Argentina’s President ,Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, has announced that, within the government “Sport For All “ initiative are guarantees of free to air TV coverage for field hockey in major events where there is a national interest.
Speaking from the President’s Office, within the Argentine Women’s Bicentennial Hall in Government houses ( Casa Rosada/Pink House ) she declared that the Sport for All Program will become operational from March 1st and listed the channels who will be involved in broadcasting main sports events where there is an Argentine presence. To achieve this , broadcasters SPN, Fox Sports, TyC Sports TyCD have signed an agreement in which they pledge their commitment to this endeavour. The president applauded the development and “ welcomed the accord , giving a media presence through television to national sporting achievement ,between the Government and the broadcasters” She went on to stress , “ It is not an merely an agreement with the Government but with the Argentine people and is a vehicle to enable our sporting glories to reach popular culture. “ The initiative” , she continued , “ comes in the wake of the recent Media Act which places us in the forefront of the world following the success of Football For All.”
“Hockey for all “ The discipline will be televised across the country without charge, when the both the national women and mens squads contest the Olympics and World Championships, also the final stages of the Pan American Games and other tournaments of great relevance. "Hockey is key, because it is in the heart of citizenship and of all Argentines. Each time Las Leonas play we feel a strong bond with them. That's why they play the games and the final stages of the tournaments are going to be seen on television” ,said Gabriel Mariotto, head of the Federal Authority for Audiovisual Communication Services (AFSCA) "The list of events to be covered will be updated every six months so that a possible Champions Trophy in 2012 will also be broadcasted," the official said.
At the presentation of “ Sport for All” Carlos Retegui, coach of the world champions ,Las Leonas, was present with players Sruoga Josefina, Julia Simonassi, Silvina D'Elia and Delphine Merino. The men's squad were represented by head coach Captain Pablo Lombi and Matias Vila. The manager of the Confederación Argentina de Hockey, Gaston Bel was also present. "This is a very important decision. Everyone is entitled to have access to watch sports, whether it is rugby or hockey. It's really nice that everyone can see what we feel and live within a field, "said Sruoga. "I think it's a super positive measure that not only football can be broadcast free of charge to the entire country, but also other sports. As stated here: 'the passion we have in Argentina is very different from that found in other countries', so it's great that everyone can follow the Selected publicly, "said Merino.
But not only Las Leonas be televised, because the mens squad will also enjoy the similar attention attention . "I think it's a very good initiative and will surely benefit the amateur sports. I think this decision will be good for sports that are growing and will generate more sports culture, "says Vila. "Knowing they're going to televise them, too, generates a great joy. Personally, I love watching men's hockey so I'm happy to know that we will be able to see live, "said Merino. "It's very important that everyone can see our athletes representing our country directly and live coverage . This is a demonstration of plurality and, as a lover of my country this decision makes me very happy. " Retegui said. "Television is the most popular and massive. Playing for the whole country with them able to watch , makes us very happy. As a result, it will generate an develop male hockey and make hockey a more popular discipline, “ Men’s captain Lombi added. .
The "Sports for All" program details were expanded on the official casarosada.gov.ar government website. The record deal was signed by the national government with SPN, Fox Sports, TyC Sports TyCD and will take effect from next March del1 °. After discussion at a public hearing with representatives of all sectors, the Federal Council defined the list of TV relevant skills. According to Article 77 of the Act and Audiovisual Communication Services it should ensure access for all citizens to watch sports on TV for free. It is required by the Act is that ways and mechanisms are found so events of national interest can reach the general public through television and that they are open and, therefore, free. The decisions taken by the Federal Council of Audiovisual Communication currently includes the following broad range of sports events:
- Participation Argentina in the World Championships, Olympic and Pan American and final stages of these tournaments.. - Participation of national representatives in official tournaments or friendlies. - Participation in final stages in events featuring national athletes Argentine individual sports including doubles, in the case of tennis. - Football tournament organized by the Confederation Sudamericana. - Finishing Touches of the Nissan Sudamericana, Recopa cups South American Libertadores Santander and all other tournaments organized by CONMEBOL. - Copa America Cup final stages. - Soccer Tournament First Division organized by the AFA. - National Party B, Argentino A, B Argentino, Argentino C and regional tournaments organized by the AFA or AFA Federal Council for areas where the local team's participation is relevant. - Club World Cup (FIFA): Participation in Argentina and the final national qualifiers- Basketball: National League TNA: for areas where the local team's participation is relevant. - Rugby: Torneo Argentino for areas where the local team's participation is relevant. - Volleyball: Liga Argentina for areas where the local team's participation is relevant.
