The sports of golf and rugby are awaiting the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) vote Friday to find out which of the two cities, or perhaps both, will be returned to the Olympics starting in 2016.
Reuters reports on Wednesday golf officials tried to shake off the sport’s elitist image, while rugby said its place in the Games would provide a boost to smaller nations.
Peter Dawson, chief executive of the Royal and Ancient (R&A) told reporters, “golf has become a very affordable sport. Seventy two per cent (of U.S. courses) are public facilities, 56 per cent of players (in the U.S.) have a household income of $25,000 to $100,000. That is hardly elitist”.
American golfer Michelle Wie, who is in Copenhagen to support the bid, said taking part in the Olympics would be “the highest achievement for every golfer. Winning an Olympic medal will be the highest point you could reach. Competing for your country, well the stakes would be that much higher”.
Rugby said it would give smaller countries a chance to win medals, with Rugby Sevens popular in Pacific nations, reports Reuters.
International Rugby Board chief Bernard Lapasset told reporters, “Rugby Sevens offers more universality. You have countries like Fiji, Tonga and Samoa that normally cannot compete for medals in the Olympics”.
Top rugby players are in Copenhagen to support the bid, including New Zealander Jonah Lomu and former Argentine captain Agustin Pichot.
