VIII Winter Olympics – RP thread

by **Liventia** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 10:37 am

Useful links
OOC thread (previously signups)
Roster and information thread
Results and schedule thread
General NS Olympics discussion thread
VII Winter Olympics RP thread

City Centre, Liventia, is the former capital city of Liventia and is one of the most northerly cities in The Heartland, thanks to Liventia's geographical position as the northern-most nation in the region.

The city lost capital status when the Liventia Act was enacted making Orean the modern capital, though a number of international embassies remain located in the old capital. The prime minister also maintains a formal residence in the city, which remains the commercial centre of the country.

There is a world-class train system (more on that here) at spectators' disposals which will help fans get around. Spectators will fly into Patrick Danahue International Airport, from where there is a fast train link to the centre of the city. All public transport will be free to all ticketholders, athletes and officials during the Games, taking on a popular part of the successful Neverend bid from last time out.

About Liventia
Liventia has strict laws when it comes to behaviour; rioting used to carry the death penalty until a moratorium on capital punishment was brought into effect in 2138. There is a widespread ban on outdoor public smoking and outdoor public drinking, which makes smoking and drinking in pubs and restaurants commonplace. Since the Greener Society won the most recent parliamentary elections, there is proposed legislation to ban all smoking outside of homes.

Public alcoholism will result in prosecution. The drugs trade is banned, although casual use is not actively policed. The minimum age on smoking and drinking in the country is 15, although the Greener Society are pushing for an increase to 18 for drinking and 21 for smoking.

Although nationally laws on firearms possession are relaxed, they were tightened following the murder of prime minister Patrick Danahue at his City Centre residence nearly a decade ago. As a result, in City Centre, firearms are strictly banned and may only be carried by emergency services and the military. An exception will be made at these Games for biathletes who will need to register their weapons for use in their events, and must keep them in their hotel rooms when not competing.

About these Games
The LOA sees the City Centre Games as a chance to further the legacy created by the Neverend Games and to once more return international-calibre sport to City Centre.

To this end, the Games logo is heavily reminiscent – though not identical – to the official Games logo for the Seventh Winter Olympics. However, the inner star has been replaced by a snowflake and the tone of blue is paler, signifying a mild winter's day with light snowfall. The colours in the outer diamonds surrounding the main feature have been changed to those of the Olympic estoile. The organising team would once again like to thank Polarian graphic designers for refreshing the Seventh Winter Olympics logo.

Additionally, it is hoped that another successful staging of the Winter Olympics will prepare Liventia, its logistical capabilities and its citizens to bid for the upcoming Eighth Summer Olympics as the country looks to become the first geographic area since Paripana to host two consecutive Games.

The city will be split into three zones of action:
Zone 1 centred to the southeast of the city limits around Mount Konshua (but reachable by train from anywhere in the city via Mt. Konshua Green station), which will host Nordic combined, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, biathlon, alpine skiing and freestyle skiing;
Zone 2 centred near towards the south-central area of the city around the 190,000-capacity National Stadium, which will become the Olympic Stadium. Here, the opening and closing ceremonies will be held, in addition to all medal ceremonies (except curling and events in Zone 3). The Liventia Curling Centre of Excellence is based in the Alexander Building, just one CCERT station down the line from the National Stadium, and will host curling events and medal ceremonies.
Zone 3 is centred in the east of the city, where the Michael Harley National Indoor Arena complex will host ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating and short track speed skating.

CCERT stations:
Zone 1: Via trains from Mt. Konshua Green (Union Line, East/West Line)
Zone 2: National Stadium (North/South Line, Central Line) and Alexander Building (Central Line)
Zone 3: Island Arena (Circle Line)

Additionally, the National Sled Centre in Neverend, which successfully hosted bobsleigh, luge and skeleton at the last Winter Games, will once again be called upon to host those events. Ticketholders, athletes and spectators will be able to use a high-speed 15-minute train link between the two cities for free.

Letter from Eric Ashdown, chairman, CCOCWOG
Dear Colleagues,
The Winter Olympic Games are once again upon us, and it is my very proud honour to be able to write to you as chairman of the City Centre Organising Committee for the Winter Olympic Games.

We have been tirelessly working long and hard in the run-up to these Olympics. We are working to ensure everything runs smoothly as possible, to provide a great experience that none of you will forget. The last Winter Olympics taught us a lot about how to run an event on this scale, and we look forward to welcoming all of you to City Centre to experience the Eighth Winter Olympics.

With warmest wishes of best luck, friendship, and respect, let the Games begin.

Eric ASHDOWN
President, Ice Hockey Association of Liventia
Chief Technical Delegate, Liventia Olympic Association
Chairman, City Centre Organising Committee for the Winter Olympic Games (CCOCWOG)

by **Saintland** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 1:44 pm

Saintland delegation arrives in City Centre, Liventia for VIII Winter Olympics

(Saintland Press) The Saintland delegation to the VIII Winter Olympics arrived today at Patrick Donahue International Airport in City Centre, Liventia for the upcoming Games. This is the first time Saintland has ever competed in an Olympic games, although this is not our first international sports competition. Recently, an all-star team of Saintland's finest gridiron stars were victorious and hardly challenged in Arena Bowl IV. Although Saintland is located in a very cold climate, winter sports such as those in the games are not especially popular in our Kingdom and the athletes competing in these games are not of the same caliber as Prince Petrus, Andreas Tuccius or Georgius Didius. Competition is also expected to be steeper, as the Winter Olympics are a highly prestigious international competition that features the world's premier international sports powers. "When I authorized sending a delegation to these games, I did so because I am confident in the ability of our athletes. I believe they can put up a strong performance. I believe they can honor their King. I believe they can glorify God's True Church and spread the True Faith around the world. After our dominant performance in the Arena Bowl, several dozen foreigners informed my Government of their desire to immigrate to the Kingdom and become citizens of the Kingdom. With God on our side, anything is possible. We are a nation of 500 thousand souls that defeated much larger nations on the indoor gridiron in dominant fashion. Our outcome in these Winter Olympic Games will depend upon whether it is His Will that we prevail." - King Paulus XV

The Kingdom has entered 4 events at these games. The ice hockey and figure skating competitions take place in Zone 3 in the eastern part of City Centre at the Michael Harley National Indoor Arena. Saintland's ice hockey team will feature an all-star team of the best stars from the Saintland Ice Hockey Association. In figure skating, the Kingdom has entered Maria Sabinilla, Elizabetha Faustina and Martha Pudentilla. The bobsleigh and luge competitions take place in Neverend, Liventia at the National Sled Centre. The brother combination of Lucius and Georgius Metilius will compete in bobsleigh, as will the team of Antonius Herius and Abraham Iustus. All 4 of them will also compete as a 4-man bobsleigh team. In luge, we have entered Pius Inventius, Petrus Flavonius and Gregorious Manlius. Flavonius and Manlius are also entered as a team. Inventius is considered Saintland's best hope for a medalist at these games.

Liventia is a morally lax nation like most foreign nations. Although they once had the death penalty on rioting, they have placed a moratorium on that. Liventia permits smoking of the lung cancer causing plant tobacco, although they ban its use outside. Saintland warns all its citizens that smoking of these cancer sticks is common in Liventian restaurants and pubs. Such smoking poses a serious health risk to anybody who is nearby. Liventia prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages outside, but their use is permitted indoors. Liventia permits 15 year olds to consume alcohol outside of communion and even smoke cancer sticks! Although Liventia has lax gun laws, they do sensibly ban firearms in City Centre. Every King's subject traveling to Neverend is warned that private ownership of firearms is permitted in Neverend. In our time so far in Liventia, we have discovered that casual use of recreational drugs is permitted in this country, although the drug trade is apparently banned.

The King has rented out an entire floor of a hotel in City Centre for use by his Subjects. Any Subject of the King that purchases a ticket to any event at the Games will be offered free transportation via airplane to Liventia and free accommodations at the hotel. All citizens of the Kingdom should be warned that those staying on the King's Floor will be expected to follow the laws of our Kingdom. We will be administering random drug tests throughout the entirety of the games and will be testing minors with Breathalyzers to ensure that they not take advantage of the legalized underage drinking in Liventia. Several priests from the Church of Saintland will be travelling to Liventia to hold religious services for our athletes and those citizens that choose to attend the Games. The King encourages his Subjects to attend the Games and to attend all the events of the games, even those that do not feature any athletes from the Kingdom. Transportation will be provided free of charge on Liventia's train system.

The Games will start on the 1st of February and are expected to last for a month. All of the events of the Games will be broadcast live throughout the Kingdom on the Royal networks. The best events of the past day, including all events involving Saintland athletes, will be broadcast in prime time every night on Royal One. If you decide not to attend the Games in person, be sure to tune in. Over the course of the Games, many sports will be broadcast on television in the Kingdom for the first time ever.

by **Maklohi Vai** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 4:37 pm

They took the same plane from Maklohi Vai to Liventia, both the men's and the women's hockey teams. The men, veterans of the international stage, experienced and well trained through many hours of practices with the highest level of coaches possible. The women, new to the game, including some first timers. Not first Olympics, mind you, first competition. The first time they had ever skated onto the ice in a game would be in the Olympics.

The distance between the skill levels of the teams was the most often discussed subject within the National Hockey Council (NHC) and the first thing on the agenda when it convened for determining rosters for the Olympics. It was a travesty, some said, that there should be so much difference between the two teams. Why should one be allowed to compete at the expense of the other? But this was not necessarily the main opinion. Many of the NHC argued that depriving anyone of an opportunity would be a bad thing, and so both teams should be allowed to compete.

The drastic differences can be traced back to 1972*, when the NHC was first formed to govern amateur men's hockey. Within several years, there was enough support for a 4 team league, which began play in 1983. The NHC saw its duty as being the governing agent for this league, and controlling the league only. While women's hockey had some supporters, there was no actual movement for a women's league or organization until 2003. At this point, the NHC decided to expand its reach to include an amateur women's hockey league with 4 teams originally, while the men's league had now grown to 12 teams. Today, there is still no professional women's hockey in Maklohi Vai, and very little of a youth system to build players up. As such, their training and talent will be far inferior to that of their counterparts in competition.

*Maklohi Vai uses another calendar, but dates are represented as their RL equivalents for ease of reading.

by **Benjamin Mark** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 5:57 pm

BMNS

Kelly - Hello I'm Josh Kelly

Sheetsburg - Hello I'm Stephanie Sheetsburg, Zaren Amesquita has the day off, our athletes going to City Centre, Liventia to participate in the VIII Winter Olympics, Justine Cook is in City Centre with the latest, Justine?

Cook - Good evening, Stephanie, yes our athletes are just relaxing at the City Centre Olympic Village where our fine athletes will be staying during the course of the olympics. Peggy Sue Ziegler is our flag-bearer for this olympics. Ms. Ziegler what it is like to participate in the olympics

Ziegler - Well, it's very exciting and scary, this is my first time participating in an event on a international scale and I'm proud to have qualified for such an event.

Cook - I'm sure you are, of particular athletes to note are Sheilene Singerman of Speed-Skating fame, McHeidlin Sisters of Biathlon fame, and Tony Guerra of Skiing fame, reporting live in City Centre, Justine Cook, BMNS news

by **Electrum** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 6:53 pm

Electrum Combined Press - ECP

The Minister for Sports, Ben Stein MP, has prohibited alcohol usage for the delegation that is been sent for the Eighth Winter Olympics.

"It has been unclear as to the official policy towards these games as it is our first Winter Olympics, however in light of the local laws and for the interests in adhering to the Olympic Values, we have decided to ban drinking alcohol for all our delegates including coaches and trainers."

Players have said to be outraged, even declaring to secretly drink alcohol before playing! A player who did not wish to be named said:

"There is nothing like drinking whiskey to get the heart warm, and the blood flowing. I don't know what (Federal Department of Sports) these lunatics are thinking. It especially helps me with my --"

In other Olympic news, players have started arriving at City Centre, Liventia to start preparation for next Friday's start of the Olympics. It will be Electrum's first showing at the Olympics, with hopes of a medal riding on the Curling team, however it is expected that there will be no medals won. The athletes are getting used to their new base for the month, with athletes checking out the newly refurbished facilites that have been used in the last Winter Olympics. (Liventia also hosted the Seventh Winter Olympics).

The Department of Sports has booked a tour bus today for the athletes that have arrived to go and tour the surrounds of City Centre including: Hamilton Square, Chinatown and Old Government Building, before retiring in the athlete's village.

by **The Serbian Empire** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 7:41 pm

Head of Olympic Committee Report
Vlade Drinac

The Serbian Empire has flown in out of the city of Beograd where the Nikola Tesla International Airport is located to Patrick Danahue International Airport in Liventia. All Serbian Empire nationals have been told to leave their guns at home as the strict laws make the need for guns very minimal unlike back in the Balkans where the Serbian Empire has had frequent wars and large amounts of mafia activity. The flag bearer of the Serbian Empire's flag is Rahel Rancic who is more known for her success in both rally racing and snowmobile racing, but also has competed in luge competitions in the national level but is an injury replacement for the third best competitor from this nation. I selected her as the flag bearer not for her chance of winning, but for her recognized status in the world from being a national champion racer in motorsports. Most of the Serbian Empire's activity is Neverend at the National Sled Centre although some activity will occur in the Zone 2 and Zone 3 area.
Also for Serbian Empire nationals; do not drink in public outside of the bars and pubs.

by **Tilson Valley** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 10:43 pm

Earlier today, the Tilson Valley delegation to the VIII Winter Olympics boarded buses at the National Training Center near Reye's Village for the trip south to Tilson City International Airport where a chartered plane awaited to fly the team to Patrick Danahue International Airport in City Centre, Liventia. This is Tilson Valley's first Olympic games and it's first chance to see so many athletes from all over the world. National Sports Agency Director, Tony Graham, said "This is a great opportunity for our small nation, not only to showcase our athletes to the world; but to meet others from different parts of the world with ideas and cultures that may be very foreign to us."

Boarding the buses at the National Training Center

Juan Martinez, the delegations head coach, told reporters, "I am very honored to be taking this team to City Centre. These are the best athletes from all over The Valley and I've seen how hard they have worked and competed here to make this team. Thanks to everyone who has made this venture possible and thanks to the people of Tilson Valley for making this possible. We do promise to make you proud of us."

Team members are expected to be on their best behavior while in Liventia and each member of the team was given a small list of guidelines that Coach Juan expects them to adhere to. The most notable is the prohibition of alcohol within 24 hours of an athlete's event. He was quoted as saying "You wouldn't do it at home, so no reason to do it away from home" A 10:00 PM curfew has also been established, with possible random bed-checks to enforce it. Other then that, the delegation, as a whole, was told to have fun and enjoy this wonderful opportunity.

by **Renzynistan** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 4:24 am

Luis- Good Evening Renzynistan! Welcome to Renzynistan Tonight. I’m Luis Nazano.
Fedora- And I’m Fedora Utnik.
Luis- The whole nation has their fingers crossed as our athletes arrived in City Centre for the upcoming VIII Winter Olympics joining us from City Centre, Liventia, is Maria Dangenan.
Maria-Thank You Luis, Good Evening Renzynistan! It is a very cold evening here in City Centre and our athletes arrived today at 3:30 pm aboard Royal Renzynistan Airlines flight 901. The athletes immediately went sight-seeing to explore City Centre.
We can remember that Renzynistan also competed in the VII Summer Olympics in Emberton Krytenia bringing home 5 medals. I just hope that our athletes this Olympics will bring home more medals.
Fedora- Yes Maria we do hope that comes true.
Maria-You’re right Fedora at 10:00 they went to the Olympic Village to take the night off. We’ll keep you posted about the updates.
Luis- Thank you Maria Dangenan reporting from City Centre, Liventia. I’m Luis Nazano
Fedora- And I’m Fedora Utnik.
Luis- Tune in for more updates on our athletes in City Centre.

by **Paradystopia** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 5:36 pm

They were the final group to arrive from Paradystopia. Initially it had been planned for all the atheletes to arrive together but as several members of the delegation are not full-time atheletes (some of which with employers who begrudge the amount of time off they've been obliged to give) the plan was dropped. The final six of the Paradystopi contingent meandered through Patrick Danahue Airport. The vast majority of their sporting equipment had gone ahead with the first group and they all carried a suitcase each. That is, apart from Rolf Rholfus who was armed only with a medium sized backpack and his ski boots (which looked as though they'd been bought at a car-boot sale) slung about his shoulders.

"So where are we going now?"

Rolf looked more like a failed rockstar than a cross-country skier. Sunglasses, a battered leather jacket and skinny black jeans. He was actually a kitchen porter and the rumour was that he'd only come as an excuse to get the time off work. If anyone broached the subject with him, he denied it. The fact of the matter was that he didn't seem that interested in being a part of the Olympics and most of his training had been done on a ski machine at a local gym.

Tilli Indrakaf rolled her eyes at Rolf. She assumed he hadn't noticed but couldn't tell due to the sunglasses. He had noticed, he just thought she was a stuck-up bitch.

"I've been over this a thousand times Rolf! Dammit, do you even listen to anyone but yourself?"
"Meh. I faze in and out."
"You're unbelievable!"
"Yeah, totally ..."

She sighed, there was no winning with Rolf and she was painfully aware that Caom Folbus and Kjn Mjh found her and Rolf's constant antagonism a great source of humour.

"Well. I checked and double-checked our train times. We get the main line to Hostel road. Then change to the city line to Old Parliament Hall and after that the central line to National Stadium where we meeting everyone else. Got it?"
"What?"
"ROLF!"
"Yeah man, I heard you main line to Parliament, hostel line to Stadium. Yeah, I got it."
"There is no hostel line! It's the main line to Hostel, city line to Old ... Oh, I give up. Get yourself there, I'm going now."
"That's cool. I was gonna pop in the pub for a bit anyway. This outdoor smoking ban is bullshit."

With an overly zealous gasp of exasperation, Tilli stomped off followed by Patricia Hunterkind who shot Rolf a sour look. Lili Ilis, Caom and Kjn looked at one another for a moment, trying to gauge who's side to ally themselves to. Rolf had wandered off to look at the train map after noting the three undecided parties.

"Can we leave Rolf by himself? It doesn't really seem fair."

Lili had come to the conclusion she had a bit of a crush for Rolf but admitting so within the women's skiing team was tantamount to social suicide, so she kept it secret. Caom shrugged.

"He'll manage, he always does. Remember the Northern ski meet in Dzias? He got a lift from the station off some stranger by offering them cannabis."

Kjn and Caom laughed. Lili giggled, although she realised that Patricia and Tilli had almost disappeared into the distance. Rolf had also noticed. He shouted over at them.

"Are you guys coming to the pub with me then? If you are, fucking hurry up! I'm dying for a cig. Also, did you know there's a station here called scrotum?"
"What?"
"N'ah, kidding. It's Scrouton."
"Oh, okay ..."

He went back to gazing at the train-map. Kjn, Caom and Lili looked at each other again, then turned to see Patricia and Tilli disappear around a corner. Caom spoke first.

"I guess it's decided then. Let's find a pub. Oi Rholfus, we're with you!"

Rolf turned nonchalantly and strolled back over to the party of three.

"An excellent choice gentlemen ... and lady ..."

He doffed a pretend hat to Lili, who smiled and blushed slightly.

" ... and I believe I saw something suspiciously bar-esque over that-a-way. Let's rock!"

And so the group of 3 Paradystopi winter Olympians went in search of some form of drinking establishment, or at the very least, somewhere Rolf could smoke in peace. Leading the way was Rolf who was lost in his own thoughts, Lili alongside mentally preparing herself for the oncoming inquisition from the other female skiers as to why she was with 'him' and Kjn and Caom a little behind discussing football, namely how Red Star ve Mirrun could've won the Paradystopi league if they'd been in charge. Shortly, Rolf turned to Lili.

"You know, you're pretty cute when you smile."
"Err ... thank you?"
"'sokay"

Lili promptly went bright red and came abruptly to the conclusion that she couldn't the slightest fuck what Tilli and the others thought.

by **The Western Isles of Naybra** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 6:25 pm

Today, The Western Isles of Naybra's athletes unboarded the train from Mt. Konshua Greento to Zone 1. There was a chill in the air, but nothing much these athletes can't handle. Much anticipation was on these athletes from their families and fellow citizens back home. This was The Western Isles of Naybra's first Olympic Games ever and it is necessary to make a lasting impression. Brian Barks, one of WIN's Snowboarding athletes said in an interview, "Our home nation is quite nervous for these games. We're the first athletes to ever represent our nation abroad. Even though we know we are newcomers we hope to win something...A Bronze medal would be nice for both me and my family. However, I'm pretty confident in this year's "batch" and I can't wait to get on those slopes!" This weeks, the athletes will get prepared and ready for the VIII Winter Olympic Openings. We'd like to extend our thanks to the hosting nation and wish all good luck in the Games.

by **Estope** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 9:08 pm

Today all of Estope's winter Olympic athletes arrived in City Centre, Liventia. They flew into Patrick Danahue International Airport and took the train to their hotel in the town center. They arrived early to prepare for their first Olympic Games. Since Estope is a warm country and there is rarely any snow, the athletes have been training in indoor complexes in the Estope cities of Port Falls and Cordova. But now they will be able to get some real experience with a few weeks of practice before competition begins. In the first games for Estope there are low expectations for most of the sports except for the figure skating team. Everyone who figure skates for Estope is extreme strong and should be able to compete for medals. Now without further ado we present our VIII Winter Olympic sport by sport preview. (Note: Only the sports will athletes expected to contend were previewed here.)
CURLING
This will be the second competition for the men's curling team who also competed in The First International Curling Championships. Here they won two matches but lost three and finished at the bottom of their group. This squad should be much improved but will likely face a similar fate. The women's team is brand new and in fact has had only three weeks of preparation. They have raw talent however they lack any game experience. They could be a surprise and possibly make a deep run.
ICE HOCKEY
This presents an actual chance for Estope to win a medal. The men's hockey team is on a bit of a roll and now has the experience of having played in two World Cups of Hockey. They have upset the number one ranked team and finished third in their group, missing the playoffs by only two points. They continue to improve and tournament could finally be the breakthrough they have been looking for. However there is stout competition for them and it will be a challenge but there is a real chance for this team to win it all. There is also a women's hockey team but it is there first year and they will most likely do horrible.
FIGURE SKATING
The sport we've all been waiting for. Estope's winter claim to fame. Estope expects to do really good in figure skating as they have two people capable of winning in each of the events. In Men’s Individual, Alfred Barthel is a popular choice for the gold medal. He is really an amazing skater and should be the man to beat here in Liventia. Right behind him is Ray Gillmore, who although most likely won't place, is also a strong skater and might be a surprise finisher. In Women’s Individual the Estope figure skaters are even better. Kellie Bucklin highlights the pair. In the Estope Olympic trials, she blew away the judges and scored the highest score of any Estope skater. Dianna Sell is also a contender for a medal and has a lot of talent on the ice. Between the tow of them at least once should place. Figure skating pairs include Alex Gries/Cara Cutshall and Marcus Rousseau/Brittney Cormack. Both of the pairs hope to bring home the gold and have the talent to do so. Getting no medals from our figure skaters would indeed be a huge disappointment.
SPEED SKATING
In the Men’s 500 m, Jeffery Brogren will try to win the gold medal. He is probably Estope's most talented athlete in any sport. He will have a good shot at winning this event and even his other lesser event, the Men’s 1 000 m. Definitely tune in to watch his races and expect a win by Brogren.
SNOWBOARDING
In the Men’s Halfpipe Estope has two legitimate contenders. Owen Stanbery and Noel Niskanen both will competing and both have a descent chance at winning. Stanbery has dominated the sport in Estope but Niskanen gave him a run for his money at the Olympic trials.

by **Tilson Valley** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 9:24 pm

The Tilson Valley delegation arrived at Patrick Danahue International Airport in City Centre, Liventia and after passing through customs boarded the train from the airport to take them to a connecting train to head towards National Stadium where the opening ceremonies will take place. "Arriving early is important for us, so that our athletes can adjust to the time and areas that they'll be calling home for the next many weeks." said Team Coach, Juan Martinez. Each athlete was given a packet to help them find their way around the city and to find their way to their respective venues, this included a detailed train map with Olympic venue stations clearly marked.

Once on the train, the very out-spoken, Charles Penhale, Curling Team Captain, was quick to strike up a conversation with a local on the train and before they reached their stop had secured a home-cooked Liventia dinner for the men's curling team. People have been very friendly towards the team so far, and the athletes and coaches are in very high spirits; though the long plane ride is starting show on their faces.

TVSN (Tilson Valley Sports Network) reporter, Jennifer Ide, made a quick phone call to her network saying, "We've arrived and are very anxious to get to our rooms and get settled in. Coach Juan (Martinez) has called for a team meeting at 8:00 AM, over breakfast, with plans for the team to do some sight-seeing as a team, before giving the athletes some time to roam around themselves. Then training and exercise routines will begin in anticipation of the start of the games. We were told that the announcement on who would carry the flag in the opening ceremonies would be made at breakfast. Speculation is strong that it'll be either Tyler Baggenstos or Sammie Huckabee, who made such a strong showing earlier this month in Avadoria. This is Jennifer Ide, with the Tilson Valley Winter Olympic delegation, reporting live from City Centre, Liventia."

by **Asteran** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 12:26 pm

“That's all from us here at the ABC. We'll be back at ten with the late news and your local news at 10:25. I'm Marian Sanders. Up next, the Olympic Preview Show with Alan Eagle.”

“It's a cold night here in Liventia's second city, City Centre, but we're warm inside the International Broadcasting Center. Welcome to the Olympic Preview show on ABC One, I'm Alan Eagle. Tonight, we're looking at all the action that's coming up over the next two weeks, plus interviews with athletes and looks at the facilities being used for the 8th Winter Olympics.

“Asteran has sent 102 athletes to these games in 78 disciplines across 14 sports. All these athletes have an interesting story to tell, and we have just a few here that want to tell theirs. We have Pernilla Koivisto, cross-country skier; Satu Varis, biathlete; and James Merrill, luger. Thanks for joining us tonight, everyone. I'll start with a general question: how does it feel to be on this stage, with the opportunity to show the entire world your talents?”

“It really hasn't sunk in yet, to be honest.”
“Interesting.”
“Never thought it would be me here tonight.”

“Alright, let's start with James. You've been the AOC's top luge trainer for 4 years, and you finally get a chance to use that time and effort you've put into the sport. Do you feel like its an opportunity long overdue?”

“It's not overdue, I don't think. I never really competed after being named the trainer for the program, but my wife convinced me to after she said she was going to. I never wanted it to be an automatic thing, I wanted to earn that opportunity. I think it was more fun to beat all my former students in the national championship to get the Olympic invite.”

“You're competing with Tomas Tallus, who you once described as your top student. Do you think he can succeed this year?”

“I hope so. It's a learning experience for us all, but for someone of Tomas' age to come here and compete is good for his development. We actually have a bet going, where I'll shave my head if he beats me.”

“Looking forward to it; thanks, James. Satu, you've competed in some World Cup events before getting here, with your best result being a silver and bronze in the women's relay. Does having that chance to compete affect your chances here?”

“I don't know if it does or not. The fields at the World Cup haven't been all the competitors we will face here, and you never know how the weather will act, and that can make all the difference. I'm looking forward to the competition here.”

“And your family is here to watch, having been flown out by the CEO of Simpson Arms. How did that come about?”

“Well, Adam Simpson visited us at the Samo course before we left and asked us questions about ourselves and our family. I told him my parents were saving up money so they could come watch, and he told me he would take care of them. When I get here, my father calls me and says that they are flying first-class to Liventia and staying in a very nice hotel, thanks to Mr. Simpson. He's done a great thing for us and I can't thank him enough.”

“Definitely one of the better stories here; thanks, Satu. Pernilla, you've been called the leader of the cross-country team by some of your teammates; does that increase expectations on you to perform well?”

“No, not at all. We all have the same expectations placed on us by the coaches, and an honorific doesn't change that.”

“You were also named the flag bearer for the opening ceremony yesterday. What was your reaction when you were told?”

“I didn't believe it at first, but once it sunk in, I called everybody I knew to tell them. I think I made about 400 calls to people after that.”

“So, another question for all of you. Some corners of the press have criticized the Asteran Olympic Committee for the large number of Kapi athletes on the team. What do you say to that charge?”

“It's nonsense. The Kapi members of the team earned their spots through the work they have put in. If more people took up biathlon and cross-country skiing, there would be less Kapi members of the team. As it is, they dominate the participation in those sports, so they are going to be in the Olympic team. Tomas and Nina used to be cross-country skiers before they turned to luge. The only problem here is the tabloids, I assume, trying to create controversy to sell papers.”

“I think James covered it all. There isn't an issue.”
“I agree. James got it on the nose.”

“Alright. We'll leave it there and let you get back to the village. Good luck in your events and we hope to see you back here with medals on your chest.”

“Thanks, Alan.”
“Thanks for having us.”

“Thank you. Up next, Hanna Baker will look at all the venues hosting sports here at the 8th Winter Olympics, plus a look at some of Asteran's top medal hopes. You can also press the blue button for a look at the Olympic Extra menu, with individual sport previews and the schedule of events. Over to you, Hanna.”

"Thank you, Alan. There are some great venues here..."

by **The Serbian Empire** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 3:37 pm

Vlade Drinac's message to the athletes

We have had great success in lacrosse, baseball, and arena football lately. We need to win a few medals here or the fans back in Nis, Podgorica, Beograd, Zagreb, and Ljubljana will be disappointed with us. It's about pride to our country and Slavs shall prevail at least a few times and hopefully several times. Hockey, the skeleton, and the bobsleigh events are our best chances for medals. Emperor Tomislav will be showing up for the bobsleigh events or so I have been told. So the eyes of the Empire and the Emperor are on you and win or lose there is pride in this effort for this competition.

by **Ferkas** » Sun Jan 27, 2013 11:58 am

Strong Olympic Team Departs for Liventia

Ministry of Sport Promises to Avoid VII Winter Olympic Mistakes

Published In: Ferkian Free Press

The Ferkian team for the VIII Winter Olympics departed Coventry this morning, heading for City Centre, Liventia, where they hope to continue the Chancellery Kingdoms Olympic successes. Mr. Clive Wellson, speaking on the behalf of the National Winter Olympic Confederation, spoke to the team and the press before the departure, stating that "This team includes some of our best athletes, as as a council we feel assured that these athletes will represent the Chancellery Kingdom in a manner befitting our international sporting reputation. We believe that this delegation will continue the recent Olympic showings, including our record setting performances in the most recent Summer Olympiad."

Mr. Wellson's speech made no direct references to the problems which marred the last Ferkian Winter Olympic squad. Over a dozen administrative and coaching members from the VII Olympic Team have been charged by the Ministry of Justice for their actions which endangered the health and well-being of their athletes. Ranking members of the Ministry of State have also been arrested for covering up for their coaches, who were acting under orders to maximize the results of the Olympic Team, through criminal actions which, in some cases, lead to extreme medical issues. At least one athlete, Ms. Caroline Richards, was hospitalized following the criminal actions of her coach and the team physician. A class action suit has been filed by members of the VII Winter Olympic Team against the Ministry of Sport, and the case is being heard in closed sessions of the Ferkian IX District Court. During his speech today Mr. Wellson did promise that the National Winter Olympic Confederation was determined to protect the health and safety of all Ferkian athletes.

Strong Entrants Across Various Events

A Brief Look at Our Olympic Team

Published In: Chancellery Sport Magazine

Concerns over the status of the National Winter Olympic Confederation and the Ministry of Sport over lawsuits and royal investigations has done nothing to limit the strength of this years Olympic team. The team is remarkably strong in the traditional Ferkian winter events, Biathlon and Nordic Skiing, and also includes some surprisingly strong entrants in less traditional events, such as speed skating.

For the Men's Biathlon team the 10km event is the strongest, the trio of Mark Depew, Clarence Nightingale, and Justin Blake all being top level talents capable of remarkable international performances. This trio has been involved heavily with the Ferkian Winter Series, a string of domestic contests, and they have proven their fitness and abilities this season. Depew is also a top level entrant in the 15km event, along with Gregory Smarmy, one of the top Ferkian track and field athletes who has begun to dabble in winter sports as well. Also in the 15km event is Paul Mercel, who although he may not be top tier by the exacting Ferkian standards he is still a very capable competitor in his own rights. Smarmy will double back from the 15km into the 20km, where he will be joined by Richard Clinton and Derek Freeman, two more remarkably able Ferkian biathletes.

Women's Biathlon is similar to the Men's with a string of amazing athletes being entered. For the 7.5km distance fans should keep an eye on Tonya Hoteling, along with her compatriots Erin Ulward and Samantha Clyde. The 12.5km even, featuring Danielle Gleer and Patricia Hines, along with Hannah Luppart, may also be one in which the Ferkian team could secure some medals. Kara Paulson, Desiree Sampson, and Glenda Derfield will be looking to impress in the 15km event. Additionally, the Women's 4x6km relay team of Gleer, Hines, Ulward, and Paulson will be one to keep a careful eye on. All four team members have confirmed that they would value a relay medal above an individual one, given the team nature of the event.

The Men's Curling team, lead by team captain Randall Xiea, has made some bold statements as of late. Xiea has come forward claiming that this team may be capable of "Scaring the pants off of the other guys and bringing home some real nice hardware." At the VII Winter Olympiad the curling squad failed to impress, but Xiea believes that "This is a whole different squad. We are ready to bring a style of play to this game that has never been seen before, and its gonna mess some punks up. We got this on lock down, ain't no one gonna stop us."

Short track speed skating will showcase the talents of Javier Gonzalez, who is competing in the 1000m, 1500m, and on the 5000m relay team. Gonzalez has risen quickly through the ranks of the Ferkian speed skating community, having been an unknown until just a few months ago. Since that time he has won several races both domestic and abroad, and is hopeful going into these games that he will "be able to continue his upward trend and carry his success onto the largest stages." Hannah Orono is a similar story, in the women's 1000m and 1500m events, having started in the sport less than a year ago. She has discovered that she has " a surprisingly high natural ability for the event."

Gonzalez isn't limited just to the short track events, he will also be competing in the standard speed skating distances of 500m, 1000m, and 1500m, along with having a spot on the Men's pursuit team. All four entries for the Men's 5000m and 10000m events are strong contenders for a medal. Patrick Colm and Daniel Johnson will seek podium finishes over 5000m, while Louis Dearby and Gregory Paulson will try for the same at the 10000m distance. Women's entries for the regular speed skating events are also very strong, with athletes such as Alicia Davison, Abigail Luster, and Hannah Irish being capable of medal earning performances.

Nordic combine has a surprisingly potent Men's pairing in David McAdams and Tomas Rodriguez. Both athletes have shown themselves to be highly able within domestic competition and the Ministry of Sport is "eager to see how Ferkian entrants can fare in such an unusual event."

Finally is the standard Cross Country skiing events. The Ferkian entrants for these events are, across the board, capable to impressive performances. Linda Eagleroth, chairman of the Cross Country Ski Council for the National Winter Olympic Confederation, has spoken at length about the abilities of this squad. Eagleroth stated as recently as last week that "Our cross country ski competitors are some of the best in the world and will produce amazing results in Liventia." Of special interest is Kyle Reper in the 50km distance. Reper has two Olympic gold medals already, from athletics. At the V Summer Olympiad Reper secured gold in the 3000m steeplechase, and at the VII Summer Olympiad he was the gold medalist at 5000 meters. Also at the VII Olympiad Reper finished sixth in the 3000m steeplechase. Reper is regarded as a living legend in the world of Ferkian athletics and this is his second time as a member of the Winter Olympic team.

by **Vulshain** » Sun Jan 27, 2013 4:16 pm

Vulshainian Olympic News Coverage: Winter Olympic Games VII

Vulshain to Compete in Its Third Winter Olympics

Hello everyone, this is Yermolai Vadimaron for Vulshainian Confederate News and Media Network (VCNMN)'s Winter Olympic Games VIII Coverage. I'm live in City Centre, Liventia where the Eighth Winter Olympics is about to take place. There is expected to be a huge turnout. Vulshain hopes to make up for missing last year's Summer Olympics. Due to a string of unfortunate events, Vulshain missed the deadline for registering. "We are very thankful to all the other nations, especially the host of last year's Summer Olympics, whose kind words touched the hearts of the people of Vulshain," Deputy Chairman Patrick Stanford of the Vulshainian Olympic Committe told VCNMN. "Not only are we pleased in being able to take part in such a wonderful tradition that is the Olympics, we are also pleased to announce that Vulshain has entered in several more events than we did in last year's Winter Olympics, such as bobsleighing."

Bobsleighing is not a popular sport but Committe officials are curious to see how Vulshain's athletes perform since this will be Vulshain's first time competing in bobsleighing.

The athletes arrived late last night, anxious to get started. "I can't to get started!" Erik Rainard's happiness is shared by his fellow athletes.

This has been Yermolai Vadimaron for Vulshainian Confederate News and Media Network (VCNMN)'s Winter Olympic Games VIII Coverage.

by **Fulflood** » Sun Jan 27, 2013 4:27 pm

2013 Winter Olympics on FNB

Team Fulflood arrives to warm welcome and cheers

The Fulflooder delegation has arrived in Liventia after a twenty-five hour flight from Hesdok International, marred by mass baggage losses and delays supposedly due to 'the wrong kind of snow'. The team entered Patrick Danahue Airport in this year's Olympic host city of City Centre this evening to a generally warm welcome from Liventia. Flags were waved as the 'red-an-yellows' arrived, while the national anthem could be heard murmuring through the crowd.

It is thought the team are currently making their way to the Olympic Village via the team coach, affectionately known by the team as the 'Bus to Victory'. Fulflood Olympic Committee Spokesperson Dees Aalbau had a few words on the eve of this momentous occasion:

"I'd like to thank our hosts, Liventia, for creating such a welcoming atmosphere for us Fulflooders and the dozens of other teams competing in this eighth Winter Olympics; it's been a marvellous start and morale boost for us to feel so comfortable here. From the little we've experienced so far, your city's roads are clean, transport is efficient and people are exceedingly friendly, and we hope this marvellous first impression can continue for the coming month.
I would like to take this occasion both to congratulate the excellent work the Liventian government has put and continues to put in to make this event a success, and also to give my support to our great Fulflooder team; our first ever competing at a Winter Olympics. I wish all the best to the many talented athletes ... Fulflood has here in Liventia today and hope every success may be bestowed upon them, not just by earning medals but also by achieving to the best of their ability.
To all athletes, from all nations, I say this: Strive to achieve the best you can"

Respected ex-skier turned commentator Pajra Noiseng described Mr Aalbau's speech as "exceedingly bland and shockingly boring".

Medals for Fulflood?

Chances of medals lie in the skiing, especially in the men's cross country and with young Vers Edau, at only sixteen years of age, in the nordic combined. The bobsleigh duo of Roideng Ona and Bob Slé also have a possible chance of a medal.

But the Dominion's strongest medal hopes are thought to be Peri Glezel (skeleton), the national curling teams (controversially picked in autumn 2012 from across the three divisions of the National Curling Leagues) and the many escapades of the Sberg family (bobsleigh, luge). The Sbergs have recently found a 'really positive energy', according to older sister Jane, in their family training sessions in Fulflood's Furli Mountains and are hot-tipped for at least one luge gold between them.

Fulflood's women's curling team captain Holi Anoivi also senses a gold coming her way, one which has long been sought by the people of Fulflood even before the Dominion's participation in the Olympic Games. She believes 'the remarkable form of the players will ensure we keep on top of our game and, after months of playing together, we're really starting to gel as a team; that helps too'.

Usual snowboarding favourite Dong Kuster is performing below par due to his recovery from a recent injury caused by snowboarding under the influence of strong hallucinogenic drugs, resulting in a frostbitten left elbow, nose and groin. He will undergo the necessary surgery and serve time in compulsory rehabilitation upon his return to Fulflood.

Related stories:
Snowboarder Dong Kuster charged for dangerous behaviour under the influence again - May 2010
'Curling Fiasco' may lead to absence of Fulflood curling at 2013 Winter Olympics - September 2012
Fulflood announces 2013 Winter Olympic squad; few surprises - December 2012
Ski hopeful Kloiv Bek loses 'ski lube' after baggage ordeal at Hesdok - 1 day ago

by **Vaugania** » Sun Jan 27, 2013 6:19 pm

VauganiaSportsToday

Vaugania's 48 athlete delegation recently arrived in City Centre, Liventia after a long and tedious flight out of Yzerberg International Airport. They were met at Patrick Danahue airport by a cacophony of cheers from the contingent of fans who made the lenghty journey a few days ahead of them.

There are many things to note in Vaugania's 11 Olympic entires. Especially the coming retirement of longtime ice hockey captain Tomas Alexander. Secretary of Sporting, Jared Haines has prepared a statement regarding the famed hockey player:

"I have had the privilege of meeting with Tomas on several occassions. He is everything anyone could ever want in a person. Kind, caring, upright, morally straight. He is the type of man we would all like our children to look up to. We are very sad to see someone who has contributed so much to the sport of hockey in Vaugania, but we understand his decision. I know that in this, his last competition as a professional hockey player, escpecially in consideration of their disappointing finish at WCoH 20, our Golden Eagles will do their very best to put him where he and his illustrious career belong. On the podium."

Another major player in Vaugania's medal hopes will be snowboarder Laurence St. Pierre. He has spent the last 3 years dominating all comers in the homeland. He will be looking to take his talents to the medal podium in snowboard cross. This is perhaps the event in which the 25 year old excels in most of all out of the many snowboarding disciplines. Ralph Burnside, a decent competitor in the national circuit, joins him.

On the women's side, the two athlete contingent is led by Karina Knutson. A good performance, though likely not medal winning is expected from her. She is relatively new to the snowboarding scene at the fresh, young age of 19, but she is expected to be a major force to be reckoned with by the 9th Winter Games. Joining her is longtime friend and rival Vanessa Walsh.

The best chance at a medal for Vaugania is in the elite men's curling team. Led by Skip Mussorgsky, this group of four men has proven itself formidable. They hail from the Hokejs Curling Club, which has become somewhat of a hotbed for curling talent. They find themselves in peak condition. There is no better way to describe the curling talent we are sending to Liventia than remarkable. No one could handle these four on the national curling circuit.

Roger Hanley, Alexander Bure, George St. John, and Lucas Wozak lead the charge in Vauganian bobsledding. We look forward to an impressive performance from these four. They have spent the last few months making numerous practice runs in Sorochuk, Mt. Dostoyevsky, and North Point, among other places.

Remember to tune-in to Sporting Vaugania, your national sports network, for full Olympic coverage. We hope to see you later tonight on the VST Wrap-Up Show.

by **Bloodbath Generation** » Sun Jan 27, 2013 6:50 pm

Bloodbath Generation send its first delegation to the Winter Olympics

CITY CENTRE, LIVENTIA- Bloodbath Generation has sent 27 athletes in 7 sports to the VIII Winter Olympics in Liventia. The delegation has, quoting the Bloodbathian Sport Comitee, "a fair balance of inexperienced and world-class athletes." Medal contenders include Kim Soo-Bin in women's figure skating and Argund Haligo in short-track speed skating. Winter Olympic fever has hit the nation, in particular the skiing and luge industries, as Bloodbathian coaches try and hone in on the talent pool. A generally warmer nation, Bloodbath Generation is trying to cover all aspects of sport with their first delegation. Sports analysts have also noted this is the first time the nation has truly grasped the spirit, for in past Olympics it has just been a passing event not as popular as the Worldvision Song Contest or various soccer tournaments. Is this the start of something new?

The VII Winter Olympics can be viewed nationwide on TOPtv Sport, and in the West on BGBC 2. Before you watch, here's a quick rundown of our entries in each event:

BOBSLEIGH

Competing in the Two-man and Four-woman events of Bobsleigh, 8 of our 27 athletes are competing.The team of Rodney Smith and Ari Erafto have the greatest chance for a medal, while the other two-man team and the four-woman team are all entering with very little experience.

ICE HOCKEY

While Bloodbath Generation exports world-class soccer and tennis players, the same cannot be said for hockey. International analysts predict low finishes for the men's and women's teams, both competing for the first time on the world stage. A few more editions, and an improvement or even a medal can be in the picture.

LUGE

A balanced bunch of 4 athletes, two men and two women. Donald McGinty is one of the few athletes with international experience, while Elita Smogo is a dark horse for many, known for her excellent turns and popularity with fans. One sport to watch.

FIGURE SKATING

By far the most popular event in the nation, maybe even in the world. The men's side is a bit weaker compared to the women's. Kim Soo-Bin has one of our few potential medals, and if she pulls a performance like the national championships incorporating signature Bloodbathian performance and drama, she can soar high on the leaderboard. 17-year old Otto Masimu is a fan favorite, known for his good looks and graceful, acrobatic technique.

SHORT TRACK SPEED SKATING

Argund Haligo and the 4-woman team of Neji Pusa, Oxana Foriskiate, Domi Shovo and Jenna McGinty have high hopes on this fast-paced sport. Argund set the national record for the 500m sprint this year, and the 4-woman team is comprised of the best 3000m skaters in the country, although they cannot match other nations. Don't count them out.

ALPINE SKIING

With Giant Slalom and Super Combined, this niche of skiing is all women's turf. Su Jintai and Nerina Boyaskant are the favorites, and with the two categories of alpine skiing being one of the less popular sports, can they pull an upset with a smaller field (hopefully)?

FREESTYLE SKIING

Moguls and Aerials, this more modern, experimental skiing is also our weakest. No medal contenders this time, although Gabrieliusu Vashugu has been seen as a dark horse. He's been known to have sudden bursts of energy that can propel him higher than he normally is on the scoreboard. Weird but true!

Good luck BG, and bring some home!

by **Darmen** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:44 pm

Darmeni National Ice Hockey Team looks to defend Gold, rest of Delegation just wants a medal

Todd Dupuis celebrates the winning goal in Darmen's 2-0 victory over Chenkorya

The Fighting Greenies will be looking to defend their gold medal in the sport of Ice Hockey when they begin their campaing in the VIIIth Winter Olympics, held for the second straight year by Liventia. The team is coming off of a 2-3 loss to Michael VII in the quarterfinals of the 20th World Cup of Hockey, but is confident that they'll be able to play well enough to secure their second medal.

"It's hard to win back to back golds at the Olympics, let along back to back medals," said Head Coach Marc Lemaire.

The Fighting Greenies will be looking to the leadership of First Line players Todd Dupuis and Trent Gaborik, as well as their captain Mattias Mitchell. The three players accounted for sixteen of Darmen's goals during the 20th World Cup of Hockey, while the rest of the team accounted for only twelve goals.

"Dupuis and Gaborik are really good, solid offensive players. We'll be looking to get them quite a bit of playing time, and plenty of shooting chances."

Meanwhile, the rest of Darmen's Olympic delegation is ready to bring home some medals. The Gold medal won by the Ice Hockey team is so far Darmen's only Winter Olympics medal. Darmen has won twelve medals at the Summer Olympics, and took home twenty-one at the first ever Rushmori Games.

One of the major differences between this years Olympic delegation and the previous years delegations is the absence of any members of the Royal Family. With the death of Duke Lyons the XIXth, who had previously competed in several events, and several medals (a Ssilver and a Bronze in Sailing at the IIIrd World Water Championships and two Silvers in Bowling at the Ist World Games and the Ist Rushmori Games, not to mention another Silver in Sailing at the Ist Rushmori Games), the Royal Family has decided that Sports will take a back seat during this transition period.

Duke Francisco Lyons the XXth, who took the throne following his father's death, had previously expressed his interest in competing at these Olympics. Lyons the XXth has won two medals before one Gold and one Bronze. Both came in the fencing events at the Ist Union Isle Medieval Arts Cup. The Dukes son, Francisco Lyons the XXIst, is the only one who has not won a medal, although he did compete in several the previous Winter Olympics.

The Darmeni Bobsleigh team training at the
National Olympic Center-Mansfield

So, who are Darmen's chances at Olympic glory? Lets meet a few:
Rodney Takahashi, Samuel Ahner, Roger Milton and Mark Vermillion | Four-Man Bobsleigh Team
They finished fourteenth at the Neverend Olympics, but have been training hard, and are looking for a medal. Have only competed in the National Championships since the Neverend Olympics, and the lack of any other international competition could possibly hurt their chances.

Skip Paul Tacey directs
his teammates

Darmeni Men's Curling Team
Paul Tacey and his fellow curlers are back, and this time hoping to bring home a medal. Tacey, the world famous skipper who has competed in the Cotdelapomais domestic circuit before, is looking to translate the success he had in Cotdelapoms to the International scene. The team finished second in their Group last year, with the United Slavijan team taking first place in the Group table.

Tristán Parent at the National Championships

Tristán Parent and Dilshad Samson | Speed Skating-10000m
Both will be making their debut at the Olympics, but they're both expected to perform very well. Parent won the National Championship with a time of 13 minutes flat, only four seconds off of the Olympic Record held by Jukka Matsukovitch of Polar Islandstates. Matsukovitch will be competing at these Games, and Parent is out to beat him. Samson finished second at the National Championships, but was only three seconds behind Parent.

Ackley far ahead of the Field at the National Championships

Donald Ackley | Cross-County Skiing
Ackley is by far the nations best Cross-Country Skiier. Entered into every event for Cross-Country Skiing, Ackley is looking to bring home at least one medal, although he has the capability to bring home several. Finished the National Championships with three titles, and won the 50km Classical by three whole minutes. Is a master of both styles of skiing.

So, when all is said and done, Darmen will be looking to bring home around five or six medals. Although many say this can't, and won't happen, due to the NOC's discrimination against female athletes, the DNOC and the Darmeni press believe it will. Perhaps next year female athletes will be allowed to compete, and more medals and the resultant NOC funding will flow into Darmeni sports.

by **Benjamin Mark** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 7:48 am

Kelly - Hello I'm Josh Kelly

Nakalian - Hello I'm Stephanie Nakalian, Zaren Amesquita has the day off today. Drawings has been announced for the teams, Justine Cook is there today with the latest, Justine?

Cook - Greetings, from City Centre, Carson Village folks! Drawings have been announced this is the men's curling, First Seed: Jasĭyun (JSY), Second Seed: Krytenia (KRY), Third Seed: The host team Liventia (LEN), Fourth Seed, Kelssek (KSK) Fifth Seed, Qazox (QZX), Sixth Seed, us. Doesn't look like we're going to receive any medals from men's curling not even bronze

Nakalian - Wow

Cook - Yes, wow, women's curling, First Seed, US!!,

Kelly - Yay!

Cook - Second Seed, Thatius (THA), Third Seed, Vettrera (VTR),Fourth Seed Ferkas (CKA),Fifth Seed Swyftlandre (SWY), Sixth Seed, Bergnovinaia (BER), We might make it to the quarterfinals, doesn't look good after that.

Cook - I think you might like this Men's Ice Hockey, We're the first seed followed by, Ceni (CEN), Union of the Society of Zaiden (USZ), Sicoutimont (SIC), Swyftlandre (SWY), Backyard Sports (BYS). Looks like a good group.

Cook - Finally Women's Ice Hockey - Ferkas, us, Red Beard, Qazox, and Capitalizt SLANI, looks like a good group.

Cook - See me tomorrow with, Janette Schapell, Ambassador of the Northern Sunrise Islands, and the protecting power of the athlete in Liventia, reporting live in City Centre, Justin Cook, BMNS News.

by **Saintland** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:07 pm

OOC: I don't have a list of all the nations that signed up, so my RP will not refer to any other nation by name.

Saintland delegation marches in Parade of Nations for the first time ever

(SP) Saintland's delegation to the VIII Winter Olympics marched in the Parade of Nations of today's opening ceremony. As they marched through the Olympic Stadium in City Centre, a capacity crowd of 190 thousand fans watched on. The Saintland delegation wore medieval-style robes similar to those that are still worn at universities in the Kingdom. The figure skaters, the only female athletes in Saintland's delegation, wore spectacular dresses similar to those fashionable in the Kingdom at the present time. It goes without saying that they covered their heads, as all ladies do in the Kingdom. Those watching the Parade of Nations on Royal One may have noticed that the TV feed was censored in Saintland. This happened because many of the women from foreign countries were in a state of dress that violated broadcasting standards.

A total of 27 athletes marched in the Opening Ceremony, including every athlete in the Saintland delegation. Pius Inventius initially carried the flag, but he handed it to Prince Josephus while TV cameras were on the delegation. "Marching in the Parade of Nations was an incredible experience. I will never forget it. We will do our best to win medals at the Olympics to help everybody back home take their minds off of the recent problems for a little while." - Prince Josephus

The opening day of ice hockey competition was delayed until tomorrow, so no competitions took place on the day of the opening ceremony. Tomorrow, the Saintland ice hockey team will play Qazox in the Olympic opener. The first 2 individual runs of luge are also scheduled for tomorrow. Pius Inventius is considered the most likely athlete from Saintland to medal in luge. Petrus Flavonius and Gregorious Manlius are also competing in luge tomorrow. All of their luge runs and the ice hockey game will be broadcast in prime time on Royal One. They will also be shown live on the Royal networks over the course of the day. A medal will be awarded in Biathlon for the 10K Sprint and in Ski Jumping for normal hill. The first day of curling competition will also be shown. Saintland Press can confirm that the medals will be broadcast in prime time on Royal One.

by **Asteran** » Fri Feb 01, 2013 1:15 pm

“Good afternoon and welcome to ABC One's live coverage of the 8th Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony! I'm Alan Eagle, alongside Hanna Baker, and we are live from the National Stadium in City Centre, Liventia. Hanna, we've got a great atmosphere here at the National Stadium.”

“We do, Alan. Over 180,000 people have come to watch the opening ceremony here at this gorgeous stadium, and there are thousands more around City Centre who are watching these proceedings on the large TVs set up around the city and the stadium. It's always a great event, and tonight promises to be no different."

"Well, we have a great program for you today. The ceremony will start with a great program showcasing Liventia, then we will have the Parade of Nations, followed by the introductory speeches, the raising of the Olympic Flag, and the lighting of the cauldron."

"It promises to be a great evening, Alan. We've also got a few Asteran fans around the stadium, including in the dignitaries' box. Prince Sebastian and Princess Anna are in attendance, along with Senator William Ford and Dame Ellen LaCroix, the people who helped bring Asteran back to the games."

"Nice to see them here and taking in the ceremony. Let's preview the first day of action, starting with the medal events in biathlon and ski jumping."

Hours later

"...Most of their delegation plays ice hockey, and they are hoping for a good performance here at the games. Up next, the moment Asteran has been waiting for."

"Here come the Blue Lions! Led out by cross-country skiier Pernilla Koivisto, all 102 athletes have attended the opening ceremony. The team is debuting their new Gerhard Raab designed uniforms, which were kept secret from the athletes until today."

"And they do look very fashionable, Hanna. Blue and red jackets with black pants; as Raab put it, he wanted to make the uniforms both good-looking and functional, and the athletes have raved about the uniforms. And they also received Bauer D7 cameras to document their experiences here in Liventia."

"There is Asteran's first family of luge, James and Anna Merrill. James starts tomorrow, and he is hoping for a good start to his Olympics. Just behind them is the figure skating team, and if you believe the papers, Riin Toom has been seen in the company of Prince Sebastian around town."

"There are the curlers, who start tomorrow as well. Prime Minister Taylor is travelling to Liventia to watch the first couple days of the curling competition, as she used to compete against Anne DeMay when she was the skip of Chenay Sports Club's curling section."

"And there is Katherine van Amstel, the alpine skiier that is competing in all five disciplines. It's a tough program for her, but she told us yesterday that she is ready to compete for medals."

"What an experience for these athletes, in their first major international competition. Let's let the pictures speak for themselves."

"Up next in the parade, Audioslavia."

by **Zwangzug** » Fri Feb 01, 2013 1:23 pm

The Kerlagrad Courier
Today's headlines

NEWS:
New representative from Danhy blogs about things
Parliament to bicker about how to vote on things, life in general
Editorial: soylent regulation and scarcity

FIVE-DAY FORECAST
Cold, lots of snow
Cold but painfully bright, sun in your eyes everywhere
Stupidly warm, causing you to probably feel guilty about your role in global warming
Wind blows in your face, everyone walks backward to the train station so they don't have to face it
Probably some more snow

SPORTS:
Ravendahl broomball updates: shootout adventures!

Olympics open, things occur
In what has charitably been described as "news," penultimate delegation comes from Zwangzug
Tori Daelli carries flag, still does not get to compete in an actual legitimate sport
Alpine skiing to wrap up after the first third, rest of games still to be deemed relevant by some people
Point: You can never have too much biathlon
Counterpoint: City Centre law suggests that you can, in fact
Any biathlon at all still way too much for Zwangzug

LIFE AND CULTURE:
Do it yourself: winterize your treehouse!
Theater review: "Squat Squatters" is the perfect fit for a snowy day, if you don't mind your "rising action" consisting of people trying to go up staircases and your "falling action" not existing
Poetry review: bunch of crazy train geeks and their notepads infiltrate former foreign capital

BUSINESS NEWS:
...what do you take us for, a joke?

by **Vaugania** » Fri Feb 01, 2013 2:13 pm

MEN'S ICE HOCKEY

Tomas Alexander stood before the mirror with comb in hand. A strange look was given to his reflection. Specifically the hair. The hockey captain had no idea an opening ceremony could do that to a flagbearer's hairdo. Without further delay, Tomas went to work on his disheveled appearance. His combwork deft, his critique merciless. In no time, the captain again looked like the professional he was.

Tomas unzipped his suitcase and pulled out the neatly folded golden sweater issued to all of Vaugania's athletes. He admired the C over his heart and the golden eagle within it. He quickly pulled the sweater over his head and on top of his Camp Kysten Shield T-shirt. He laced up his boots as he had done countless other days in the long winters of his life. This was his 46th. He tucked the remaining lace into the side of each boot, stood up and stretched out.

Max Goulding and Tim Burns, Tomas's linemates, were still fast asleep. Tomas checked his watch. 7:20 a.m. He reached for the alarm sitting between the two wingers and cranked the volume all of the way up. He punched some buttons on the clock in order to set the alarm to 7:22. He snickered to himself and took one last look back before exiting the room. Even old guys got to have fun.

The alarm blared 2 minutes later. Tim Burns shot straight up into bed incredibly alarmed and extremely disoriented. His eyes darted all around the room to find the culprit of the piercing noise. Max Goulding bounced up at that point and slipped off of his bed with a yelp, covers and all. Tim finally managed to shut the alarm off and his eyes met Max's. "TOMAS!" they yelled simultaneously.

Tomas, waiting on the other side of the door, immediately fast walked down the hallway upon hearing the yell. There was no doubt his now vengeful linemates would be looking for him. Phillip Sorenson poked his head out his own room, toothbrush in mouth, as Tomas went by.

"Howdy, Phil," Tomas greeted him in passing.

Sorenson looked quizzically down the hall after Tim and Max stormed their way down in nothing but T-shirt, sweatpants, and slippers. He heard the laughter of his captain as he disappeared down the stairwell where he could escape into City Centre from.

Phillip closed the door and face his roommate, Rolf Moarvec. "We might have to change the lines."

MEN'S CURLING

The men's curling team arrived at a practice curling sheet early in the morning. It was much busier than they had expected. They eventually made their way to an open sheet and collected some stones. Skip called his teammates together for a quick meeting before they began to actually curl.

"See those guys over there?" Skip asked as he gestured with his head to a camera crew. "Those are our people. Vaugania Sports Today is here right now to film us. No doubt everybody back home is going to be watching us. So curl good and don't be an idiot. By the way, Helmut, I bet you Kristina Martin is somewhere around here," Skip added citing his celebrity crush.

Mussorgsky waved as he slid down the ice to the other end of the sheet with his broom. "Helmut!" he called, "Pay attention. I wasn't giving you permission to search for her."

"Shut up, Skip!" Reuter called back.

Skip the skip got down to business after that remark. He lined up on the center line of the ice sheet and pointed his broom to the center of the house, hoping to see if Nikolaus could be that accurate this tournament. In a high stakes competition like this, especially in Group H, accuracy would reign supreme.

Nikolaus pushed off a began to slide down the ice. He ever so gently released the stone from his tender grasp. He didn't want to do anything that alter his shot for the worse. Olli and Helmut begin to slowly sweep the ice in fron the stone. The shot didn't stray much from the center line.

"HARD!" Nikolaus called down the ice. He yelled over and over again as the stone began to lose momentum. Skip joined in the cacophony and pressed Helmut and Olli onward. As the stone entered the house, it began to lose steam. Olli and Helmut swept furiously trying to get one last little bit of distance out of the shot. It came to rest in the ring just beyond the center dot. Perhaps just 2 or 3 measly centimeters away. Skip threw a thumbs-up down the ice to Nikolaus, who responded with a fistpump. Those were the kinds of shots that won games.

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