winning press freedom conference

Are sports and politics like water and oil? Should they be kept apart no matter what the context or the aggravating circumstances? Should athletes focus only on the competition and ignore what takes place outside the stadium?

Per Toien, a high official of the Norwegian Olympic Committee tries to answer these and other questions in the context of the Beijing Olympics and the Chinese government’s dismal human rights record.

Sports and Politics
By Per Toien

Sports is politics! That is the way it is! People try to make it not so, but it's way it is.

The Norwegian Federation of Sports was involved in hygiene and sports, but we are not a political organization. Yet we voted to take part in the Olympics in Beijing. We thought dialogue is better than boycotts.

The spectators and tourists will be aware in some way of the situation in China. It allows the world to highlight the human rights situation in China. We focus on the Chinese influence on Darfur and Burma. But, how about Zimbabwe?

We should utilize it the best way possible. It is an opportunity to express the challenges in China. The fact that China wants to arrange the perfect games is an advantage for human rights, enhancing the opportunity for the world.

The IOC shares this wish of making these Games part of their legacy. The very brand of IOC is at stake. But there is a small word of warning. Last week a Norwegian official said the Olympics fuel the fire of Chinese nationalism. This wrath is being aimed at the West because of what is perceived as biased news coverage.

What long term effects will that have on the government and the development of human rights in China? We made the decision to be proactive regarding these issues. The IOC is not a democratic organization. As an Olympic committee in Norway, we have no representative in the IOC.

We have met with human rights organizations, with labor unions, as well. Our president has spoken about this on various international venues. Our Norwegian athletes have been schooled and updated on the situation in China, given historical and political background.

Our coaches and athletes have been given knowledge and advice and officials have received briefings. All the officials have been given security scenarios, and the potential consequences of various actions.

We have sought the advice about international situations that may occur and we will follow their advice. Our athletes have their freedom of expression and may decide to boycott the opening or closing events without repercussions. Athletes can do as they wish. Some athletes have decided not to participate in the opening ceremonies, but none may, by rules, participate in protests.

Will participation or non-participation in the opening ceremony be considered a political statement, when perhaps heat or other considerations may be the cause?

We have hopes for a good outcome in this event, which will cost over 1 billion euros. We hope to highlight human rights issues. We hope to find other venues and arenas other than sports to influence the governments.

We care about human rights issues. We have not tried to excuse atrocities. We hope this good climate endures. It's a long-term job to influence human rights in China.

Hope for medals and hope for freedom!

Per Toien is Chief of Information, Norwegian Olympic and Para-Olympic Committee & Sports Confederation (NIF).