An attempt to push Muay Thai to become an Olympic sport has suffered a blow after its governing body, Int'l Federation of Muaythai Amateur, failed to get recognition from the IOC. The organization will get another chance at an IOC meeting in December (BANGKOK POST, 6/2). ... Community sports fields in Langho, England are sharing a £100,000 ($151,820) Olympic "lottery windfall to stop matches being called off due to flooding." It is hoped Sport England awards of £50,000 ($75,910) each to Langho FC and Great Harwood Cricket Club will end problems during poor weather. New drainage systems will be installed (LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH, 5/31). ... Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas has "expressed his concern about protests that paralyzed the city for two days and his fear that these incidents could could affect Istanbul's candidacy to host the 2020 Olympic Games." Topbas said, "How will we explain the images of what has occurred in Istanbul, images that have spread around the world? How do we try to attract the 2020 Olympics here like this? I believe we lose everything with this" (EFE, 6/2).
