FIS will stay vigilant of Val d'Isere 2009 progress

The resignation of Jean-Claude Killy from his position as president of the board of directors of the organizing committee for the 2009 World Alpine Ski Championships in Val d’Isère has helped to bring the project back on course and shed light on the most urgent issues.
THE RESIGNATION of Jean-Claude Killy from his position as president of the board of directors of the organizing committee for the 2009 World Alpine Ski Championships in Val d’Isère has helped to bring the project back on course and shed light on the most urgent issues.
    Following a meeting with all the partners responsible for the delivery of the infrastructure on Monday in Val d’Isère, FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis said progress has been made but rigorous oversight must continue.
    “Our meeting to review the organizing committee’s progress was very constructive – we are all on the same page and realize that we cannot afford to lose more time,” Lewis said. “Significant steps have already been taken in key areas although there is no room for complacency, and the intensity of the efforts needs to be maintained. Work is under way to complete the necessary modifications to the slopes. However, the milestones for the sports center that will house the media and logistical center will be challenging to meet and we are going to be keeping a keen eye on that.”
    Last week, Val d’Isere Mayor and Organizing Committee President Bernard Catelan and other representatives of local and regional institutions were invited by Roselyn Bachelot, the French minister for sports, to review the current state of the event’s organization. The minister reiterated her confidence in the project but also called for vigilance, including the need for a strict and stringent schedule. The organizing committee was asked to present a bi-weekly progress report to the minister beginning immediately.