Dow CEO on Boycott Talks; IIHF on Sochi Venue; Havelange Update

Dow CEO Responds to Boycott Talks

Chairman and CEO of the Dow Chemical Company Andrew Liveris insists activists urging a boycott of the 2012 Olympics due to the company’s Olympic sponsorship are misguided in their actions.

In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Liveris continued to argue that Dow is not responsible for the industrial disaster in Bhopal, India where a pesticide plant owned by Union Carbide India Limited leaked toxic gas into the town, killing thousands and becoming a lightning rod for Dow in recent months.

"Well I mean the issue that they're all inflamed about is not the Dow issue, it's an Indian government issue and that's basically what we're saying to them," he told the ABC.

Liveris also reaffirmed Dow's argument that while Dow bought the Union Carbide Corp. in 2001, the issue was settled long before in court.

"The Indian government settled with Union Carbide in 1989. Settled and reaffirmed by their Supreme Court three times," he said.

"So it's got nothing to do with Dow and that's in the legal agreements and all the bright lines. They're trying to drag us in because we have deep pockets and that's clearly what they want to do."

Liveris added that attempts by activists to place the blame on Dow and calls for India to boycott the Olympics over Dow's sponsorship did not damage the company. Such actions, he said, only hurt the Olympics.

"Our company is a company that wins awards on sustainability. We're named one of America's most sustainably enriched company in terms of ethics," Liveris said.

He added: "It doesn't hurt us in India. We have a great reputation in India. Look, activist groups exist not just in India, they exist all around the world and people will have their views. It's a free economy in India and they'll have their views."

IIHF Visits Sochi Hockey Venue

Officials from the International Ice Hockey Federation say they are impressed by Sochi 2014's main hockey venue.

IIHF vice president Kalervo Kummola and Cornelia Ljungberg, event development director for the federation, recently toured the Olympic sites, including the Bolshoi Ice Dome.

"It was half-done, there's still work to do on the inside, but on the outside it looks quite ready and the plaza in front was impressive," said Ljungberg.

The arena is scheduled to be completed in September, and the first test events are scheduled for this December and the following April.

"This was a very encouraging visit as we are very confident that not only will everything be ready for the Olympics, but the main hockey venue will be ready for hockey one year ahead of the Olympic tournament," said Kummola.

Havelange Condition Remains Serious

Former IOC member and FIFA president Joao Havelange remains in serious condition in a Rio de Janeiro hospital.

First admitted on March 18 to the Samirtano Hospital, the 95-year old Havelange has been hospitalized for two weeks now due to an infection in his ankle.

A statement from the hospital says his current health situation requires continued monitoring.

He resigned from the IOC last year shortly before a ruling on whether he received improper kickbacks as part of FIFA's infamous ISL marketing scandal.

Havelange served as an IOC member from 1963 and FIFA president from 1974 to 98.

Last Chance for Thorpe in London

Swimming great Ian Thrope might just make the London Olympics after all.

The nine-time Olympic medalist said he is considering serving as a TV analyst for the Games.

"I'm not 100 percent sure what I'll be doing during the Games but I really want to see my friends race," he was quoted by Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph.

"I would love to do [TV] and if it happens it will definitely be for the Australian broadcast."

Thorpe missed out on qualifying for the Australian swimming team last week as part of a comeback from retirement.

Media Watch

"The World", a co-production between the BBC and Public Radio International has a feature on Sochi residents’ concerns over construction for the 2014 Olympics. Among the issues raised are forced relocation of residents and damaged homes from venue construction.

TOP Sponsor Procter & Gamble could be losing its competitive edge in the market place AdAge reports.

An Olympic gold medal is on its way to the summit of Mount Everest, fulfilling an 88-year old pledge.

Written by Ann Cantrell and Ed Hula III.

20 Years at #1: