olympic games

A working group from the IOC Coordination Commission for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, led by Commission Chairman René Fasel, has completed three days of visits and meetings in Vancouver. The working group reviewed the plans put forward by the Vancouver Organising Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) across a full range of Olympic Games preparations issues. The working group also assessed VANOC’s progress in working towards learning from the Torino 2006 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Partners

The meetings concluded with sessions involving all the partners working towards Vancouver 2010, including various levels of government, the Canadian Olympic Committee and local First Nations. The full IOC Coordination Commission will visit Vancouver in June 2006, while smaller groups from the IOC will continue to make regular visits to review projects and provide transfer-of-knowledge services.

Transfer Of Knowledge

“In just five months from now, the Vancouver team will have a chance to test its plans against the reality of Torino 2006,” said IOC Coordination Commission Chairman René Fasel. “The IOC has put the transfer of knowledge between Games organisers at the heart of successful Olympic Games preparations, and we are pleased to see that VANOC will be in an excellent position to learn from Torino 2006.”

Turn To Vancouver

“During the Torino 2006 Closing Ceremony, the eyes of the winter sports world will turn to Vancouver, as the Olympic flag is passed on,” continued Fasel. “The IOC expects the winter sports world will be delighted with what it sees here in Vancouver, just as we have been pleased to see construction starting and a solid team of commercial and non-commercial partners showing support for the project.”

Promises Kept

“Throughout Vancouver 2010’s bid and preparation work, we have recognised strong promises to put athletes first and to create sustainable legacies for Canadian sport,” said Fasel. “The powerful partnership here in Vancouver, led by VANOC, is starting to deliver on its promises. The IOC is confident Vancouver 2010’s promises will be kept, for the benefit of local communities and for sport across the country.”

Vision

VANOC CEO John Furlong said: “Our vision is one of a stronger Canada, whose spirit is raised by its passion for sport, culture and sustainability. With the support of our partners, we are starting to turn that vision into reality. The next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are just around the corner and, as all of Canada supports its athletes in Turin, we will be learning all that we can in order to deliver an extraordinary Olympic and Paralympic experience of our own.”