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During its meeting held on 29 August 2002, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board discussed the Olympic programme for the future Games of the Olympiad, specifically the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in 2008 in Beijing. Following the recommendations of the Olympic Programme Commission, the IOC Executive Board decided not to admit parachuting to the Programme of Beijing 2008. While very disappointed, the FAI thanks the IOC for its clear statements of the arguments leading to this decision, which will be helpful for the further development of parachuting and indeed all Air Sports.
Clear recommendations of the Olympic Programme Commission
Only golf and rugby were recommended for admission to the Olympic programme. The Commission recommended rejecting the applications of 14 other candidate sports, amongst them parachuting, to enter the Programme of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, 2008. The Olympic Programme Commission pointed out that any changes in the structure of the Olympic Programme should result in increased value and appeal of the Olympic Games, that global public and media interest should be considered as key elements in the analyses of sports, and that sports should give special emphasis to youth and development. Taking into consideration statistics on federation affiliation, number of nations competing in major events, and broadcast and press coverage, the Commission estimated that most sports bidding to enter the Games would not bring a higher level of global participation and interest than sports currently on the Programme. However, by interpreting Rule 52, Paragraph 4.2 of the Olympic Charter (‘…events in which performance depends essentially on mechanical propulsion are not acceptable’) as not applying when mechanical propulsion is used purely as technical support for the competition in areas unrelated to the sporting performance itself, the IOC left the door open for future bids by air sports such as parachuting.
Future of Air Sports in the International Arena
Although the third attempt by Sport Parachuting to become an Olympic sport has proved unsuccessful, FAI will continue to seek to develop Air Sports worldwide, aiming to render them more popular and attractive to the media. Among other projects, FAI is currently working on the 7th World Games 2005 Duisburg, the 3rd FAI World Air Games planned to be held in 2005, and FAI’s 100th Anniversary in 2005. After a thorough review, FAI - an IOC Recognised Federation - will consider whether to submit further bids for parachuting, gliding, hang-gliding and paragliding to be included in future Olympic Games.
Sport Parachuting at the 7th World Games 2005 Duisburg
As a proof of the major role played by air sports in the international arena, the IWGA (International World Games Association) Executive Committee recently confirmed that parachuting would be one of the main attractions of the 7th World Games to be held from 14 to 24 July 2005 in Duisburg (GER). For its third participation in the World Games, the parachuting programme will consist of at least four disciplines : Men’s and Women’s Freestyle Skydiving, Mixed Accuracy Landing and Mixed Formation Skydiving. The inclusion of a fifth discipline – Canopy Piloting – has been accepted in principle by the IWGA – Executive Committee, subject to approval by the FAI Parachuting Commission in February 2003.
Lausanne, 3 September 2002
For further information : www.fai.org / www.olympic.org / www.worldgames-iwga.org
