For more information, please contact:
Gwen Osborne, director of public affairs, (312) 906-5251
ADVISORY TO PRODUCERS, COLUMNISTS AND ASSIGNMENT, LEGAL, SPORTS,
BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY, TRAVEL, PLANNING, CITY DESK, FEATURES AND DAYBOOK EDITORS
CHICAGO–July 14, 2008–Chicago-Kent College of Law and Stuart School of Business have experts available to discuss current issues. To reach any of our experts, call Gwen Osborne, director of public affairs, at (312) 906-5251. Press releases and earlier advisories are available on our Web site: www.kentlaw.edu/news/advisory.
The 2008 Beijing Olympics begin August 8. Faculty and students from Chicago-Kent College of Law and Stuart School of Business are available for interviews about the sights and sounds of Beijing. They can talk about some of the "must-see" places for Olympics-bound visitors to go.
South African paralympic runner Oscar "Oz" Pistorius holds the world records in the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter events. Pistorius, a double amputee who competes with the aid of prosthetic lower limbs, is attempting to compete alongside able-bodied athletes in Beijing. Last year, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) amended its rules to prohibit the use of any technical device that incorporates elements that might give the user an advantage over athletes not using such a device. Officials insisted the new rules were not directed at Pistorius. Buoyed by the view of scientists who claimed Pistorius’ prosthetics gave him an advantage, the IAAF in January prohibited him from competitions under its aegis--including the 2008 Olympics. The IAAF decision was overturned in May by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Pistorius is now eligible to compete in the Olympics--if he makes the South African team. Adjunct professor, disability lawyer and paralympian Linda Mastandrea '94 is vice president of Sport and Accessibility for Chicago 2016, where she is the sports representative for the city’s bid to host the games. She is responsible for ensuring seamless integration of Chicago’s Olympic and Paralympic game plans. Professor Mastandrea holds world records in the 200-, 400-, 800- and 1500-meter wheelchair races. She competed on the U.S. Paralympic team in 1992 and 1996 and won 15 gold medals and 5 silver medals in wheelchair track in the 1990s. Professor Mastandrea is available for interviews about Oscar Pistorius’ attempts to compete in Beijing and about Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 games.
Reebok will introduce its limited-edition Yao Ming sneaker in China this week. Yao, a center with the NBA’s Houston Rockets, will compete in the 2008 Olympics as a member of the Chinese basketball team. One of China’s most recognizable athletes, he has endorsement contracts with Visa, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Garmin, Apple and Reebok. These companies hope Yao can help them expand their market share in China. Stuart School of Business professor Joel Goldhar is an expert on branding issues. He is available for interviews about the Olympics and global marketing.
Former American track and field champion Marion Jones is currently serving a six-month sentence in federal prison for lying to two grand juries about her steroid use. In October 2007 Jones admitted to having taken steroids prior to the 2000 Summer Olympics. She received a two-year suspension from competing in track and field events and subsequently retired. Jones won three gold medals and two bronze medals in the 2000 Olympics, and a gold and silver medal in the 2001 world competition. The International Association of Athletics Federations and the International Olympic Committee disqualified her and forced her to forfeit all medals, results, points and prizes. The International Olympic Committee's anti-doping rules will be in force until the games end August 24. All athletes are subject to tests for banned substances at any place and time without prior warning. Sports attorney and adjunct professor Eldon L. Ham is available for interviews about efforts to keep Olympic competition drug free.
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