The 2012 London Olympics may be banned from having the spectacular fireworks displays of previous opening and closing ceremonies after the governing body said it would investigate environmental concerns. Organisers of the London Games have still not decided whether they will include fireworks in their ceremonies but the decision could be made for them after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) promised to look into the environmental impact.
Sri Lankan National Olympic Committee president Hemasiri Fernando raised concerns about the polluting effects of fireworks during an IOC meeting in Acapulco on Sunday and IOC President Jacques Rogge said the issue would be referred to the IOC's Sport and Environment Committee for further examination.
"I'm not saying it's going to happen but we are going to study it in a very serious way," Rogge told reporters at a conference.
Pyrotechnic displays have been heavily featured at Olympic ceremonies but environmentalists want them replaced by laser shows because of the toxins the explosives shower on to the ground and waterways below.
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I fully support the view expressed by Angela (Tues 26 Oct 4:55AM). Fireworks have become a part of the spectacle of the opening and closing ceremonies and should not be banned by the IOC.
The jet fuel burned to fly the athletes in creates far greater effects than the fireworks.
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