New Sports for 2000 Olympic Games

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The IOC has approved the addition of whitewater canoeing, women’s water polo and trampolining at the 2000 Olympic Games. Whitewater kayaking had been dropped from the program last year on grounds that construction and maintenance costs of a course were too expensive. But organizers recently agreed to reinstate canoe slalom after a deal was reached to construct a course in the Sydney suburb of Penrith, adjacent to the rowing venue, for approximately $4.5 million. Under the agreement, the New South Wales government will cover half the cost, while the international canoe federation and the Penrith City Council will split the rest. Trampolining will be included for the first time. The IOC board said it approved in principle the addition of women’s water polo, pending final agreement from FINA. Until now, FINA has resisted the idea of adding women’s water polo. But, following the IOC’s endorsement, FINA now will feel compelled to approve the event during its congress at the 1998 World Championships in Perth, Australia, in January. In addition to the new disciplines, the IOC previously had approved two new sports for the Sydney Games: triathlon and taekwondo.

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