NOC Suspended by Government; Sochi Contractor Raided; America's Cup Safety Overhaul

NOC Suspended by Government

The Sierra Leone Olympic Committee was suspended by the country’s sports minister.

According to local media reports, Paul Kamara suspended the SLOC for insubordination to the state.

He ordered the newly elected board to resign immediately following their May 11 election, which they refused to do. Kamara had demanded that the election not take place, wanting financial documents to be provided.

"The action of flouting the authority of the state by the National Olympic Committee is unacceptable," he was quoted writing in a letter to the organization.

It's unclear what impact this will have on the SLOC’s standing in the Olympic Movement. The Olympic Charter requires all NOCs to be free from government influence. Under the most extreme scenario, the SLOC could be suspended from the Olympic Movement.

The IOC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Police Raid Sochi Contractor Office

Russian police raided the offices of Mostovik Construction Company, the contractor responsible for developing Sochi’s bobsleigh track.

According to a report in the ITAR-TASS news agency, authorities were investigating cost over-runs at the facility.

The report specified that authorities were investigating potentially improper purchases of the track’s cooling system for several months.

Curling Tour Gets Financial Jolt

The Foundation for Global Sports will provide $50,000 for the World Curling Federation’s Olympic Celebration Tour.

During the tour, curlers host instructional sessions for curling fans.

"We cannot thank the Foundation for GlobalSportsDevelopment enough – their support will ensure that this program benefits hundreds of people around the world who are either already involved in curling or looking to get involved in our sport," said WCF President Kate Caithness.

"The Olympic Celebration Tour is an integral part of the WCF’s development plans over the coming months as the world’s focus turns to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and we hope that this program gives people the opportunity to try our sport, and for those already curling, the inspiration to develop further."

The Tours will take place in locations around the world throughout the 2013-2104 and 2014-2015 seasons.

Broad Overhaul of America’s Cup Safety Rules

Following the May 16 death of Andrew "Bart" Simpson during training for the America’s Cup, a broad measure of safety changes were introduced on Wednesday.

A committee for the regatta studying the incident announced 37 measures aimed at improving sailor safety. The key change is 10-knot lower wind limit. Sailors will also have a range of life-saving equipment during competition.

"Producing and implementing the safety plan is within the scope of the America's Cup, as the sponsoring organization for this summer’s racing," said Stephen Barclay, CEO of the America’s Cup. "This America’s Cup safety plan is a necessary component of the permit application submitted to the Coast Guard for their consideration."

ANOC Publication

Around the Rings will produce another special edition magazine for the ANOC Extraordinary General Assembly in Lausanne on June 15. Don't miss this opportunity to reach the world's 200+ National Olympic Committees. Contact ATR Partnership Development Director Brian Baker for details. brian@aroundtherings.com

Written by Ed Hula III and Nicole Bennett.

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