Dance Matters

THE OLYMPIC DREAM THAT HAS BECOME A NIGHTMARE

Since that fateful day in 1997, when dancesport was recognised as a sport by the IOC  the euphorics have slowly evaporated. More and more realism has crept in. More and more people have come to realise the harm being done to dancesport whilst dancesport being accepted as a Medal event becomes ever more unlikely.

We read a great deal about "IOC Recognition" but do we stop and think about that?.

What is the IOC?

 The International Olympic Committee is made up of volunteers, 115 individuals who are elected in a secret ballot, sometimes with results which many query. There are a disproportionate number of small European Countries represented and a number of European and Middle Eastern Royalty and Nobility. The IOC is a non Governmental organisation without legal standing or mandate.

Do these individuals know anything about dancesport?  Have they investigated its background and history? Do they care about dancesport?  Oh yes, a few have been dragged along to events, made all kinds of flattering comments without knowing anything about the sport and the damage the IOC has done and walked away without a further thought for the competitors and what they want.

They hear only what a few dance politicians want to feed them and never query the accuracy of what they hear. They close their eyes and minds to any communication which seeks a better world for dancesport.

The original purpose of the IOC was
1. To ensure the continuance of the games, and in this is has succeeded
2. To ensure that the Olympic ideals, aims and Rules are observed and in this it has failed utterly so far as dancesport is concerned.

Read the following and then count the number of breaches there are so far as dancesport is concerned and the IOC refuse to act.

A) Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.
B) The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity.
C) The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. The organisation, administration and management of sport must be controlled by independent sports organisations.
D) Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.

The IOC can decide regarding Olympic business but when it comes to world affairs it has no authority.

The time has come when the IOC faces  up to its responsibilities and ensure that its International Federations live up to the spirit and Rules of the Olympic Movement and most importantly Item C.  Note well the words concerning independent sports organisations. 

To be independent means not to be subjected to interference by the International Olympic Committee.

The most damning thought is that the IOC fail to honour UNESCO Rule and Ethics, the rules of the United Nations Sport for Peace & Development Rules.  Do the IOC believe they are superior to the United Nations? Do they not feel bound to act in an ethical manner? The IOC President himself stated

We value very much our relationship with the United Nations. Indeed, the successful delivery of the Olympic values depends largely on cooperation with the UN System

The time has really come when there has to be an end to bans, an end to restrictive practices an end to discrimination on political grounds. There has to be acceptance that sport is a basic right for all and there is a return to sportsmanship, fair play, and peaceful development.