Thread: So, Will Ioc Ban Future Heads Of State Visits?

As long as the IOC expects blank cheques for billions of pounds from governments, and nations' taxpayers to fund the infrastructure that will enable their two week party to take place, banning heads of states shouldn't happen. It's crazy-talk to expect such a large investment but not allow the person ultimately responsible for it to attend the session if they so wish. -------------------- Congratulations to Rio de...

1. So, were the presences of Lula, Juan Carlos, Obama and the Japanese prime minister crucial or neessary to the bids? To me, all their presences cancel each other out. 2. Or were they merely a distraction? 3. Would the results have been the same anyway if the heads of state did not attend? 4. Are the visits merely an ego trip for the IOC members? 5. SHould the IOC ban them in the future? I mean what else will the heads of state say anyway?...

QUOTE (baron-pierreIV @ Oct 3 2009, 04:03 PM) 1. So, were the presences of Lula, Juan Carlos, Obama and the Japanese prime minister crucial or neessary to the bids? To me, all their presences cancel each other out. 2. Or were they merely a distraction? 3. Would the results have been the same anyway if the heads of state did not attend? 4. Are the visits merely an ego trip for the IOC members? 5. SHould the IOC ban...

I think bids should be able to have what ever representatives attend the presentation. Having a head of state present shows government commitment etc. Rio had the governor of the reserve speak. Although Rotel idea regarding a video message from the head of state has merit

I also don't think they should be banned. This time it was more of an over-estimation on the Obama effect. I do hope in the future though, if head of states or top government figures wants to head the delegation, they are involved through and through during the whole process. It's apparent that IOC was unmoved with the Obama's whirlwind "I'M HERE JUST CUZ, KTHXBYE" presentation. I know Obama supported the...

Ban political heads and royalty. The US is at a huge disadvantage cuz no president SHOULD be too involved for 4 years with matters of olympic/support/planning. In a country this big there are too many other priorities across many enormous cities/states. The president will never be able to appear as involved and devoted as many other smaller countries, so this will always be a negative. -------------------- Good Luck RIO.