IOC Could Cut 2012 Opening Fireworks

The London 2012 Opening Ceremony could be without fireworks after the
IOC has highlighted that it may oust the tradition in a bid to protect
the environment.

IOC President Jacques Rogge confirmed that the organisation would study recommendations to eliminate firework displays in a bid to protect the environment by cutting harmful emissions.

‘I’m not saying we are going to eliminate fireworks, I’m saying we’re going to study it seriously.’

Sri Lanka’s national Olympic committee proposed the measure, and suggested that technology or laser shows could replace the traditional fireworks.

Gilbert Felli, the IOC’s executive director of the Olympic Games, said officials need to strike the right balance between environmental protection and sporting entertainment.

‘We are trying to understand if we can have the same feeling, the same festive aspect, and reducing the footprint or the energy.’

The 2012 London Olympic Committee has only started on its provisional plans for the opening ceremony and have handed the responsibility of putting it together to Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle.

Head of the 2012 LOC Sebastion Coe has said that he: ‘will listen to the observations of all 205 national Olympic committees, but at this moment, my focus is on delivering the 26 sports. I don’t have a fireworks policy.’