GOAL seeks sport's aid in tsunami relief

SPORT DIGEST: The Irish sporting community will unite next weekend in support of the victims of the Indian ocean tsunami disaster.

In what has been designated "GOAL Sport Aid Weekend", sporting organisations across the country are being asked to support the efforts of aid organisation GOAL to alleviate suffering in South East Asia.

John O'Shea, GOAL CEO, said yesterday: "We are asking that a collection be taken up at all sporting venues by participants and spectators alike next weekend."

The call has received the backing of sporting bodies with GAA president Seán Kelly, confirming: "We enthusiastically support this idea and we would encourage all our members to help in whatever way they can next weekend."

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne confirmed his organisation would also support the appeal. O'Shea is asking that proceeds raised be sent to GOAL, PO Box 19, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin or phone 01 2809779.

MOTOR SPORT: Former world champion Colin McRae yesterday took a narrow lead in the Dakar Rally after winning a 10km special stage on the third day outside Granada in Spain.

The Scot, driving his Nissan, timed seven minutes 48 seconds, six seconds clear of Belgium's Stephane Peterhansel, last year's overall winner. Finn Ari Vatanen, also in a Nissan, was another four seconds behind.

McRae has a one second overall lead on debutant Robby Gordon of the US. The rally shipped out to Africa overnight ready for today's 666km stage, the first of two in Morocco.

OLYMPICS: Britain's Sebastian Coe is to take part in a television debate with his rival bid leaders in the campaign to win the 2012 Olympic Games.

Coe, chairman of the London bid, will have up to three minutes to present London's case in a programme organised and screened by BBC World.

It is understood his opponents will include Philippe Baudillon, chief executive of Paris 2012, and Dan Doctoroff, leader of the New York bid, while Moscow and Madrid will also be represented. The presentations will be given in English and will be recorded in Turin on January 27th.

CRICKET: Pakistan lost eight wickets for just 87 runs to slump to 292 for nine and squander a brilliant start by Salman Butt and Yasir Hameed on the opening day of the third Test with Australia in Sydney yesterday.

Butt celebrated his maiden Test 100 with a fine 108 while Yasir blazed 58. However, their efforts were wasted when the tourists' batting crumbled.

Recalled leg-spinner Stuart MacGill captured five wickets while in-form paceman Glenn McGrath bagged three to leave the world champions in a strong position when play ended early at the Sydney Cricket Ground because of bad light.

ATHLETICS: American sprinter Mickey Grimes has been banned for two years after committing his second doping violation, the United States Anti-Doping Agency has said.

Grimes, a member of the HSInternational training group, accepted the suspension after testing positive for the banned substance norandrosterone.

In 2003 the 28-year-old lost his 100 metres gold medal in the 2003 Pan American Games after testing positive for ephedrine.