The Olympics "have an unsavoury reputation in legitimising expansionist dictatorships" which repress National minorities, the Celtic League General Secretary has told IOC President Jacques Rogge (see below)

"Jacques Rogge President International Olympic Committee Château de Vidy 1007 Lausanne Switzerland

12/03/09

Dear Jacques Rogge

Olympic teams

At its most recent General Council, the Celtic League passed the following resolution:

"The General Council:

Condemns the Olympic Committee for continuing to disallow the Celtic countries, especially Scotland , Wales and the Isle of Man, their own teams, despite allowing Puerto Rico and Hong Kong to compete separately.

Notes that the Olympics have an unsavoury reputation in legitimising expansionist dictatorships such as Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union and the PRC, which is currently repressing many nationalities in its borders, including the Tibetans and Uighurs."

We are aware that in the past Scotland and Wales have had their own official Olympic teams competing in hockey (1908), football (1908) and cycling (1912). We would like to know therefore if Scotland and Wales in particular are able to apply to compete officially in at least these sports again and if not, why?

We are aware that the 1912 Olympic Games rules stated that:

"Each National Football Association belonging to a nation recognized as such by the International Olympic Committee and affiliated to the International Football Federation (Federation Internationale de Football Association) is entitled to send four teams."

With this in mind, when the Olympic Games comes to London in 2012, would it not be possible for the nations that compose the UK and Great Britain to compete as official teams in at least football, considering that there are different official Football Associations within the state? If so, then does the IOC have the final decision on this matter or is it a matter for the state governments in which these Football Associations are based?

As our resolution above states, both Puerto Rico and Hong Kong have been previously able to compete separately in the Games in different events, despite not being fully independent states in their own right. It seems clear to us that there are precedents in the Games for teams to compete and represent their own nations, even though they may not be independent states.

Consequently, in view of the League's resolution and the points stated above, I would like, on behalf of the Celtic League, to enquire what is the criteria that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) use to assess whether a country can participate as an official team in the Olympic Games? We do not believe that the decision of the IOC is based on a question of political scruples, as you can see from the second part of our resolution above.

We look forward to receiving your views on these issues.

Yours sincerely

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary Celtic League"

Related article on Celtic News at:

(voir le site)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

13/03/09

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