Possible Winter European Games to be pursued…..Patrick Hickey, European Olympic Committees President, says that the inaugural European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan this past summer were so successful that there is interest in holding a winter version of the Games. According to Hickey, on a post-Baku questionnaire, between 6 and 10 nations have already inquired about possibly hosting a winter edition to be held sometime after the 2019 European Games. Of the interest, Hickey commented, “It shows the appetite and it is great for us to see the market and enthusiasm that is there.We will get the next Summer Games up and running before taking any further steps, but I will go and consult with [IOC President] Thomas Bach about how such an idea could blend with the Olympic Winter Games.”
New PASO Constitution Dilutes Voting Power…..Under a new Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) Constitution proposal, the voting power of countries having already hosted the Pan American Games on multiple occasions is set to be significantly diluted. Under the new rule, which has yet to be approved by the PASO Executive Committee, there would be two options: The first is a “one country, one vote” formula, whereas the second option would include a second vote for past Games hosts, but only for elections to determine where future events will be staged. This is a change from the current regulation dictating that past Pan American Games hosts hold up to five votes in both host city and Executive Committee elections; a regulation which tends to favor the region’s larger nations. (insidethegames)
Maldives Awards 2014 Swimmers of the Year…..In a ceremony held last month, the Swimming Association of Maldives honored its 2014 male and female swimmers of the year. Aminath Shajan and Nishwan Ibrahim were the respective female and male award winners at the event held at Jamaluddin School. In 2014, Ibrahim broke 8 national records, while Shajan knocked down 3 of her own at the Commonwealth Games, with an additional 2 at the 2014 FINA World Championships (short course). The awards were presented by Police Commissioner Hussain Waheed. (HaveeruOnline)