4,000 G4S security guards were trained and ready by the opening of London 2012

Buckles reiterated the fact that G4S had made a £50 million ($78 million/€64 million) loss from the Games but said he still expects London 2012 to pay some of the contract, despite not having been paid by the Organising Committee since July 13 after admitting it could not deliver fully on the project.

"We have no profit at all, just a £50 million ($78 million/€64 million) loss," he said.

"But I still expect London 2012 to pay us in line with the contract.

"That is exactly what contracts are for; to make sure that you get a fair and equitable settlement.

"I'm not going to sit here and say we did a great job, I'm nowhere near saying that, but what I am saying is that we delivered a significant part of the contract and our people did an excellent job in securing the Games.

"But we are still planning to take a £50 million ($78 million/€64 million) loss on this contract because we failed to deliver in the way we expected to."

The G4S chief executive also pointed out that his company made a big donation to the services charity to recognise the fact that the military and the police stepped in at late notice to help G4S perform their security obligations as part of the contingency plan.

"We are certainly very keen to acknowledge the support that the military gave us, and the police," Buckles said.

"So after consulting with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) about the best way to deal with that, we did make the decision to donate £2.5 million ($4 million/€3 million) to the services charity in recognition of the fact that we certainly have disrupted a large number of people's summer and we certainly apologise for that."

Thousands of British troops had to be called in to cover the security deficit left by G4S

On his own role and whether the issue would force him to resign, Buckles said he would wait to see the results of an independent review into the issue before making any final decision, with the findings of the review due before the end of the year.

"I have been with the group 28 years and chief executive 10 years," he said.

"It has been a big investment for my whole career and my whole life and it [resigning] is not a decision I would like to take lightly.

"I expect the Board to listen to the findings of the review before we decide anything.

"But I am group chief executive and if a contract goes wrong, I take the blame for that as well the credit for the many, many contracts that go right.

"I care about this company significantly and it is very painful when we have all of these negative headlines.

"So for us, this wasn't good."

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