imtheman
Enthusiast
Silver Level
I just read this article and being the sport buff i figured i'd copy it and past it here for u to read let me no what u think? The debate to add poker to the Olympic Games has returned. The decision to allow golf and kitesurfing as new Olympic sports for the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro, brazil, has encouraged poker enthusiasts to start campaigning again. This is not the first time that petitions have started to attempt to add the popular card game to the Olympics.
The first efforts to add poker to the Olympic Games began after it was accepted into the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA). It is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the only way an activity can be added to the Olympics is if the IOC recognizes the association. Some initial petitions and Facebook pages started to support the idea. However, the International Olympic Committee never gave an official verdict on the topic.
In 2012, the "Bringing Mind Sports into the Classroom and Beyond" conference at Harvard Law School considered the possibility of the Olympics and discussed creating an "Olympic vision" for the future. Poker was represented at the conference. The idea of this game becoming a part of the future Olympics continues to be discussed among fans on many forums.
Poker is not the only game that is being debated as a possible addition to the Olympics. Other activities and sports have attempted to get the attention of the IOC in the past. Ballroom dancing, chess and others have tried to join the Olympic Games. Although the IOC rejected these bids, it has officially recognized chess, so fans still believe there is hope. Even tug of war, removed from the Olympics in 1920, is trying to get back.
The process to become an official part of the Olympic Games is complex and time consuming. The first step, already achieved by poker, is to be accepted and recognized by an international association. Then, the sport or activity must prove that it has good governance with regulations and is popular, transparent, fair and universal. Even if an activity fits all of these requirements, inclusion is never guaranteed because the International Olympic Committee ultimately decides if it should be added.
The first efforts to add poker to the Olympic Games began after it was accepted into the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA). It is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the only way an activity can be added to the Olympics is if the IOC recognizes the association. Some initial petitions and Facebook pages started to support the idea. However, the International Olympic Committee never gave an official verdict on the topic.
In 2012, the "Bringing Mind Sports into the Classroom and Beyond" conference at Harvard Law School considered the possibility of the Olympics and discussed creating an "Olympic vision" for the future. Poker was represented at the conference. The idea of this game becoming a part of the future Olympics continues to be discussed among fans on many forums.
Poker is not the only game that is being debated as a possible addition to the Olympics. Other activities and sports have attempted to get the attention of the IOC in the past. Ballroom dancing, chess and others have tried to join the Olympic Games. Although the IOC rejected these bids, it has officially recognized chess, so fans still believe there is hope. Even tug of war, removed from the Olympics in 1920, is trying to get back.
The process to become an official part of the Olympic Games is complex and time consuming. The first step, already achieved by poker, is to be accepted and recognized by an international association. Then, the sport or activity must prove that it has good governance with regulations and is popular, transparent, fair and universal. Even if an activity fits all of these requirements, inclusion is never guaranteed because the International Olympic Committee ultimately decides if it should be added.