Beijing World University Games a rousing success

The 2001 University Games in Beijing came off without a hitch according to organizers, athletes and FISU Officials. Roch Campana, FISU Secretary General said, "Only very few things should/could be improved,"

Transportation, food, the schedule, and village were all said to have run well. Hot temperatures and humidity were the only factors outside the control of the organizers and athletes did mention pollution as one continuing problem in Beijing.

As fully expected the hosts romped in the medals table, China winning its largest total ever. The United States finished second.

The United States men's basketball team had its winning streak in basketball broken, losing to China. China in turn lost to Yugoslavia in the gold medal match.

Mediterranean Games open amid protests

The 2001 edition of the Mediterranean Games opened in Tunisia September 2nd. The Tunisian government has spent millions of dollars on facilities and organization of the games in part to enhance their international reputation.

The week before the games were to open protesters from the Organisation mondiale contre la torture (OMCT World Organization against Torture) based in Geneva, staged a protest outside IOC offices in Lausanne, Switzerland. The organization is protesting that the Head of the Games organization, Habib Ammar, who as head of Tunisia's National Guard was allegedly responsible for mistreatment of Tunisian citizens.

The Tunisian Government replied that if this was the case, why have the protesters not spoken up earlier as Ammar has been head of the organizing committee for a long time. Jordan and Andorra were invited to participate in this years games while Israel was once again refused an invitation.

African Games politics slowing preparations

Politics is rearing its head within the top governmental circles in Nigeria as that country prepares for the 2003 All-African Games.

Ishaya Mark Aku the Sports and Social Development Minister and Dr. Amos Adamu the Executive Director of the Organizing Committee for the All Africa Games, have been at odds for several months over control of games funds.

Adamu was at first given autonomy for organizing the games, but since has been told to report to Aku as the leader for sports matters in Nigeria. The dates for the games have also become an issue. The Sports Minister wants to set the dates in April and May before the 2003 elections. Adamu and the Organizing body prefer the games to be held later.