There are alaways rumors of 'funding if fed belongs to OC who in turn belongs to IOC.' It may be true in some feds not certainly not many, but I believe the situation varies considerably by country and even by state/provence/whatever within country; and I also know it can vary by what is funded - junior team development only is one variable.

After fin became Olympic acknowledged, CMAS encouraged all feds to join their OC (Olympic Committe or NOC, National Olympic Comm). USA did so. Dues are really nominal - were $25 now $100 USD/year. But we get absolutuly zero in return.

The only possible funding WAS for fin, and we were never successful in applying for money. We were told specifically do not apply for uw hockey or any other sport that is not Olympic. And now all funds go thru the national governing bodies for the Olympic sports - zip for fin.

USOC is divided into 4 groups: Olympic/Pan Am sports; community based sports (ie YMCA, etc); disabled/para olympic sports; and emerging sports - called affiliated sports - USA is in Affiliated along with about 4 other sports.

So, everyone will now say, wow lets be Olympic. Last time I looked, to apply required 75 countries playing and at WCs. When fin succeeded in application, the number of 50. And current IOC president is on record saying no NEW summer sports. And from my view of Olympic 'stuff,' wow it removes all the recreation and amateurism out of sport. It is no longer fun.

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Carol Rose