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≡ 144th IOC SESSION ≡
The Thursday morning reports at the International Olympic Committee’s 144th Session in Costa Navarino, Greece focused on the upcoming organizing committees for the Olympic, Winter and Youth Olympic Games.
The overall tone was highly positive, especially from the upcoming Winter Games in Italy next February.
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The Milan Cortina Winter Games organizers offered an energetic report, with IOC member and organizing committee chief Giovanni Malago (ITA) noting that while prior to the year-to-go events, there was little notice of the Games, there is now a “growing sense of expectation and excitement.”
Chief executive Andrea Varnier noted that the interest level has been confirmed by the sale of more than 613,000 tickets – out of 1.5 million – in the first two sales windows and before the general sales begin on 8 April. The largest buyers from outside of Italy have been from Germany, the U.S., Britain, Switzerland, The Netherlands and France.
Exceptionally impressive was that buyers in the 25-34 age group bought 30% of the tickets and 25% were sold to the 35-45 age group.
Volunteer applications for 18,000 positions has exceeded 100,000, with half under age 35.
On construction, the Olympic Village in Milan is “almost complete,” and while the timeline on the Santaguilia ice hockey arena is tight, the private developers assure that it will be available by October, so that a temporary ice sheet generator can be installed for a test tournament in early December.
IOC President Thomas Bach (GER) noted that while some Italian-organized events in the past have been nail-biters right to the end on readiness, “We are not nervous any more” about Milan Cortina.
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Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris, in his always-enthusiastic manner, explained that the organizing committee has created a two-part work program of (1) strategy and development from now through 2028, and (2) the delivery and operations of the Games to 2032.
He emphasized that the “brand blueprint” and commercial strategy have been set, well ahead of being able to sell sponsorships in 2027. The Games logo will be created in 2026.
A major undertaking is in community engagement, not only locally in Queensland, but across Australia and in Oceania. A deep commitment to working with indigenous peoples was also emphasized.
Chief Executive Cindy Hook (USA) said the organizing committee has 35 staff at present.
Liveris spoke briefly about the upcoming Queensland government’s announcement – on 25 March – of the venues to be constructed, and said he was “very positive about the way forward.”
Hook said that many federations have already contacted Brisbane 2032 about possible added sports, but these will have to be balanced against the athlete capacity in the Village, and venue availability.
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The future French Alps 2030 Winter Games is just getting going, but new President Edgar Grospiron – the 1992 Olympic Moguls champion – emphasized the existing venues which regularly host World Cups and World Championships in winter sports.
The Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 organizing committee – recently formally launched – was represented by President Fraser Bullock. No report was presented.
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