WATERSKIING AND THE OLYMPIC GAMES
With 92 Federations around the World, members
of the International Waterski Federation from all Continents will watch
the
Athens Olympics this year with special interest. The IOC decision to limit the
number of Athletes is understandable as it is an enormous management challenge.
While Waterskiing was selected by the Athens Olympic Committee for inclu
sion
this year, the pressure of numbers made it impossible on this occasion.
Four
years ago in the Sydney Olympics, Waterskiing lost out to Taekwondo.
Jacques Rogge, IOC
President, made it quite clear that media recognition plays a major part
in the
admission of new sports to the Games. The new Waterski and Wakeboard World
Cup was created by the IWSF to address this challenge. The enormous spectator
audiences seen at the first two World Cup Stops of 2004 in France and Russia
have proved that Waterskiing at the highest level is a very attractive and
exciting event for suitable downtown locations. All seven of the 2004 Waterski
and Wakeboard World Cup Stops will be televised and full details are being
issued to the Media in 192 countries around the World.
In wishing the IOC and ATHOC every success in Athens this month, the International Waterski Federation is also looking towards the summer of 2005 when the 2012 Olympics host country will be decided. At that time, an important report will be published covering both an evaluation of current sports in the Games and new sports which could be included in the future. The final Olympics programme for 2012 will also be decided. As Waterskiing is one of the obvious sports to be included in the Olympics, IWSF expectations are high for the future.
In Australia, Belgium and
Greece, Waterskiers this year carried the Olympic Torch as it circumnavigated
the World on its way to Athens. We wish all athletes, the IOC and ATHOC
every
success at the Games and look forward to 2005 when sports of the future
Olympics
will be in focus once again.
CONTACT :
Official
Towboat Sponsor for 2004 World
Cup