Paris Conference Video Series: Per Toien

Sport is politics and we all need to face this fact, especially in the context of the upcoming Beijing Olympics, says Per Toien, a high official of the Norwegian Olympic Committee.

He also insists boycotts do more harm than good and hopes that the Games will help advance the cause of human rights in China. Among others, in his presentation he dealt with the following issues:

1. The close relationship between sports and politics.
2. The opposition of the Norwegian Olympic Committee to boycotting the Games was unanimous.
3. China is attracting too much attention to his human rights record.
4. Norwegian athletes will respect the IOC Charter during the Games.