By Frank Enright
Xanana Gusmao trophy
A soccer tournament in Bourges, France, on June 11-12 featured a "Xanana Gusmao Challenge". Gusmao is the jailed leader of Fretilin, the East Timor resistance.
The trophy, a statue featuring a black soccer player with blonde hair(!) was won this year by Association of Drivers Originally from Portugal (ACOP) of Bagnolet. It will be recontested at next year's tournament on May 1.
The tournament and the challenge, which involve six clubs, were organised by the Association of Portuguese Collectivities in France. The trophy was paid for by East Timor solidarity groups. ACOP were especially proud to win the trophy because they have a record of solidarity work.
Tour de France
The world's most prestigious bicycle race will be covered live by SBS as it winds its way through France from July 3 to 25; it will be screened daily between Sunday and Thursday at 6pm, with a one-hour program each Saturday from 5.30pm.
A cultural institution in France, the race is a 3900 km battle between professional cyclists and the beautiful and often rugged scenery. This year for only the second time in its 86 years, the race will visit England, taking in Dover, Brighton and Portsmouth.
The 23-day event will undoubtedly be a breathtaking experience for the 200 competitors racing in close formation at speeds of 70 kph and more — great action and great scenery.
Brazil
As Green Left went to press, the result of the World Cup clash between Brazil and the US in the second round was not known, although it could be guessed at. The game, played on July 4 (US Independence Day) Australia time, should put Brazil into the quarter-finals.
There has been speculation that if the Brazilian national team fails to win the ultimate soccer tournament, it may adversely affect the government's chances in the October general election. Economic crisis and soaring unemployment are expected to produce a large vote for the leftist Workers Party (PT). A World Cup loss would, it is suggested, almost certainly assure the PT of victory. A win by Brazil and the PT would be a fantastic double.
World Cup coverage
The World Cup is reaching its climax, and SBS's comprehensive coverage continues with all the closing stage games being covered live. For those unable to follow the live coverage, or who wish to relive the magic, SBS screens World Cup Super Matches with highlights of the top games at 11pm each night.
Boxing
Muhammad Ali at the peak of his career was the most recognised public figure in the world — knocking the queen of England into a distant second. A record three times world heavyweight champion, he began fighting as an amateur as Cassius Clay, winning 161 bouts. Immediately following his defeat of then world champion Sonny Liston in 1960 he assumed his Nation of Islam name: Muhammad Ali.
Malcolm X soon became a close collaborator and mentor of the young Ali. Later, as ex-champion after having been stripped of his title for refusing to do military service in Vietnam, Ali became a frequent antiwar spokesperson, speaking at over 200 campuses around the US. SBS profiles Muhammad Ali in its People series, broadcast 8.30pm, Friday, July 8.
Other TV sports
Volleyball: World League 1994 — ABC, 11.05pm, Thursday, July 7. Sydney Cup — ABC, 11.30pm, Friday, July 8.
Basketball: The Story of a Game — The Federation of International Basketball Association celebrates 100 years of basketball. SBS, 4.30pm July 9. Women's National League — ABC, 5pm, Saturday, July 9.