[van-announce] Mon., Dec. 7 - Corruption in the Olympics - speaker at UBC

[alissa w]

*PLEASE POST WIDELY!
  
** Monday, Dec. 7, 5-6:30pm.  Author Andrew Jennings on Corruption in the International Olympic Committee.
 
"THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN MYTH AND REALITY" - FREE speakers series of Olympic critics and organisers hosted by UBC's Green College at the Green College Coach House (6201 Cecil Green Park Road, north off of NW Marine Drive).  Map at www.maps.ubc.ca/?412
 
* Last speaker in this popular series:
 
Monday, Dec. 7, 5pm:
“International Olympic Committee Corruption: Would you take these people home to meet your loved ones?" Andrew Jennings. Mr. Jennings is the author of three books on the IOC.
 
This topic exposes the myths about the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to look objectively at how this class of aristocrats, terrified by popular uprisings in Europe, devised a panacea of sports and entertainment through which they could distract and influence the public.
 
They cynically adopted the ‘torch relay,’ created by the Nazis for the 1936 Berlin Games, and its illusion of ancient Greek traditions and dramatic flame lighting ceremonies which have no basis in the historical Olympic tradition.  Jennings will question why the media and many academics enthusiastically promote this deceptive public relations scheme.
 
Jennings examines how the IOC, which claims to promote good health, sold its icons to obesity-promoting fast food companies.  This ‘selling of the Games’ was organised by an IOC President, who for 37 years gave the fascist salute, and the unscrupulous bribe-paying businessmen who put him in power.  The IOC is now an eager vehicle for global corporate brands, the torch relay is a travelling promotion for Coca-Cola, there is rampant corruption in the selection of host cities, and the Olympic competitions are marred by doping scandals.

The speakers begin at 5pm with time for questions and discussion (FREE, everyone welcome).

www.greencollege.ubc.ca 
contact:  alissawt at shaw.ca