Event Notes: Hong Kong To Hold First Race Of New World Open Water Swimming Series

Hong Kong on Saturday will launch the "first race in a newly created world open water series, dubbed 'a new F1 circuit for swimming.'" The World Open Water Swimming Series is "a global network of 13 races." The first event, the Jax Coco Shek O Challenge, is at Big Wave Bay, "with about 250 swimmers tackling the 2.2km course to Shek O back beach" (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, 7/10). ... Pakistan's Olympic committee "has escaped suspension by the IOC after the government stopped interfering in its affairs, ending doubt over Pakistan's participation in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games." The IOC said Tuesday there have been "very positive developments" following meetings involving all sides. The IOC said the government has expressed "its full respect of and exclusive support to" the Pakistan Olympic Association. The IOC said "as a result of these developments," the exec board "concluded that the POA should not be suspended" (AP, 7/10).