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OLYMPIC REVIEW 21The IOC has approved the recognition of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of South Sudan during its 128th Session in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). It becomes the latest territory to be recognised following the NOC of Kosovo last December. The IOC now recognises 206 NOCs.IOC President Thomas Bach welcomed the South Sudan NOC, represented by its President Lt. Gen Wilson Deng Kuoirot and Secretary General Tong Chor Malek Deran, into the Olympic fold and presented them with a certificate of recognition (above) and an Olympic flag. He said: “With this recognition, we send a signal of hope to this young nation of South Sudan; a signal of hope because sport builds bridges between people and cultures. In sport, all people are equal, all ethnic groups, all cultures and all religions are equal; a signal that South Sudan needs in difficult times.“We look forward to welcoming you at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro where, for the first time in your history, you will march behind your national flag.”This recognition comes after years of collaboration between the IOC, the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and local sports bodies. The NOC of Sudan was also praised for its key role in facilitating the establishment of the South Sudanese NOC. “We would like to thank the NOC of Sudan, which has been a real partner and friend,” stated President Bach. The Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race, staged by the Turkish Olympic Committee, witnessed another record-breaking year as 1,988 swimmers took part in the 27th edition in July. Swimmers from 49 countries swam the challenging 6.5km route.Professor Dr Ugur Erdener, President of the Turkish Olympic Committee, said: “Once again the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Race has broken its record for participation. This unique spectacle continues to grow as it attracts swimmers from all corners of the globe. “The Turkish Olympic Committee is proud to host this event in the wonderful city of Istanbul. There is no better place to welcome such a diverse set of participants. “I’d like to congratulate all of the swimmers and hope to see you here again next year for another fantastic day of competition and celebrations.”Below Almost 2,000 swimmers took part in the race on the BosphorusSPOTLIGHT ON… OLYMPIC DAYNOCS AROUND THE WORLD MARK OLYMPIC DAYA range of sporting, cultural and educational activities were organised by NOCs throughout the world to mark Olympic Day on 23 June.Among the highlights were a 10-day programme of sports activities organised by the Nepalese NOC, including a cycle rally that attracted over 1,200 participants, and an Olympic Day run, held by the Guatemalan NOC, in which more than 5,000 people took part. The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) also enjoyed a record-breaking year, with 1,816 Olympic Day events held around the country and an estimated 625,645 Americans taking part.“Olympic Day is a great platform to encourage people to get active while learning about the values at the core of the Olympic Movement,” said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun.Above Participants were encouraged to “Get Active” at events organised by NOCs on Olympic Day