DEAN:
In sports, the International Olympic committee has refused to allow a French badge on air quality in Beijing. The IOC has rejected French athletes bid to wear a badge reading "For a Better World" at the Olympics Games opening ceremony.

French Sports Minister Bernard Laporte says he was very disappointed and is calling on media to boycott the opening ceremony.

The French double Olympic judo champion David Douillet says it is a sad day for all sports.

Meanwhile, in related news Beijing residents may see a couple of months of clean air. The Chinese Communist Party is allegedly forcing Beijing’s worst polluters to close for two months. This is a cosmetic effort to reduce air pollution during the Games.

Athletes continue to raise concerns that their performances and health will be affected.

Marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie, who suffers from asthma, has already said he would not compete. He fears Beijing's air pollution would damage his health.