Olympic Games TV to be good

Press, 10 February 1988, Page 48

Olympic Games TV to be good

PA Wellington New Zealand television viewers can expect extensive live coverage of the Olympics in Seoul, according to the Games television rights negotiator, Sir Lance Cross. “The time factor is good for New Zealand and we will be blessed with considerable live screening from Seoul,” Sir Lance said before flying to Calgary. New Zealand’s long-serv-ing International Olympic Committee member will attend 1.0. C. meetings on Wednesday and Thursday before the Winter Olympics open on Saturday. Television cover from Calgary will not be live but will feature daily packages. Sir Lance said that the 1.0. C. would consider reports on the progress of the Seoul Games organisation. “Things are looking good for September. We can’t envisage any political problems at this stage. It will be the biggest Games ever with 161 nations confirming their participation,” he said. “Only Ethiopia and Cuba have said they will not come, supporting North Korea, which wanted to share some of the Games hosting.” The 1.0. C. offered North Korea two sports plus preliminary soccer and women’s volleyball. However, North Korea failed to respond to the offer. Therefore, all sports will be held in Seoul. More than 8000 athletes are expected to compete in Seoul and Sir Lance said that the news media contingent could be as high as 10,000. The Winter Games has drawn 2000 press, 2000 broadcasters and 2500 athletes. The secretary-general of the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, Tay Wilson, will fly to Calgary tomorrow for talks with Canadian