A working group led by Jean-Claude Killy, the Chairman of the IOC
Coordination Commission for the XX Olympic Winter Games – Torino 2006, has
completed two days of visits and meetings in Turin. As well as going on an
extensive tour of the city and mountain venues, the group also reviewed the
plans put forward by the Organising Committee for the XX Olympic Winter
Games – Torino 2006 (TOROC) across a full range of Olympic Games
preparations issues. The full Coordination Commission will visit Turin for
the last time in November, while smaller groups from the IOC will continue
to make regular visits to review progress and advise on operations.
Transformation
Commenting on the visit, Chairman Killy said, “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 Turin’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.”
Passion
“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.”
Vital Operations
“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,” he
concluded.
Brought To Life
TOROC President Valentino Castellani commented on TOROC’s progress: “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.”