Jean-Claude Killy gives positive progress report for Torino 2006

Jean-Claude Killy gives positive progress report for Torino 2006The IOC’s co-ordination commission just completed an examination of Torino’s venues — the eighth visit the group has made to the city which will host the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.

In addition to reviewing the progress made by the Organising Committee for the Torino 2006 Olympic and Paralympic Games (TOROC), the Coordination Commission specifically addressed the services that will be provided to the athletes and international federations, the national Olympic committees, the media and sponsors.

“Since our last visit in June, Torino has taken a big step towards being ready for the Games of 2006,” said Coordination Commission Chairman Jean-Claude Killy “There has been encouraging progress in all areas. Throughout the city, construction sites are finally becoming Olympic venues, showing respect for the urban environment and Torino’s architectural heritage.”

“TOROC has also demonstrated progress in its planning and operations: work in areas like transport is now very advanced,” said Killy. “The progress in Torino and in the mountains comes just in time. This Winter, world class sports events will provide important tests of the facilities that will serve the Games. There is no time to be lost in the race to be ready for the world’s best Winter sports athletes.”

The Coordination Commission’s previous visit to Torino confirmed the existence of significant gaps between potential demand and supply in areas such as accommodation.

“There is still much work to be done but I remain confident that everything can be completed on time, as long as we make the most of every moment between now and the Games,” said Killy.

This week’s meetings of the IOC Coordination Commission in Torino follows recent visits to Rome by IOC President Jacques Rogge, Coordination Commission Chairman Jean-Claude Killy and Olympic Games Executive Director Gilbert Felli. They addressed Italian support for the Games.

Working groups of the Coordination Commission will continue to visit Torino during the coming months and clusters of test events. The full Commission will meet again in Torino in June 2005.