Posted: 05 Feb 10 08:58 Post subject: Boxing Kangaroo V IOC
AAP
IT'S a symbol of Australia's fighting spirit. Now the Boxing Kangaroo is at the centre of an international incident, with the International Olympic Committee ordering it taken down from the Winter Games athletes' village in Vancouver.
It can be revealed that IOC officials ordered the green and gold flag be removed just 24 hours after it was draped over a balcony - because it was deemed to be "too commercial".
But the Aussies are defying the IOC order and are determined to keep the flag flying. "Someone from the IOC is objecting because it's our team mascot," an Australian source in the village said.
"They've said that it's too commercial because it's a registered trademark. It's a harmless thing that's a bit of fun (and the Aussies) have refused to take it down."
The International Olympic Committee has made a "ridiculous" decision by ordering the removal of the flag, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard said today.
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Boxing Kangaroo flagShould the Australian athletes in Vancouver be allowed to fly the Boxing Kangaroo flag at their village?
Should the Australian athletes in Vancouver be allowed to fly the Boxing Kangaroo flag at their village? Yes - to ban it is outrageous No - we can't have every country doing that Vote now Related CoverageOpinion: Fly it and have fun End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
The giant green and gold flag, which shows a red-gloved golden kangaroo, has been draped over a balcony in the athletes' village.
"It's a scandal," Ms Gillard told Channel 9.
"I think we want to see a lot of the boxing kangaroo, particularly now that we've had this ridiculous ruling.
"So, yes, boxing kangaroos everywhere."
Australians are already defying the IOC order and are keeping the flag flying from their accommodation block.
During any Games, the athletes' village is overrun with national flags and the New Zealanders and the Germans have already raised their banners.
But because the Boxing Kangaroo was a registered brand, not a state-sanctioned civic symbol, the IOC insisted it go.
The flag is a registered trademark because it is used by Australian Olympic officials to promote sport and fair play in schools, a former official said.
The Australian Olympic Committee bought the rights to the image from Alan Bond, who licensed it after flying it from his America's Cup-winning yacht in 1983.
The IOC did not return calls or emails last night. Australia's 38-strong Winter Olympic team is due to arrive in Vancouver today.
Post subject: Boxing Kangaroo V IOC
