14th Winter Olympic Games :: RP Thread

[Gryphonian Alliance]

Gryphonic Delegation Meets First Medal at XIV Winter Olympics
---Sebba Ingle, reporting from Neverend

We apologize for our 3-day break in information; the most recent zombie pandemic threw our offices back in the Gryphonian Alliance into panic. But now we're back! This article will cover everything you might have missed about the Winter Olympics over the last few days.
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We kicked off Day 10 in Yeaddin with a good 11th place finish by Scobius Maxbert and John Mackthorn in Two-man Bobsleigh finals. Mishou Ouxia and Bigge Stolthen finished 23rd, and Cubolo Elasmi/Shiervartu Forretsuchi weren't too far behind at 25th.
In Ice dance rhythm dance the duo of Yusk Mullate and Curaly Drammoth finished 26th, and Manish Mah plus Somoy Peijini came in 39th. Neither reached the necessary top 20 placement to advance.
The Gryphonian Alliance lost to the Vilitan Union 3-6 in Men's Bandy, and that's all for that day.

The following day in Neverend saw the Gryphonic curling team winning over Free Republics 5-4, sending us on a roll as the team continued to winning 10-6 over Amuaplye.
Moving on to Yeaddin, Issa Montgomivil and Trip Virtosonne made us proud with an impressive 6th place finish in Two-Woman Bobsleigh. Berethe Korbuo and Uhuwa Ngominh came in 24th, Mavil Gerthatrut and Eve Viggomasaw finished 45th. Funnily enough, all of our competitors in Women's 1000m short track speed skating prelims were placed into the same grouping. All three- Faith Warensteikh, Salka Miar, Ren Fanchetso- qualified for the next round. Round 2 saw Miar and Warensteikh in 3rd and 4th respectively in their groups and could not continue on. However, Fanchetso finished 2nd and moved up, but dropped in the third round, coming in at 3rd place.
In the 500m version of the same event, Noweseko Slasse and Kikalle Toweson did not qualify, but Arriba Derecco did advance, though he dropped in the following round. Suideterei Queithe finished 12th in men's 500m speed skating finals, followed by Meiu Lost tying for 23rd, Yadda Weirstking in 45th, and Suumo Gaientholf 56th. That finished up Day 11!

The Gryphonian Alliance women's curling team continued to shine, scoring 8–4 against Free Republics on Day 12 in Neverend. New England then lost in a 5–6 game against our GA team, bringing us to 4 wins and 4 losses. The men's curling team did win 7-6 over Neu Engolion but lost 2-10 against Valanora, bringing them also to 4 wins and 4 losses.
In Men's Big Air Snowboarding, Runneine Outta placed 5th in Heat 1, unfortunately not qualifying to continue up. Jon Jimbel finished at 11th and Neutre Joumbo in 14th in their heat as well and did not qualify, the same going for Tiem Time in Heat 3. In Men's Snow Volleyball we faced off against Kriegersien in our final match for the qualifiers, so with a 3-1 record we finished first in our group, qualifying to continue.
And finally we got the moment we'd been waiting for since the beginning- a medal for the GA! In Yeaddin Day 12, Issa Montgomivil and Trip Virtosonne zoomed to a third place finish in two-woman bobsleigh finals with a time of 3:33.31. Montgomivil, who raised $70,000 for the bobsleigh they used in finals, remarked, "We've done better before but we still did good under these conditions."
Berethe Korbuo/Uhuwa Ngominh finished 28th, and the pair of Mavil Gerthatrut/Eve Viggomasaw tied for 40th.
Moving on to Men's 500m short track speed skating prelims, Noweseko Slasse finished 3rd and did not advance further; Arriba Derecco finished 1st and continued, but Kikalle Toweson did not. Derecco once against got first in the following round but did not get a qualifying rank in the last round for the day.
Overall, a great last few days for Gryphonic fans of the Winter Olympics. We hope to see some more great results tomorrow!

[Taeshan]

A Team and a Dream: The Story of the Taeshan Olympic Team

A strong match against Mattijana that ended 8-9 in the Curling Rink saw the men drop their first match in the tournament, but a follow up beating Valanora had Mathew Shusterman's side breathing a sigh of relief. That of course was followed by another close loss this time to a plucky Kelssek side 6-7. Calvin Yaxley's last end failure to knock out a stone saw the Purple clad side forced into a matchup with Diarcesia. That following win pitted the Purple side with a final matchday opener against Vilita, and the deciding two games of Curling will go down in Taeshani history. The side was utterly dominated and after two close losses in the previous days Vilita outplayed the Shusterman team 9-4, but it quickly became evident that the team may have saved themselves. Knowing other results required them only one win on the final day to punch a ticket to the semi-final and a chance at a medal with a lone win. Mortimer Jackson would have the deciding hammer in the last end with the game tied 5-5, and the enemy stone in the center circle, with a friendly stone in the circles as well. a well placed throw and some nice sweeping and the Purple side would make their first ever attack into the medal rounds. Two of the three sides to defeat Shusterman's side await in the top ranked Mattijana side, and the second ranked Vilitan's and then of course the second host of the Olympics in Liventia. The Purple clad team will have their work cut out for them but they have as great a chance as any, and will know only one win stands between them and a medal.

Elsewhere the men's Hockey team faced off against a somewhat familiar Rushmore opponent in Savojarna. While never having faced each other in hockey before the countries know quite a bit about each other. The Knights manifest destiny towards that gold continued with a strong 3-1 victory. Only being scored on for the second time this tournament goalie Emmit Williamson had his first deficit of the tournament but was quickly picked up by a strong attack as goals from Johnson Kent, Mathew Gold, and Jordan Maxwell propelled the team into the medal rounds. They will face an interesting team in the Teremaran Unified team who dispatched the Knights Group Stage foes Reçueçn 1-0 in their quarterfinal. Much like the curling side one win stands between them and a medal, but they will surely be looking to replicate the Gold from Sao Jorge.

We have two medals to catch up on as Cross Country Skiing was once again the sport, and Wanda Coello was once again on a podium earning her second Bronze in the Team Spring. Her teammate Nahara Morgenstern earned a solo Bronze two olympics before in Prescott and ended her career with a team medal. Finally the Biathletes earned their first medal since that same olympics as the women's 4x6 relay team's shooting made up for some less than stellar skiing as Samantha Gomez, Mimi Fitzgerald, and Jane Quarton added to Edna Saint-Jane as olympic medalists. This marked Saint-Jane's 4th olympic medal with a Silver and Bronze in the second Prescott games, and a Summer Gold in Weightlifting in Novonaya.

[Kelssek]

OPINION | Kelssek Hockey’s circular firing squad hasn't come soon enough
AARON McEWAN

The Kelssek Hockey Association has stated that it will launch a “full review” into its results at the 14th Winter Olympics. Assuming this marks a genuine attempt to figure out what’s going wrong in the administration, a circular firing squad is in order because the answer is, in short, everyone involved in running the sport.

While both the women’s and men’s teams were considered medal contenders, both failed to make any impression in the tournament. The men failed to record a win and couldn’t rescue the situation even when presented with a chance to progress if they could beat Valanora. The women meanwhile were dumped out by Taeshan in a shootout after a game where were outshot 41 to 15 and were lucky to limp to the end of the third quarter with no score.

Sure, in the end it’s the players on the ice, but if we say they weren’t good enough, that simply begs the question of why we’re putting out a poor team in the first place when hockey is this country’s most popular spectator sport and there is no shortage of resources for it. And the answer to that is that there are deep-seated problems in the institutions which govern hockey in Kelssek, on which long-term player development rests.

Complaints about Kelssek Hockey as an organization are in some ways a tale as old as time. World Cup-winning captain Neville Keanes’s mic drop when he announced his retirement from international play saying that “they’re running the national team into the ground” made waves back then. But nothing much has changed, and many of the problems he complained about then are still there now.

The national team coaching staff is still being put together on an ad-hoc basis. Kelssek Hockey argues this lets them pick the best performers from the Kelssek Hockey League. What this means is a lack of continuity from tournament to tournament, and little concern about progression of players in international hockey or building a team that’s cohesive tactically and as a unit.

The move to regional divisions in the KHL is another area that needs a re-think. This is less clear-cut, as the ability of smaller clubs to develop talent by competing in the top tier is not a terrible idea. Has this come at the cost of lowering the league’s overall level of competition, with the big city clubs still cruising with star players and bigger revenues? The jury is still out.

It’s in the junior-level competition where the real mess is, however. There is simply no integration or logic in the system, if one can call it that. We have KHL age-group leagues for players in club academies. They also compete in provincial junior leagues where 20-goal blowouts between district association teams and club teams that’ve already recruited that district’s best players are common. Some of those players go to universities and play in Interuniversity Sport, which Kelssek Hockey seems to live in blissful ignorance of, to the point that players end up in administrative snafus if they transfer back into the club system. It’s a wonder any talent makes it out of that mess at all.

But it’s inside the Kelssek Hockey staff that a clear-out needs to be made. The organization is clogged with people in it for the free tickets and meeting room catering. Everyone into the circle. Aim. Fire.

[Ioudaia]

Ferrandieu Ski Sports Centre, Neverend, Liventia
Day 13, Men's Slalom Finals

Dovav Phanias picked himself up and glided over to Tamid ben Ebron, waiting off the course at the bottom of the ski hill. "Another competition gone."

Tamid decided that Dovav wasn't hurt from his crash. "Yup."

"Do you ever think of giving up?" He started move off, heading for the changing room.

Tamid skied beside him, matching his slow pace. "Probably every few months. But I think it's easier for me to recruit athletes and raise money if I keep it up."

Dovav pushed off strongly, then pivoted, facing Tamid. "Fair enough. But I'm just a skier, so, straight up, do you think I should quit?"

Tamid chuckled softly. "After only three years and one major international competition?? Keep going. See how you do in the next winter olympics. Then decide."

Rubbing his chin, Dovav thanked him.

[West Phoenicia]

Yeaddin Ice Centre, YEADDIN; VILITA

West Phoenicians Princess Philadelphia Gryphon-Bush Panagia, Zara Christian and Angelika Lipinski moment had come, they had waited throughout most of the Winter Olympics, biding their time for their moment to hit the ice.
It was now time for the women's Figure Skating.

A sea of fans sat in the stands waving mini West Phoenician flags, while others held placards with I heart Angelika. As the reigning gold medal winner in this event, she had a lot to prove. Not only to the nation, but to herself.
Angelika was going for back to back gold and her fans were out to support the dream.

Zara Christian was the first West Phoenician to hit the ice for her 2 minutes and 40 seconds.
Taking to the ice in a short raven black dress with a trail of smoky white sequins down both sides of the outfit to resemble cobwebs.
Her make up was in tribute to the day of the dead sugar skull.
She wanted her performance to relay fun, freshness and uniqueness. She doubted other skaters would push a Halloween theme. Her coach had wanted her to stand out, if she couldn't be the best, be fun and remembered.
Her music choice, a mash up of Monster Mashed began while she posed in the opening pose. the bubbling cauldron followed by the boppy tune.
She began to skate around the icy surface starting off her step sequence that eased into a delicate scratch spin. She returned to gliding across the ice performing some jazz hand movements as she glided., Unlike her teammates, Zara was not as confident with the triple axels, instead choosing to do two sets of double axels that were crisp and on par. She could not risk an attempt to pull off a triple axel and fall on her ass. She needed to wow them enough to qualify and she would bring out the big guns in the free skate.
She kept up a wide smile on her face as she moved throughout each step of her routine, ending with a layback leaning spin before she spun into here finishing pose.


Princess Philadelphia Gryphon-Bush Panagia was the next of the team mates to take to the ice. At 17 years of age she was the oldest female from Emperor Glenton Gryphon-Bush II second marriage.
Her half brother Prince Glenton Gryphon-Bush IV had pulled in a silver medal in the Men's event. She had to do the same or better. It wasn't as if she needed to win her father's love but the expectations were higher for members of the Royal Family to teacher higher levels of greatness.
To do that, she needed to outshine gold medalist Angelika Lipinski. Her competition was extremely talented. Especially when it came to triple axels, and her triple jumping combination. Philadelphia had not been on the international circuit as long, but she believed her new age modern style could outperform Angelika whose style was more polished, traditional and behind the times.
She had chosen the song Don't Cry for me Argentina. Mixing it a faster tempo and changing the name of the nation to West Phoenicia.
West Phoenicians loved patriotism, she would have the crowds eating out of her finely manicured hands.
She skated onto the ice in a purple and gold long sleeved spandex dress that was coated in tiny rhinestone which twinkled like a thousand tiny stars under the lights of the Yeaddin Ice Centre.
The crowds were up on their feet, applauding her entrance. She was aware it was more to do with her being a princess than a figure skater, but she would capture their hearts in this fast tempo number that would show off her discipline and skill.

Angelika Lipinski flashed back to her short program performance, the haunting strains of I Dreamed a Dream still echoed in her head.
She started out with some gentle footwork as the slow strains of the song started then launched into a tight Triple axel, then soon a Triple jump, some more footwork lead into a Charlotte spiral then right Into a sideways spiral and with a quick jerk began a two triple jumps combination.
She remembered the moment the song paused in a dramatically long held note, and through the blood pounding in her ears as she paused momentarily to catch a breath and feel the moment, she heard the audience draw their own breaths of anticipation.
She had then moved into a camel spin then down to a sit spin, feeling everything the character felt in that moment, she changed her foot and moved into a layback, then pulled up into a Biellmann's spin, making sure all three rotations of each were fully done.
She began her final series of footwork moves across the ice, working parts of it that hadn't been covered, then flipped into a flying spin, a few moments later as the songs final crescendos sounded, after a successful sideways leaning spin, she sped up then stretched up into a perfect long held 180º arabesque penchée spiral, and heard the audience rise into joyous applause.
Then in the final notes she began a variety of spin positions that ended in one final tight fast I-spin, she knew she had done it, it was another brilliant routine, and she knew she hadn't stumbled once, she hit her final pose and smiled broadly, breathing hard. The audience erupted in cheers, and got up on their feet, with a resounding standing ovation, she just knew a Gold medal was hers.

[Kriegiersien]

Olympic NEWS

Biathlon—Women's 4x6 km relay FINAL

Gold. After Diana Desnudo went over the finishing line as first her teammates nodded with relief. They even shook hands after the triumph, then saluted to the Kriegiersien flag.

“After I delivered as first, I was a bit worried the others would f*** this up, but we made it”, said Nicole Nu.
“I had expected some more of a headstart from Nicole, she had the weakest opponents, but it was ok”, commented Nadja Nude.
“When I had to run the conditions got really ugly and I had the worst wind when shooting, but I did still pretty well”, Nelly Nackt complained.
“Luckily I could win the race for us, after Nelly nearly blew it this time”, Diana Desnudo put on record.

It is given for granted that the four will celebrate together.. each with their own families.

Curling DRAMA

The Olympic champs are out. With 3 losses in the last four games the Kriegiersien ladies wasted a great starting position. A victory against Darmen would have saved them place 3 and the semi final, instead a 6-7 loss let them drop to place 9. After decades of success this is now the worst result for the four, who had, especially with this system, expected to win a medal at least.

Only Briza Icemop was willing to give an interview.
“I told them all the time that we shouldn’t have used this new brooms. They just don’t have the right grip. Now we have been wiped away. I am sad.”


Hector Martinez won the small final in Freestyle skiing—Men's ski cross.
Even though that didn’t get him a medal, it was a big surprise that the amateur got that far and not the new Kriegiersien champion Adhan, wo lost in the first round.
While Adhan immediately vanished as expected, Martinez was more then happy with his performance.
“I didn’t thought I would make it into the second round. Or that I could win the small final. Hell, baby, that is more then I ever dreamed of.”

Gryphonian Alliance (GRY)           10  15  11
Kriegiersien (KGS)                  15  12  15

The women’s snow volleyball team triumphed where the men had failed against the Gryphonian Alliance and made it to the final round.
“The difference is, we don’t want just to win. We live Snow Volleyball. We really trained hard to perfect our teamplay and understand this sport. We want Gold!”, shouted Lee Sheera, beach volleyball Olympian and captain of the team, into the microphones.



Ice hockey—Women's semi-finals
@ Yeaddin Ice Centre

Kriegiersien 0–1 Amuaplye

The Kriegiersien ladies lost against Amuaplye and are facing know West Phoenicia for bronze. The coach was very angry at the press conference.
“I am not ok with that we didn’t score. But what angers me most is that we got a goal. I want to see more passion, more commitment, more aggressivity. If the opponents are not crying after the match, we have done something wrong. Against Phoenicia I expect more blood on the ice.”


When Huseyin Mercado won bronze in Speed skating—Men's 1000m, all his teammates surrounded and celebrated with him, after they had frenetically rooted for him at the sideline.

“We are a team. Place 6 for Cain, 7 for Cleo and a bronze medal from Huseyin. After everyone said we are just a placeholder in the squad, we showed them how good we really are”, said Ihsan Glover who ended on place 42.
Then they ran a victory lap on the ice with the Kriegiersien flag together.





Kriegiersien is now, with 3 days to go, third of the medal table. That is after the counting method of Vilita, which we prefer to the „Gold medal first“-System from Liventia, where we are only 6th.

We asked some fans about their thoughts:


“A well organized event. Everything fluently working. Few mishaps. Very clean, everything easy to access.
I liked to watch Freestyle ski. This is amazing.”

“I love it here in Yeaddin, I usually come here in the summer, but the Olympics are great, too. I am watching the hockey games. The match against Vilitan will be the killer. Can‘t wait.“

“I really would like to see Kriegiersien at the Rugby World Cup again. The Baseball Classics! Or in soccer. We could have easily beaten Recuecn and won the Independence Cup, I tell you. But Olympics are nice too, the only time you see Kriegiersien athletes outside nowadays.”

“I know that people outside of Kriegiersien are wearing clothes and it is ok when it is so cold, but… it doesn’t feel right sometimes, I don’t know. It irritates me when I see them run around so.. cloaked...”

“In my time there were more wars going on. Drama and controversial. Animosity. The people nowadays are too soft and boring.“

“I miss all the Zombies, plants and robots and ponies and angels and monsters and… you know.... diversity. I prefer to watch sports where Cocoabo are in.”

“How can any of these athletes be not a cheater? You can tell me what you want, no superhuman can do what they do without breaking the rules of physics and the law. They should finally admit that everyone is doping, using prosthetics, Sciencemagic and machines.”

“Our nation is doing really well. The freestyler are great, the Biathletes, I am just a bit sad I can’t watch the speed skater here.”

“Everything here stinks. Olympics? Neverend? I came here for the Homeless Wrestling Cup. Where am I? And who?”

[Mattijana]

Shock Nordic-Combined Gold, but Mixed Curling Results: Day 13 Roundup

MFO SPORT

Mattijana won their 6th gold of the Winter Olympics earlier today as a superb performance in the Nordic Combined relay earned Mattijana a surprise victory. The four-man team of Robert Kampl, Samir Khrin, Petre Benedicic and Zan Lubnik brought home a first Nordic Combined medal for Mattijana thanks to a strong performance in the ski-jumping. A score of 481.4 earned them the lead after round one and with closest rivals Taeshan falling back, neither Electrum or Amuaplye were able to close the gap to the marmots enough to overhaul them.

The event, in which each member of the four-person team takes a large hill ski-jump before skiing a 5km leg of a cross-country relay, was not one in which Mattijana were expected to trouble the medals, but with only 17 teams taking part, there was always an outside chance of success for a team that despite not being fancied for gold, was full of strength in depth.

Their main strength would always be the ski-jumping however. Kampl laid down an excellent first effort that ultimately made up most of the difference between Mattijana and the rest of the field, but he was backed up by consistently good scores by the cross-country specialists in the team, Khrin and Lubnik, as well as fellow jumper Benedicic.

The points lead converted itself into a 2.5 second head start over nearest rivals Taeshan, but with the purple knights' team heavily biased in favour of the ski-jumping, it soon became clear that they wouldn't be able to stick with the Mattijanan team. Ko-oren, ranked third after the jumping round, also dropped back severely.

Instead, it was the two teams ranked 4th and 5th after round one that would get closest to the Marmots. Alastair Bailey's strong first leg for Electrum dragged his team back within 10 seconds of Kampl, but strong legs from Khrin and anchor-man Lubnik managed to hold onto a 4.3 second advantage over the line. Joseph Burgess then faded for Amuaplye after a strong start to their race, settling for the bronze five seconds ahead of fourth-placed Kriegiersien.

Despite the initial heroics of Bailey, Mattijana always had control of the race and any worries of a comeback from Electrum were ended when Benedicic held a consistent pace and a constant advantage over final Electrumite athlete Christopher Shaw, who only managed to make inroads into the Mattijanan's advantage over the last 100m when the race was already run. It certainly wasn't a classic, but the fairly modest number of Mattijanan fans waiting at the finish line didn't seem to mind at all.

Curling Teams in Final Pool Stage Action:

Day 13 also saw the end of the group stages in the curling and whilst the men's team managed to qualify for the semis top of the table, the women agonisingly missed out due to a 7-5 defeat by the Vilitan Union.

A poor 6th end for the Marmots, in which they conceded 2 points despite having the hammer, was the turning point in a game where Mattijana otherwise managed to match the table-toppers toe-to-toe. The defeat was however the team's fourth of the tournament and in a tough format where only the top 4 teams out of 26 went through to the knockout stages, that would not be enough.

A draw that started promisingly ultimately petered out a little, with convincing wins against lower-quality opposition balanced out by loose mistakes against the best teams that were ultimately punished.

The men however won both of their final matches, against Diarcesia and Ko-oren, to guarantee their progress to the semis and were awarded top spot by Liventia's surprise loss to Diarcesia in the final game. Their tally of 9 wins wasn't matched by any of their 25 rivals, including co-hosts Liventia and the Vilitan Union.

They will face Taeshan in their semi, their opposition making it through thanks to a nervy 7-5 win over New England in their final game, with a win potentially putting the defending silver medallists in line for a rematch of last tournament's final with Liventia, this time on their opponent's home ice. The hosts have so far been the only team to beat Matej Donilovic's side this time round, coming out 5-3 winners in a cagey match on day 12.

What next for Jakupovic's Rink?

Marika Sava's run as Mattijanan women's skip was ended by a round of 16 exit in Electrum last time out and although a 5th-place finish in the pool stage technically counts as an improvement for Zala Jakupovic's rink, it still falls well short of their target coming into the games - to come home with a medal, preferably gold.

The side that took to the ice this time out contained two veterans of the Mattijanan squad in Jasmin Karotic and Sara Gasparic, vital experience at the pressure cooker of an Olympic tournament, but despite obvious potential, there were too many costly errors from the Marmots.

In a way, it was even more frustrating that Jakupovic's rink weren't outplayed by the best teams in the world. Marika Sava's team were fairly and squarely beaten in their knockout match in Prescott, but Jakupovic's were able to match their opponents tactically before the mistakes crept in. Curling's high tactical emphasis often earns it the tag 'chess on ice'. Where the similarities to chess end is that in curling, moving the piece is just as hard as thinking about where you're going to move it to.

The elimination-sealing defeat to Vilita was indicative of the way Mattijana have played at the tournament. With the score at 3-3 going into the 6th end, Mattijana had the chance to nudge themselves ahead with a reasonably straightforward draw into the centre of the house. Instead, Jakupovic's final stone, tagged a short Vilitan stone, pushing it wide of the house and meaning her team leaked 2 points against the hammer, a catastrophic outcome in the context of a tight and cagey game.

Of course it is possible to argue that Jakupovic could have managed the end better to ensure that a poorly-executed hammer stone would result in a blanked end, or concession of a single point at worst, but the throw was one that without the pressure of having Olympic semi-final qualification at stake, most club skips would have fancied their chances with.

As a result, it's back to the drawing board for the women's team, with new combinations likely before the Mattijanan championships in three years time that double as the Mattijanan selection tournament for the Olympic Games. Jakupovic will likely return as a relatively young skip, but the 30 year-old will need to reorganise her rink and up her came if she is to be re-selected, a feat that Marika Sava failed to manage in preparation for this year's games.

[Liventia]

And this is the Day 14 cutoff.

[Diarcesia]

Sara Lewis, one of the officials of the Diarcesian Olympic Committee, is with the acting president Adrast of Chiyginia. After informally discussing administrative matters for a couple hours, they now negotiate the next course of action with regards to complaints that not enough opportunities were given to deserving athletes to be part of the team.

"How about making the team's composition roughly similar to the most recent census by dieresis affiliation?" Sara posits.

"I don't think that would be possible. The problem will only spread further since the root cause is not truly addressed. We must focus on the most pressing issue: they want their regions spelled out in addition to everyone's Diarcesian affiliation. The best way forward is for future Olympic delegations to be a unified team with willing diereses forming sub-delegations."

"I disagree with that. This will make steering the Diarcesian sports scene more difficult because of the decentralization."

"You've made it very clear that you can't accept that. I am offering you a new perspective: the athletes love to represent Diarcesia, at the same time they also love to represent their regions. It's not mutually exclusive."

"Fine." Sara's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure about that?"

"Yes."

"Are you really sure about that? You can try to convince me, but you have to believe me: this cannot be undone. This will add work to an already complex undertaking." Sara and Adrast stared at each other, as if their discussion has moved to the nonverbal realm. After what seemed an eternity to Adrast, Sara nodded. "In the end, I have to believe that you mean to act correctly. We've had a very long meeting, and I have not convinced you that the disadvantages will exceed the benefits, so it makes no difference to you what happens here."

"Still, I appreciate that you heard me out," Adrast and Sara shook their hands.

[West Phoenicia]

Of course he was disappointed, he had placed in the 4th in the Men's 1000m speed skating. He had made a great time too 1:08.49. Third place had finished on 1:08.48.

A thousand scenarios had filtered through Ercan Dorca's brain. Did he have a delayed start? Did he take too long on a pass? Or was his competitor just that tiny bit faster on the day.
While not a medal winning finish, 4th place was still an amazing result. His coach was thrilled and so where the West Phoenician Olympic Committee.
His 4th place finish would definitely help towards increased funding for the sport. Leading the way for vast improvements for future West Phoenicians taking up the speed skating sport.

Ercan strolled down to the main administration area of the Winter Olympic Village. He waved to a few other athletes as he passed. He was unsure at this point if he would continue with the event. He was 23, so he still had another opportunity to return to the next Winter Olympics and chase the medal that was just an inch out of research. That would be something he would need to meditate on.

Aside from playing sports, a factor in his life that often surprised people was his talent for poetry. He would have loved to have gone to university, studied a liberal arts degree that include poetry.
He had gone to a poetry reading last year hosted by Anton Fountain, undoubtedly one of the best West Phoenician posts of the modern era. Anton had advised the audience, poetry came from within, it couldn't be taught. One only had to unshackle themselves and let the poetic juices flow.

That's what Ercan had in mind today, the stress of his race was over, he know wanted to share with other West Phoenicians and other nations, the creative waters in his heart. They wanted to burst free, and why not here at the Winter Olympics?
In the past, many West Phoenicians had taken part in a number of scandalous activities. This was going to be something positive for a change.

He hung back until the room was empty, an official had disappeared from the front desk and was hurrying towards the toilets. Now was the perfect opportunity for Ercan.

He slipped into the room, thankfully the door had been left ajar. He Switched on the PA system, and cleared his throat. The cough bounced around the building.

"My name is Ercan Dorca, a proud member of the West Phoenician Olympic delegation. I would like to share something with you all, thanks for having us here. This is a poem, to someone I deeply miss back home. So I'm going to be quick as no doubt security is on its way."

"I will write a message of love with my hot-wet tongue across your breast
I will look into the doves of your eyes when I come to rest
You are but the strongest adorning tree
I shelter my naked bosom beneath thee

You are but the sweetest wine that presses hard to my lips
Your body is but a feasting banquet of food that I relish
Like a stag you blaze and buck the night
Like a gazelle I bask in your eternal light

Your bed fruitful and spreading like a bountiful grazing flock
Milk and honey dripping in the kiss of myrrh, in the kiss of love
I faint with love and succumb into your arms
You are the dawn, the moon...the stars

I am but a bud waiting to blossom into a dawn of lush flowers
Waiting for your seed to deliver me high into your mounting tower
Even when I sleep my heart satiates with My Lord's desire
To taste you again and again, my loving Messiah

The fragrance of perfume spreads with a passionate hunger,
Filling the sweet brute air with a sensual passion to humble
You are my salvation...and my loving key
I am faithful servant latch-opening...deliver into me."

"Thank you," Ercan smiled.

[The Transmondian Commonwealth]

"Ooh, that was nice," one of the LBC commentators said as Nadina Links landed a beautiful triple lutz.

"Get the subtitles ready; I think she might be bringing home another medal!"

The commentators shared a laugh. LBC didn't have much of an audience in the Bourbon States, so they were unlikely to offend anyone by poking fun at Nadina's unique interpretation of the English language.

Nadina finished her performance and waved to the fans, some of whom tossed pine wreaths, flowers, and stuffed animals onto the ice. She collected as many as she could carry and allowed the rink staff to help clean up the rest. The pine wreaths were unfortunately a bit messy, shedding needles and so on, but they were a national symbol of New England and some people thought their national pride was more important than the mess.

As the announcer finished reading off the scores, Nadina smiled and picked up a stuffed lobster that someone had thrown on the ice, flopping it around so its claws waved at the camera. She mouthed the words, "Love ye ragas!"

The LBC broadcasters caught up with her for a brief interview while the next skater was being announced and skating out onto the rink. "Whatever happens, I're reallike happy wid how I did," Nadina said. "If I win a medal dat willta been de icend on de cake, but I're dankful been here and proud of what I did no matter what." She noticed the confused look on the interviewer's face. She was used to it by now, and she laughed it off. "I don't mind if ye'll usen subtitles."

When it was all said and done, Angelika Lipinski took home the gold, but it was the New Englanders Nadina Links and Anaximandra Barry standing on either side of her on the podium. "I just wish Sonia conta been up dere wid uns," Nadina told LBC after the medal ceremony.

"I'll beat those two next time," Anaximandra said, referring to Lipinski and Links and speaking just a little too haughtily. The next morning, there was a minor kerfuffle as people debated whether her comment was bad etiquette.

[Vilitan Union]

The Yeaddin XIV Winter Olympic Games Sponsorship Program is operated by the Yeaddin Organizing Committee of the Union of the Affiliated Lands of Vilitan Origins with the express purpose of promoting the XIV Olympic Winter Games and the Olympic Movement while securing funds for administration and delivery of the XIV Yeaddin Games.

In addition to Worldwide Olympic Partners already established through the Olympic Council, Sponsorship Partners for the XIV Yeaddin Games are afforded certain rights specific to the XIV Yeaddin Games and, with limited crossover, the XIV Neverend Games. There are two tiers of partnership within the XIV Yeaddin Sponsorship Program. Tier 1 is designated as the Official Partner Tier reserved for those companies that have made significant investment towards the XIV Olympic Winter Games in Yeaddin. Tier 2 is that of the Official Supporter level which could include Partners with Monetary or non-Monetary investments in support of the Yeaddin XIV Olympic Winter Games.

The list of Yeaddin XIV Official Supporters is as follows:

:: Cocoabo Park

Cocoabo Park is the publically accessible portion of the Cocoabo Forest, itself a joint venture between the Cocoabo Preservation Society, Tropicorp and the Island Emirate of Turori to Preserve, Study, Highlight and in some cases improve the existence and appreciation of Turori's Native Cocoabo. At Cocoabo Park visitors from around the multiverse are treated to intimate tours, close encounters and educational experiences all with the Cocoabo at the center. With limited on site lodging and a fully equipped village at the entrance area to the Park, visitors could spend days at Cocoabo Park without even venturing on one of the Park's tours into its different Cocoabo training enclosures or even further into the Cocoabo Forest. The Park also serves as a hub for the team of Scientists and Researchers from both the Cocoabo Preservation Society and Tropicorp focused on both passive studying and preservation as well as the Cocoabo Enrichment & Enhancement (CEEP). The CEEP team are tasked with focused training and enrichment activities to hyper-focus Cocoabo to hone their talents and skills and bring them to the forefront. One of the most popular enclosures on a tour of Cocoabo Park is the CEEP's sporting enclosure where Cocoabo can be found participating in activities such as Footsport and even on a lucky day, Motorsport.

Any traveler who shows their official ticket to an Olympic Games venue at Cocoabo Park will receive 50% off the cost of admission. All Athletes staying at the Olympic Village in Yeaddin will receive two free passes to Cocoabo Park valid for up to one year following the completion of the XIV Winter Olympic Games.

:: Cocoabo Preservation Society
The Cocoabo Preservation Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to spreading awareness about Turori's native and endangered Cocoabo species, as well as collecting donations and raising funds to help protect, care for and breed Turorian Cocoabo. The CPS does not pay to associate itself with major sporting events or venues however commercial relationships sometimes arise through market sharing arrangements or donations. Examples include donations directly to the Cocoabo Preservation Society but earmarked as only to be used for marketing purposes as there are certain selections a donor can choose; a Donor who may directly donate to an entity and ask to remain anonymous, but instead request that the CPS logo be displayed; Proceeds sharing arrangements where the CPS logo is used on merchandise with a portion of the proceeds going to the CPS and the remaining portion used to cover the costs associated with the Marketing or Sponsorship. The Cocoabo Preservation Society will have a number of awareness tents throughout the City as well as an exhibit at the Yeaddin FanZone with Baby Cocoabo petting hours.

:: PaKaMo Gear

Based in the Parra Kala Mountains, PaKaMo is the choice provider of Winter Gear from outerwear to sport equipment for many of the Vilitan Union individual Olympians. While Tropicorp Sports is the official supplier for casual attire and athletic gear for Team and Indoor sports, PaKaMo Gear is outfitting all of the Vilitan Union's ski sport athletes in Neverend as well as being the ski and snowboard equipment provider for a number of the Vilitan athletes. PaKaMo got its start in a cabin in the Parra Kala Mountains and has expanded as demand for Winter Athletic Gear and Equipment has risen in the Vilitan Cove region, particularly following the unexpected success of Vilita's performance in the Arcon Olympic Games in Saugeais. PaKaMo maintains its presence in the mountains they have two locations in downtown Yeaddin in addition to the company offices. Fans in the area for the Olympic Games can visit the nearby PaKaMo build house to view the process involved in creating PaKaMo's handcrafted Snowboards.

While PaKaMo is the major sponsor of the Parra Kala Overnight, A Ski-Sports competition traditionally held in Vilita after the first major snowfall (If it occurs) in the Mountainous region in a given season, the XIV Winter Olympic Games mark the first time PaKaMo has been affiliated with a major Internationstatal Sporting Event.

:: Tiones Lumber

The Tiones Lumber corporation pride itself in 'renewable lumber operations' - with 100% of its product coming from purpose-operated 'Lumber Farms' ensuring minimal impact on the local habitat. Tiones Lumber had some rough years during the initial standup of Tropicorp due to the influx of Lumber from clearing efforts in Tropicoast. However the Long-time sponsors of the Vilitan Stellar Division's Yeaddin Owls AFC survived the rough patch and worked to take advantage of the influx of raw material to once again be the leading Lumber provider in the region. As one of the largest employers in the region, Tiones Lumber has joined as a supporter for the XIV Olympic Games providing Local Awareness and Community outreach events in the build up to the games. The Famous Tiones Lumberjack Competition will be present at the Yeaddin Fan Zone (For those that sign the appropriate waivers) with prizes awarded for top performances in the competitions. Stations at the competition include the Chopping & Cutting Zone where Fans can try their hand at 3 distinct Lumberjack Challenges - The Standing Chop, Firewood Split and Saw-Through Cut; The Climbing Zone where Fans can time themselves scaling a vertical post and the Log Rolling zone in the wading pool where fans would attempt to reach one end of the pool and back traversing the rolling logs. A Family Zone that does not require a waiver will also be present where fans can pose for photos, participate in a firewood stacking challenge and learn about Tiones Lumber's Renewable Lumber Operations.

:: Turoki Island Tourism Board

The Turoki Island Tourism Board, through their "Visit TI" campaign, is always looking for new and exciting ways to reach across the multiverse and pull new tourists into Turoki City and to experience the grandeur of Turoki Island itself. From the well preserved Northern Forests and the native villages of Riailia to the Southern Shores and the always-hopping Island Capital of Turoki City, Turoki Island would seemingly 'sell itself'. But with the ongoing development throughout the Vilitan Cove region and new tourist destinations such as Cocoabo Park cropping up, the Turoki Island Tourism board occasionally decide they need to get their name back out in the forefront of the minds of would be tourists before they start planning their next week-long getaway. Visit TI is providing support to the Ice Hockey competition and a number of the venues used during the Ice Hockey Competition will be on Turoki Island.

:: Tropicorp Sports

Tropicorp Sports was one of the first new divisions created at the quasi-governmental entity of Tropicorp. With the acquisition of templates and production equipment from 3WD, Tropicorp Sports began producing special edition kits for the Turori National Team. From there the scientists, researchers and engineers at Tropicorp Sports began focusing on improving sporting equipment, ultimately developing the Tcp-X1, one of the most scientifically advanced footsport balls ever developed and a regularly used match ball in domestic and internationstatal sporting events throughout the multiverse. Tropicorp Sports have since developed into a leading supplier of cutting edge sportswear, sporting equipment and even sporting technologies used in the betterment of the experience for players, officials and fans alike. For the XIV Winter Olympic Games, Tropicorp Sports will be the official supplier of casual wear for all Vilitan Union athletes and staff as well as competitive gear for all indoor sporting events and team competitions.

Ladies slip up in Bobsled Final as Medals elude Vilitan Union athletes

Parra Kala Sliding Complex, Parra Kala Mountains, Yeaddin, Vilita :: After a strong start to the Winter Olympic Games in Yeaddin and Neverend, the athletes of the Union of the Lands of Vilitan Origin have struggled to maintain their early pace having secured just 3 of the 66 medals awarded over the last 72 hours of competition with none of those medals being Gold. After being shut out in Neverend on Day 12, Day 13 became the first day without a Vilitan Union medalist in Yeaddin since Day 7 of competition. That streak was nearly continued on Day 14 until Akitana Ruta used the power of the home crowd to will themselves into the Bronze Medal position in the Men's 500m Short Track Speed Skating event. Still, however, with a Games-high 9 medal events on the schedule to come away with just a single Bronze Medal on the day would certainly have been disheartening for the home fans.

As they had come into Day 14 it seemed very promising for the possibility of a big haul especially with the Vilitan Union Four-Woman Bobsled team starting the day on the top of the leader board. In the end it was heartbreak at the Parra Kala Sliding Center as the team of Gimliza Onlavella, Halli Truskozo, Tyoko Mlanavella and Rukszi Mlanavella lost two tenths of a second on their third run to slip back into third position heading into the final run. With a respectable 52.53 second run it seemed it might be enough to maintain a medal but the team found themselves an agonizing three-one-hundreths of a second behind the Mattijanan team with two sleds to go. The Vanorian sled was tracking behind the Vilitans down the course but had some time to play with and although the Vilitan Union team had the better fourth run, the Vanorians narrowly ousted the Vilitan Union team by just two-one-hundredths of a second. With no mistakes the team from Amuaplye comfortably secured their first Gold Medal of the games and knocked the Vilitans back into the fourth position outside the Medals. If that alone wasn't enough heartbreak for the Vilitans, later that evening at the Yeaddin Ice Center Soraluna Estrazari appeared to have crossed the line in a photo finish for the Gold Medal in the Women's 1000m Short Track Speed Skating Final only to be relegated out of the medals entirely due to a Penalty Decision much to the dismay of the pro-Vilitan crowd in Yeaddin. With just two days of competition remaining in the first ever Vilitan Olympic Games, the Vilitan Union team will now have just thirteen more opportunities to secure the 2 Gold Medals needed to ensure their best ever Olympic Winter Games Medal Haul.

[Recuecn]

The game against the Teremaran unified team had gone loosely as the Reçuecians had hoped, but the team wasn't satisfied. The team had hung back in the first two periods, testing their opponents, idtenfiying their weaknesses and biding their time. Then, in the third period, they had gone on the attack. Things seemed to be going according to plan--the Reçuecians still had more energy and speed--but when they tried to convert their superior drive into a goal, they began to meet with frustration. The third period played out almost exclusively on the Teremaran third, but despite their control of the situation, the Reçuecians continued to fail to score. Even with a double power play that led to them being up a skater for 3:43 (with 17 seconds of 5-on-3 in the middle), they seemed unable to score. The Teremarans were content try merely for any opportunity to switch lines, even being happy to ice the puck just to get a breather. But they held strong for minute after minute, until the buzzer rang, signalling that the game would be going to overtime.

The Reçuecians were shaken. They had counted on being able to score in the third twenty minutes, when they would still be comparatively fresh. But now they had expended that energy, and for nothing. Overtime would be up in the air, especially as a single goal would be enough to end either team's dreams of gold.

Reçueçn, to put it bluntly, got lucky, when in the seventh minute of overtime, Marilen Rieder took a chance on a wrist shot as she approached the net. The puck came back down, and on a chance bounce, redirected through the five-hole of the Teremaran goalie. She spun around to see if the puck had gone into the net as if she couldn't believe it, but it was already too late. The buzzer had sounded, and the Reçuecians were on to the semi-finals.

Given how close the last game had been, going all the way to sudden death, the team knew that they would have to try something new for their next game against the Kingdom of West Phoenicia.

Before the match, Berthe Arcenaux skated up to Ela Lörtscher, already in the net, for their habitual pre-game meet-up where Berthe relayed the information from the coach's last-minute tactical instructions. "Like we said, we're just going hard all match. Full pressure, don't let up until the game's in the bag. One hundred percent effort, full throttle."

Elea gave Berthe a fist bump. "Go get 'em."

---

The whistle blew as the ref chucked the puck onto the ice. It was impossible to hear it strike the skating surface over the noise of the roar of the crowd and the sticks slapping at each other, battling for control. Berthe Arcenaux was lined up against Denize Oz, and even before the whistle had blown they had started to try to fake each other out, bumping shoulders a little. Not too much, of course--they didn't want a false start or for one of them to get sent back and to let another player take the drop. But as soon as the puck had left the ref's hand, they were at it. Certainly, women's hockey might not be as violent as the men's game, but that didn't mean that it wasn't played with just as much force and power. With her legs set apart and her skates braced into the ice, Berthe tried for as much leverage as possible--but it wasn't what she needed. With a deft stroke, Oz pulled the puck under her opponent's stick, and flicked it to her own back line. Berthe untangled herself and darted across the line onto the West Phoenician side after the puck. All that had taken only a split second, and the game was underway.

Elea, in front of the Reçuecian goal, watched attentively, already alert, even as the game started to be played out on the far side of the rink. Her eyes followed the puck closely--such a small object was easy to lose track of in the middle of a hockey game, but it was essential not to. As play shifted from side to side of the rink, Elea shifted from side to side in front of her net. In all her matches at these Olympic games so far, she hadn't let in a single goal. She knew that by definition, if she continued this streak, the team would make it to the final--and take home the gold.

What she didn't know was that this game she would let in not only her first goal... but four.

---

To be continued...

[Ko-oren]

Elections coming right up

One-third of the 144 seats of parliament are up for grabs in the next election. For a short refresher course: the 144 seats are divided into three groups. Groups one and two are up for a vote every six years, at three year intervals. Group three is filled by local representatives from each of Ko-oren's 48 census areas - and these elections coincide with local and subdivisional elections.

There are a lot of things at stake, even for a parliament that only functions as an law-and-budget-passer and ombudsman. Laws are proposed by ministries, and the parliament's only power is to pass these. The composition of the parliament does in fact sway the ministries' wording in the laws. It is actually very rare that parliament completely rejects a piece of legislation - though it happens frequently that a law is returned to the relevant ministry for some slight changes in wording.

There are a few trends in Ko-orenite decision-making that the next election can have a lot of impact on.

Business-friendliness - the Dragonfly Archipelago's government has traditionally been very happy to nationalise whatever is necessary. In the last decade, the government has been perfectly fine leaving many companies with their own assets. Everything for national use is still nationalised, but companies are left with more room to use their profits. Profits are not frowned upon, but are still met with some suspicion. If the 48 seats are filled mostly with business-friendly parties, we should see much more interaction by companies, and potentially turning them into sponsors of many events taking place all over Ko-oren. Sports, culture and music can definitely use some new events.

International cooperation - Ko-oren is usually off by itself, far away in Northwestern Atlantian Oceania, but there is a growing sense that if this nation wants to impact what is happening around the Multiverse, we need to grow an international community around us. There are a lot of initiatives, we just need to tag along.

Regional marketing - Aside from international issues, more locally interested parties want to divide Ko-oren's huge tourism sector, and give every region something to contribute. It's not just tourism, this also includes marketing some cities as 'technology hubs' and attracting jobs, contracts, and the like.

[Kriegiersien]

FINAL

With a 2:1 against Taeshan Kriegiersien reached the big final against the Vilitan Union in ice hockey.

“We expected to play against Vilitia earlier, but meeting them in the final is of course even greater. Now we can show the whole world how good our team is and our playing style. That you don’t need brute force to win the games. That we have the best combination of players here and not the ones who had the most successful season”, said the Coach after the game, who had to suffer harsh critique after the 1:5 loss against Mattijana in the group stage.

Even the Kriegiersien president got in touch and congratulated. He in addition promised to enter the exact team to the next World Cup, if they would win the Gold medal.

Janelle Knights ended 4th in the Alpine skiing—Women's combined downhill and slalom and was still satisfied.
"Everyone just talks about winning, but I am happy. I was able to show my best. I want to thank the organizers with a poem.
Ode to your snow.
Not like home, black, nor yellow.
It is so white, like the heart of your people,
not as the Kriegiersien mind, which is feeble.
I'd rather stay here,
than going home in fear,
please give me shelter,
before at home.."

The rest of the words are sadly lost to the upcoming wind.


Bobsleigh—Four-woman
Thanks to a bumpy third heat the Kriegiersien champions around pilot Shera Lee missed even the final as 23rd, hoping for a medal after the first two.
They couldn’t believe they had raced so badly and tried to take part in the final run, not knowing that only the Top 20 would be allowed to take part after three runs.

“I didn’t knew that only the Top 20 are allowed in the final run. Then again I have never been worse then 5th in Kriegiersien. I am a bid sad now. I think we will eat some more chocolate. And then go home training even harder.”

Bandy
With a 3-2 after Overtime Kriegiersien crowned themselves not only World but also Olympic Champion. Against the Free Republics, who won the women’s tournament, they triumphed in a thrilling match, after beating title defender Terre Des Gaules in the semis. In difference to earlier fake news Kriegiersien had failed early in the first edition of the competition at the last Olympics in Electrum.


The second and last medal in a demonstration sport should come from the Snow Volleyball female team, who won their first match in the final group.

Kriegiersien (KGS)      15  15
Vilitan Union (VLT)      9  12

A win against Mattijana would secure them a Gold medal in the Demonstration events in Neverend.


And two further success stories from the ice:

Gerald Horn in Short track Men's 500m and Miruna Winter in Short track Women's 1000m won themselves and the speed skating team two Silver medals.

“I want to thank our medical team, who prepared us perfectly for the exhausting competition”, said Horn and Winter likewise told everyone asking that the vitamin injection had been very helpful, before she was dragged away from her coach.

[Ioudaia]

A fancy restaurant, Neverend, Liventia
Day 8, continued

"Best to not get too involved. I have Keller also to back me up when helping the kids." Jessica explained to Peneleos.

"I do have some muscles in me, also you know." Charlie said, where Jessica tried not to blush again. "Leader is still mucking around, but at least I know what is teachable." Jessica said.

Peneleos' eyes narrowed, and his tone became more serious. "Are you aware that this 'leader' person is just playing with you, and has much more effective ways of arranging your compliance?"

"I know he's fucking with me, but I still have my preparations." Jessica said. "He knows how to fuck with me and toy with what I do, but I still know how to kick his scrawny ass. Plus, I'm not the only one who likes to treat as shit. He probably has hundreds or thousands on a list somewhere which I'm on, where he treats like his playthings. Depending on that list, he toys with whoever is the highest on the list more to the point of violence and torture."

Peneleos waved her objections away. "I think you underestimate his capabilities. Did you know his guards possess drugs that induce memory loss, apparently selectively? I've met one of your country's athletes before. He doesn't remember it, but I do, and another one of us does.

"I'd recommend you get outside assistance, if not the people I can recommend, then others."

Waiters had been handing out menus, and smoothly handed ones to Jessica, Charlie, Peneleos, and Tamid as soon as Peneleos stopped to draw breath. They hovered, rather anxiously, nearby.

Peneleos took only a minute to scan the menu before placing an order. "I'll have the steak, medium, in the local style."

[OOC: Collab with Main Nation Ministry, to be continued?]

[Liventia]

For the penultimate time these Games, this is the RP cutoff.

[Darmen]

Dear Olympic Athletes of Darmen,

As the Olympics in Liventia and Vilita draw to a close, I would like to extend, both personally and on behalf of the whole nation, our gratitude for your exemplary display of sportsmanship and sporting ability. After failing to win a single medal in any sport at the last Winter Olympics, the multiple medals we've won in Liventia and Vilita are a breath of fresh air.

I would like to send special encouragement to the Women's Curling Team before they take on the Vilitan Union for the Gold Medal. I and the whole nation will be cheering you on in hopes of our fifth gold medal at these Olympics.

Whether you have won a medal or not, please know that I and the whole nation are very much proud of you. I look forward to welcoming you home to Darmen when the present Games draw to a close.

Sincerely,

Tor Tong Lee

President of the Republic

[Kelssek]

ALPINE SKIING
Kelssek wins team event gold
It will be a memorable Olympics for Kelssek ski racers at the Ferrandieu resort in Neverend after they picked up three gold medals on the slopes and made a bit of history.

Wednesday saw two gold medal wins as Patricia Kinderling won the women’s downhill by a 0.15 second margin over Emma Tierney. The event saw Jamie Hadrich and Nicole Ligehferty both escape injury after crashing out. Evan Mackay then came up on top in the men’s slalom.

Gold in the alpine team event added on to the celebrations for Kelssek’s skiers. After squeezing past Krigerisen in the semifinal, Kelssek were in for a much anticipated matchup against Mattijana, who took the lead when Daniella Viedenfel beat Alyssa Gregory down the course.

But then the gold medal final went quite literally sideways for Mattijana. Andrez Sabler straddled a gate and was disqualified, followed by Marcel Sabitzer then losing his edge and spiralling into the crash barriers to hand Kelssek the victory.

The team event also gave Evan Mackay his fourth gold medal, overtaking Jean-Luc Lacroix for the most Olympic titles among Kelssek skiers. But he still has a long way to go to beat Lacroix’s total of eight Olympic podiums.

“We really like this format, it’s really unique and it’s still a new one that we didn’t have until fairly recently, so it’s something that’s pretty exciting,” said Taryn Henderson, who also won her first Olympic medal in the event.

[Kriegiersien]

The Kriegiersien president is sitting at his desk, cameras in front, make up artists trying to make him look good.
His secretary looks a bit distraught.

“You really want to do it?”, he whispered.
“I have to. You can’t break a bargain. Especially not with wizards. They go us the medals at the Olympics without attracting attention, I have to do it.”
“I don’t think that is a good idea.”
“At least they don’t want me to make love to a scorpion in front of the cameras.”
“Who would have such sick fantasies?”
“You would be surprised.”

The producer comes closer.
“Your speech begins in 15 seconds.”
“Very well then.”

The president looks at the cameras, a countdown starts.
3..2..1


“Dear citizens of our great nation. Kriegiersien. I come to you with great news.
To celebrate our fantastic results at the Olympics everyone will have drugs for free! From now on the nation will finance your personal access to every drug or plant to help your mind evolve.
This is of course all voluntarily, but you can have everything from the buffet of live what nature and the modern pharmacy offers you, if you want and need it.
For more go to the website freestyleforallkriegiersiens.
And… pink is the colour of the month.
Thank you.”

The recording ends.

“That will throw back our health care system, ruin our budget and the drug lords. And possibly our pharmacy industry”, the President sighed.
“Why did they wish that? What could these wizards get out of it?”
“I don’t know. I asked them, they just smiled. They could secretly bewitch us all anyway. Maybe it is just fun for them. Or maybe some great plan that is a win for us all. At least that is what I hope.”
“You are very optimistic.. but.. but you decide, oh great leader”, his secretary stuttered.
“And that just for some more medals at Sport”, he mumbled, not quiet enough.
“Totally worth it!”



News report on Channel 13

…

“And now all drugs can be obtained for free. More about that in our special broadcast afterwards.

Sport. At the 15th day of the Olympics in Neverend and Yeaddin Kriegiersien athletes won two more medals. Gold for speed skater Ellice Gates in the women’s mass start, then the women’s hockey team won the bronze medal with 1:0 against West Phoenicia.
Susi Samson from Lirai Asku Castle.

“It was as always a hard fought match with many penalty times. But in the last period Top Scorer Lana Lane made again the only and decisive goal. In the end the team hadn’t made many friends with their defensive and very rough match style, again starting many fights with the Phoenicians, but won a medal.
“We are a warrior nation, and that is how we won the medal!”, the coach shouted before watered by energy drinks and carried away on the shoulders by his girls. Tomorrow the men have the chance to win Gold.”

After the shower of medals now to the weather…..

[Gryphonian Alliance]

Finishing Strong at the XIV Winter Olympics
---Sebba Ingle, reporting from Neverend



This will be our final report before our post-Games summary tomorrow.
In Day 13 in Neverend our team consisting of Ameena Vison, Yashoda Iraize, Evane Tulis.and Caun Masatebarro in Women's 4x6km relay finals placed 23rd out of 24 teams. Women's curling saw the GA team losing 4-7 against Ko-oren, but we then won 7-4 against Vekaiyu, putting us at 16th in the competition out of 26 teams with a 5-5 record; however, only the top 4 teams qualified for semifinals. The men's curling team then won 6-5 over Electrum and followed up with an 8-7 victory over Savojarna, putting them at a 6-4 record that boosted them to 8th place in the rankings, but just as with women's curling only the top four advanced.
In Women's Snowball the GA team lost to Kriegiersien, which was their third loss.

In Yeaddin, ladies' singles figure skating saw Sades Ochikole and Sosite Mumen finishing 43rd and 44th out of 64, and Tochina Tiranar landed in 57th. None of them were in the top 24 to qualify for the next round. Bemnd Scheider did nicely in Men's 1000m speed skating finals with a 14th place finish; Patrick Tonneso came in 38th and Masa Ku in 49th. Jonney Jimski rounds off the list of Griffins who participated in this event, coming in 63rd place.

In Neverend Day 14, the Gryphonic Delegation participated in Women's Combined Downhill Alpine Skiing and landed 19th with Jimma Donahool, followed by Duerma Tulumenite in 34th and Nalta Leary in 39th out of 44 finishers, while 15 athletes did not finish.
Mistel Buger/John Yevanne/Tish Ridgiergard/Bucce Walahni came in 20th place in Men's 4x7.5 relay biathlon finals. Baldseta Leuniketti, Gemme Outullha, and Wuta Esseesplace participated in Women's parallel giant slalom snowboarding qualifiers but came in 24th, 26th, and 41st respectively, none of which reached the top 16 to qualify for finals.
In the first round of Men's snow volleyball finals, the GA team won over Ko-oren. The GA Delegation did not participate in any events that day in Yeaddin.

Moving on to Neverend Day 15, Addicco Tion finished 15th in Men's parallel giant slalom qualifications for snowboarding and proceeded to finals. Lastui Muwetrie finished 34th, followed by Flexin Aladerech in 35th, and Slalobba Goodo in 41st. In elimination rounds Tion won the first round but downed against a Vilitian athlete in Quarter-finals. Still, a pretty impressive showing for someone who certainly wasn't expected to do this well.
In the Yeaddin side of events, Charles Nickel finished 12th in Men's Mass Start Speed-skating finals, followed by Boey Drefus in 15th and Yabbe Daze in last place out of 17 competitors. In the women's version of the event, Sue Weiburgge came in at 12th place, while Bassa Myslei came in 3rd in her grouping and qualified for the finishing round, where she came in 6th. Nicely done!

And that concludes our report covering the last few days. We look forward to seeing the GA Delegation wrapping up this year's WInter Olympics run tomorrow!

[Mattijana]

Mattijana to Take Home Record Medal Haul as Final Day Approaches

MFO SPORT

Mattijana will leave the 14th Winter Olympics in Liventia and Vilita with more medals than ever before, smashing the record set at the previous games.

Their total of 17 medals, of which 8 are golds, easily surpasses the 12 total and 6 gold medals won in Prescott four years ago, although due to more uneven distribution of the medals this time round, it is unlikely that Mattijana will match the second they achieved in the overall medals table at the last games. They do however have the added boost of a guaranteed gold or silver from the men's curling final tomorrow, where they face Liventia in a rematch of the gold medal match from Prescott. Favourites Liventia won a thrilling game 11-12 on that day and also have the bragging rights over the Marmots this tournament, courtesy of a 5-3 win during the group stage, but Matej Donilovic's rink have a blank scorecard and fresh confidence in their favour, having eventually topped the round robin table with 9 victories.

Elsewhere, Mattijana's four-man bobsled crews will be looking to make a late run for the medals whilst the gruelling 50km Cross-country mass start also takes place. There are also the women's curling and men's EisHockey finals to keep an eye on despite the lack of Mattijanan representation.

Although it looked for some time as if Mattijana would overhaul their tally from Electrum, it was day number 13 that actually saw the team get up to medal number 13. That particular medal, a resolute performance from the Men's Nordic Combined team, would also be the Marmot's 6th gold of the games, another Mattijanan Winter Olympic Record.

That was followed up by a blistering day 14 that saw Georgia Zamas become women's ski-cross champion with a dominant performance in the latter knockout rounds before a silver for Kara Makar and her four-woman bobsled team and another gold, this time for emerging speed-skating talent Matej Žiri in the men's 500m short-track.

An alpine ski team led by Marcel Sabitzer overcame tiebreaks against West Phoenicia, Teremara and Savojarna before losing out 3-1 to Kelssek in the final on day 15 to complete the current total, but the Men's Curling team will be hopeful of another victory when they face the host nation tomorrow.

Julian Petrov, Mattijanan Minister for Sport, praised his athletes contribution in an official statement and what it could do for Winter sport in the country:

"All our athletes were excellent ambassadors for our country. They have shown resilience, determination, extraordinary skill and all with a respect and sportsmanship that represents our national identity. These games are not just important for their place in the history books, but as reward for all the hard work we have put into the tournament and as inspiration for all those back home in Mattijana who want to get involved in local sport or even think that one day they could be here at an Olympic games.

From the record-breaking heroics of Mattias Burges, to the fight shown by our Ice Hockey teams in the face of the world's best, we have seen some brilliant sporting achievements and all those who participated, whether they won a medal or not, have represented themselves and their country with pride."

Insight: What can Mattijana do to win?

Marika Sava, former Mattijana women's captain and mixed bronze medallist

For Matej Donilovic and his men's curling team, how to beat Liventia has been the dominating question for the last 5 years.
Both sides were favourite to fight for the gold before the 13th Winter Olympics and it would turn out that way as well, with both teams making it to the final with fairly little stress and then going at each other hammer and tongs in probably the most thrilling curling final, and arguably match, in Olympic history.
This year, despite four years for the entire world curling order to change, exactly the same situation has panned out. Mattijana, despite their 5-3 round robin defeat to Liventia, have cruised to the top of the group and then edged out a gutsy Taeshan side in the semi. The hosts looked set to replace them, but suffered a surprise defeat to Diarcesia in their 10th match, ending up third before beating co-hosts Vilita 6-7 in their semi-final.

Both of Mattijana's most recent matches with Liventia have ended in defeat, but have been very different matches. The first was an all-guns blazing, chaotic, 23 point thriller, the second an edgy, cagey tie with 8 points scored across the 10 ends.

Both were close affairs, but Liventia had the quality to emerge from last Games' final with the win and would not be panicked into forcing the issue in the group stage game, with a Mattijanan error in the 6th end handing the hosts the win.

Cutting out those kind of mistakes is obviously a must for Donilovic and his rink if they are to win gold, but they also need to think one step ahead of their opposition, something they were unable to do back in the pool stage.

Liventia's two defeats this tournament, 4-6 to Diarcesia and 7-10 to Taeshan were in matches where they ended up chasing the game. Whilst Liventia are specialists at getting ahead and controlling the game, they may well have a shortcoming when they get behind.

The start is especially key in the final. Whoever controls a curling match from the start is likely to win - that's just common sense, but in this match, with neither side looking particularly good at making a comeback, it will be vital. Whoever makes the first meaningful blow will fancy their chances more so than usual.

Liventia are still favourites. They have the home support, the bragging rights and any psychological advantage that comes with them. Mattijana might just be in better form though. They have more wins this tournament, a longer unbeaten run and the intense hunger for a first Olympic gold. It is undoubtedly their best chance yet. It might be the best chance this group of players will ever get.

[Vilitan Union]

Flames set to go out on First Ever Olympic Games in Vilita

Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin Olympique, Yeaddin, Vilita :: While the XIV Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in Yeaddin were held at the scenic and historical Lirai Asku Castle, it will be a different venue extinguishing the flame on the XIV Olympics as the ceremonies will conclude at the Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin. The reason for the change was both practical and symbolic. While the Lirai Asku Castle has become one of the most popular Arenas in all of Vilita ever since it was first adopted as the home of the two-time Nationstates Champions League winning Yeaddin Owls, it is the Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin that is built on the site of the Colonial Vilitan athletic and hippodrome which was completely renovated and improved for the XIV Winter Olympic Games. Logistically, with the Gold Medal game in Ice Hockey taking place at the Lirai Asku Castle on the final day of competition - one of the main attractions of the game, holding the Closing Ceremonies at the Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin also allowed a greater ability to prepare for the ceremony crew. Of course, the schedule at the Kolósaio Vóreios is also packed having hosted the Bandy Finals on Day 14, Finished out the Speed Skating competition on Day 15 and then on the morning of the Closing Ceremonies will be hosting the Finals of the Ice Racing demonstration. The Ice Racing A-Mains will be part of the pre-Closing Ceremony activities at the arena which will also be live streaming the final runs in the Bobsled competition and the Ice Hockey Gold medal game for any fans or athletes who wish to arrive at the venue early.

The staff of the Yeaddin Olympic Organizing Group (YOOG) also revealed earlier in the games after the first events were contested at the Kolósaio Vóreios that the official name of the venue was being updated to the Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin Olympique to reflect the venues status for all eternity as an Olympic Games host site. The flame which was let at the Lirai Asku Castle will go out in a currently unknown timeline following the completion of the Men's Ice Hockey Gold Medal Game. The flame at the Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin Olympique which was lit from the Cauldron at the Castle will be extinguished last and will officially mark the conclusion of the Olympic Winter Games in Neverend and Yeaddin.

Heading into the final day of competition, the Union of the Affiliated Lands of Vilitan Origin Olympic Delegation have secured a best-ever medal performance by earning two Gold Medals on Matchday 15, increasing their total to 10 for the Games and besting their performance of 9 Gold Medals during the XIII games in Prescott. It was the Women's Nordic Combined team that used their Jumping prowess to secure a Top Starting position in the Relay and secure the Gold Medal Thanks in part to a stunning perfomance on the large hill from Utavara Birdavil who was the Individual Gold Medal winner in Prescott. It marked the 9th gold medal of the games for the Vilitan Union, tying their all-time best and Pligu Niiaska very nearly secured the 10th in the next event - the Snowboarding Giant Slalom, narrowly losing out in the Big Final to Kieran Mullan of Taeshan. When the day began in Yeaddin the fans in Vilita knew their athletes were on the cusp of history. The first chance would come in the Speed Skating finales - the morning Mass Start events at the Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin Olympique. Turori's Kubari Ooaozioaozo'oozo was the Vilitan Union's best chance having qualified for the Final in the event in Prescott rounding in third place in the first segment before slipping down the pack. Unlike Prescott where Ooaozioaozo'oozo packed in a number of different Speed Skating events throughout the games, the Turorian was focused only on the Mass Start this time, forgoing entry in the timed individual distance events. The decision seemed to pay off as a patient Kubari Ooaozioaozo'oozo slid into the final then paced themselves sitting near the back of the field for the first two segments before blitzing forward and rounding Ximun Borko of Main Nation Ministry to take the Gold with Liventia's Sam Parsons slip-streaming behind him. It was the history making moment that set a new historical mark of 10 Gold Medals at a single Winter Olympic Games for the first time in Vilitan Union Olympic Delegation History.

Now, with one day left on the schedule there are still opportunities for the home fans to will their team to Gold again - especially on home soil with the Vilitan Union Mens Ice Hockey Team set to square off in the Gold Medal match against Kriegiersien at the Lirai Asku Castle while the highly talented Bobsled Quartet of Brento Bodynii, Gireffi Bodynii, Quakii Estat and Exidii Motoqivic will start the day less than a tenth of a second behind the leaders from Benjamin Mark - a nation yet to secure a medal of any composition thus far in Yeaddin and Neverend, and will have two more runs to move up the leader board. While there are just two medals left for grabs in Yeaddin, there will be plenty of pride on the line at the Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin Olympique as the Ice Racing Finals will be contested in front of a building crowd filing in for the anticipation of the Closing Ceremonies for the XIV Winter Olympic Games. The Mattijanan drivers Dominik Vestergaard and World Grand Prix Driver Alex Dimitrianov set the pace in the Heats and will be favored to take home the Ice Trophy on the Men's side while local short track driver Lotara Novorali will be the fan favorite on the Women's Side having already advanced to the A-Main following Day 15's heat events.

While the Winter Olympic Games are coming to an end in Yeaddin, there is still plenty for fans to stick around for as the Yeaddin Olympic FanZone will be open for a full week following the Closing Ceremonies and many of the Olympic Vendors will be sticking around. There is a final Pin-Trading Flea Market scheduled the day following the Closing Ceremonies for any Olympic Pin Collectors to make any final offers to their peers for Pins which they were unable to snatch up during the games and the Kolósaio Vóreios Yeaddin Olympique will be open for public skating starting two days after the conclusion of the games. In addition to the continued events in Yeaddin, those heading out of Vilita may choose to take advantage of their discounted entry to nearby Cocoabo Park in the Cocoabo Forest just North of Yeaddin across the Turviliki Sea.

The Yeaddin Olympic Organizing Group wishes to thank all participating delegations their family and fans for making the XIV Olympic Winter Games, the first to be held in the Tropics of Vilita, a success. The games have put the town of Yeaddin on the map internationstatally, having previously been known around the sporting world primarily as the home of the famous Yeaddin Owls Footsport team, Yeaddin's status as an Olympic Host City will likely increase tourism both to the downtown area and the nearby Parra Kala Mountain Resort Village. The games have also served to tighten the relationship between the city of Yeaddin and the nearby Island Emirate of Turori, and by extension the Educational Resort in Cocoabo Park as transportation links developed between the entities for the games will continue to serve the region long after the flame goes out in Yeaddin.

[Liventia]

For the final time for these Games, this is the RP cutoff.

[Kriegiersien]

Short news

Ice hockey final lost.
0:1 against host Vilitan Union. Kriegiersien hockey team sad but proud to win silver. The fans blame the referee from Liventia and the weather.

With a further bronze medal in Bobsleigh—Four-man Kriegiersien finishes on the medal table with 23 medals on place 3. Counted after the total number of medals, our preferred medal table.

In demonstration sports Kriegiersien ended on place 2, sorted by Gold medals, our preferred version.

Demonstration sports medal table

Nation	Gold	Silver	Bronze
Free Republics	2	1	0
Kriegiersien	2	0	0
Mattijana	1	0	1
Gryphonian Alliance	1	0	0
Vilitan Union	0	2	1
West Phoenicia	0	2	0
Liventia	0	1	0
Darmen	0	0	1
Ko-oren	0	0	1
Cocoabo Forest	0	0	1
Electrum	0	0	1