Libyan Leader Loses Appeal; Furlongs Deny Allegations; Poland/Slovakia Wins Support

Libyan Olympic Chief Loses Appeal

A Libyan court has upheld the ruling that Libyan Olympic Committee president Nabil Elalem should be stripped of his post.

Libyan media say the case presented by the Integrity Commission determined he was complicit in the regime of Moammar Khadafi, Libya’s ousted former autocratic leader.

However, speaking to Around the Rings last month after the charges were first leveled against him, Elalem categorically rejected the allegations.

Elalem says he provided documents showing the "leading role" he played in the resistance movement in Tripoli, and his father was a key figure in establishing the Kingdom of Libya in 1951, which was overthrown by Khadafi.

Also, Elalem says the commission has no jurisdiction over the LOC.

"The integrity commission deals only with cases of people who want to elect themselves to governmental positions and not [non-governmental organizations]," he said, noting he has never applied for a government post.

Slovak President Approves Bid; Polish Government "Decisively" On Board

Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, said he supports a joint bid with Poland for the 2022 Olympics.

Fico met with Slovak Olympic officials on Thursday. Under the arrangement, Krakow would be the main host city with ice hockey and alpine events taking place in Slovakia.

"The fundamental question is whether we can afford it or not, whether we have the needed infrastructure for disciplines expected to take place here," Fico was quoted by Slovak media.

He added: "we mustn't have big eyes" with a bid and carefully study the costs of the Games, estimated between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.

Poland’s sports minister Joanna Mucha said on Thursday her government "has decisively backed the Games."

Furlong Family Rejects Allegations

John Furlong’s family came to his defense Wednesday, blasting the latest charges against him of sexual and mental abuse.

A statement issued on behalf of Furlong’s five children, 11 grandchildren and two of his former spouses reads:"Serious, unsubstantiated allegations regarding abuse inside our family have been published. These shocking allegations are without merit and portray a character whom none of us recognizes."

The accusations against Furlong came from journalist Laura Robinson, who made them in a defense document filed in Furlong’s defamation case against her.

Robinson first reported Furlong abused students when he worked at schools in Canada four decades ago.

Generations For Peace Recognized

Generations For Peace was rated one of the top 100 NGOs in the world by The Global Journal. The Swiss publication focuses on news from the developing world.

"I am very proud of the impact that Generations For Peace has had both in Jordan and in communities around the world," said Prince Feisal Al Hussein, founder of Generations For Peace. "As we face growing demand for our program, this recognition is a tribute to the efforts of each and every volunteer in their respective communities, and all the partners who are supporting our growth."

Criteria for determining the list were an NGO's "impact, innovation and sustainability."

British Ice Hockey Pay Day

The British Olympic Association hopes a $100,000 IOC grant will help qualify a team for the Sochi Olympics.

On Thursday, the BOA announced the grant’s awarding.

Funds will be used to defray costs for training camps, travel and other expenses for the 21st-ranked team in the world.

Britain has already qualified for the Olympic Qualification Tournament scheduled for Feb. 7-10 in Riga, Latvia.

"Ice Hockey UK is attempting to accomplish something that hasn’t been done for more than 60 years, and we are delighted to support their efforts by securing this grant," said BOA CEO Andy Hunt.

Royal Backing for Madrid Bid

Prince Felipe of Spain is the new Honorary President of Madrid 2020.

The Spanish bid made the announcement on Thursday.

"HRH Prince Felipe was Spain’s flag bearer at Barcelona in 1992 and he will carry the flag again for the Madrid 2020 bid, which is not just for the city of Madrid but for the whole of Spain," said bid president Alejandro Blanco, also president of the Spanish Olympic Committee.

Written by Ed Hula III.

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