British Olympic team told silence is golden

So, Britain doesn’t want a fuss in China during the Olympics.

Why would the U.S., Australia & Canada all specifically allow their athletes to be freely outspoken on issues of their own concern; while England will restrict totally the speech of their representatives?

I sense an underlying issue the details of which are not clear to me..but China must hold some sway over ongoing, progressing developments involving the U.K. Big Business, no doubt….

Graham Nathan, spokesman for the British Olympics Association (BOA), told CNN that “British athletes will have to sign a contract promising not to comment on any politically sensitive issues.”

He added that they won’t go further than what is required by the International Olympic Committee charter which restricts demonstrations of political propaganda at an Olympic Games. Athletes who refuse to sign the agreement will not be allowed to travel to compete in the Games from August 8-24, according to a Sunday newspaper report. British Olympic team members have long been required to sign a contract, but for the first time the commitment will include an undertaking not to comment on any politically sensitive issues.

The document refers athletes to Section 51 of the IOC charter which “provides for no kind of demonstration, or political, religious or racial propaganda in the Olympic sites, venues or other areas.”
Shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt hit out at the ruling, telling Sky News: “I think that given America, Canada, Australia are explicitly saying that their athletes can say what they want when they go to Beijing, I think it is inappropriate to put this restriction on our athletes….

Posted by zirkonyx
There is no greater guarantee of justice than the free flow of information. I am fully aware of the information renaissance we are hurtling through; encouraging debate in my community and attempting to stand up for independent thought and expression are my...