IOC coordination commission working group in Torino

IOC coordination commission working group in Torino{mosimage}A working group from the IOC Coordination Commission for the Torino 2006 Olympic Games, led by Commission Chairman Jean-Claude Killy, has completed two days of visits and meetings in Torino. The working group reviewed the plans put forward by the Torino Organising Committee for the 2006 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (TOROC) across a full range of Olympic Games preparations issues, with the team led by Killy also completing an extensive tour of city and mountain venues.

‘With less than 50 days until the Olympic flame is lit, the IOC came here looking for progress. As construction reaches its final stages, we have been pleased to see that Torino’s Olympic transformation is nearly complete. Almost all the ingredients are now in place for Torino 2006 to offer the world great Olympic Winter Games’ said Killy.

‘Italy’s passion for its Games is also starting to be felt. The IOC is confident that passion will be evident to the world during the Games, with smiling volunteers, cheering supporters and a fantastic welcome for all those who come here,’ said Killy. ‘We are also confident the passion will live on after the Games. The excellent legacy prospects for Torino and the surrounding area are becoming clearer. In Pragelato, for example, a new home for Italian ski jumping of the highest quality will continue to benefit winter sport in this country for many years to come.’

‘Of course, not everything is finished yet and the IOC will continue to avoid complacency until after the Closing Ceremony, just as we do at every Olympic Games’ continued Killy. ‘The remaining test events will give the Games organisers vital opportunities to improve further on plans that have been drawn up for the venues now being completed.’

TOROC President Valentino Castellani said: ‘As construction work comes to an end in our city and the surrounding areas, we can see what we always imagined: that the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will leave a lasting and positive impression. Before then, of course, the venues are being brought to life. They will be filled with the passion of competition and the passion of all those who are working to make sure these Italian Games are as good as they can be. When the IOC Coordination Commission returns, we are confident we will be able to show them that everything is in place.’

The full IOC Coordination Commission will visit Turin in November, for the last time prior to the Games, while smaller groups from the IOC will continue to make regular visits to review progress and advise on operations.