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Displaying items by tag: Zika

#Rio2016 - Calls from scientists to move this summer's Olympic Games in Rio over the outbreak of the Zika virus have been dismissed by the WHO, as BBC News reports.

As many as 150 international scientists and medical experts put their names to an open letter that claims the latest findings on the virus mean staging the event as-is would be "unethical".

The letter cites the failure of a programme by Brazilian authorities to control mosquitos that carry the virus, which has been linked to serious birth defects, as well as the country's "weakened" healthcare system as the outbreak spreads in South America, as reasons why hosting the games poses "an unnecessary risk" to the thousands of athletes and tourists set to arrive in Brazil two months from now.

However, the WHO – which has declared Zika as a worldwide health emergency – says moving or postponing Rio 2016 would "not significantly alter" the spread of the virus.

It's a stance supported by the head of the US Centers for Disease Control, Dr Tim Frieden, who said there is "no public health reason" to move the games – in the same week that the final on-site review of Olympic venue preparations took place.

Earlier this year it was reported that female athletes preparing for the Rio Olympics were advised to consider the risks involved before travelling to compete.

BBC News has more on the story HERE.

Published in Olympic
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#Rio2016 - Female athletes with places in this summer's Olympics have been left with a tough decision to make due to the outbreak of the Zika virus in Rio and elsewhere in Brazil.

And as Sail-World reports, sailors particularly at risk – as the waters of Guanabara Bay make the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes that carry the virus implicated in causing severe birth defects.

The Australian Olympic Committee has already advised its female competitors to consider the risks involved as the Zika situation continues to evolve – and it's expected others will follow in their wake as a number of South and Central American countries are recommending a two-year moratorium on pregnancies.

Coming in the same week as the Notice of Race being issued, it's just the latest health and safety setback to hit the Rio 2016 games after long-time concerns over pollution in the sailing and rowing venues in Brazil's largest city.

Sail-World has more on the story HERE.

Published in Olympic
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Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2023 Cruisers Zero

There will be an 11-boat entry of Cruisers Zero IRC boats competing at Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2023: 

  • GBR 1681, Gelert, Corby 36, Brian Dixon
  • IRL 1156, BOD, Derek de Yong
  • IRL 3721 ValenTina, J112e,GP Johnny Treanor
  • GBR 4822R, El Gran Senor, J122, Jonathan Anderson
  • IRL 6888, El Pocko, Puma 42, Jonathan Nicholson
  • GBR 6509N, Max Too, Prima 38, Neil Thomas
  • IRL 985, Ghost Raider, J111, Norbert Reilly
  • IRL 4240, Prima Forte, Beneteau First 40, Patrick Burke
  • IRL 10800, Rockabill VI, JPK 10.80, Paul O'Higgins
  • IRL 2729, Searche,r Sunfast 3600, Pete Smyth
  • IRL 2237, WOW, Extreme 37, Timothy Kane