On the Way to Olympics
YOG 2020: Final preparations underway as Olympic flame fuels excitement across Switzerland
4 October 2019 года
YOG 2020: Final preparations underway as Olympic flame fuels excitement across Switzerland

The Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Organising Committee outlined at its last meeting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission the final preparations for the 3rd Winter YOG, just days after the Youth Olympic flame was lit.

Undoubtedly one of the pre-YOG highlights, the 110-day Torch Tour now begins its journey through the 26 Swiss cantons and into Les Tuffes on the French border. The Tour will take the flame to 45 city centres and iconic Swiss locations to engage all corners of the country and will promote the free access to venues to watch the best young athletes in the world. In addition to the sporting action, the ground-breaking “En Jeux!” festivals will allow spectators to try out the Youth Olympic sports. The tour includes a stop at the home of the FIS Office, Oberhofen am Thunersee on the 12th of November.

With innovation and sustainability at the core of all Youth Olympic Games editions, Lausanne 2020 has capitalised on the world-famous efficient Swiss public transport systems that will be in place to bring not only spectators to venues, but also athletes and their delegations. This system was tested effectively by the Coordination Commission members, who made the journey from Lausanne to the curling venue in Champéry. 

The Coordination Commission also paid a visit to the Vaudoise Arena, the new venue for the YOG ice hockey events. Meanwhile, just a short metro ride away, the Vortex student housing complex, which will serve as the first Youth Olympic Village with all athletes “under one roof”, is due to be completed in the coming weeks.

IOC Coordination Commission Chair Danka Bartekova said: “From the very beginning, Lausanne 2020 set out to present the most innovative and sustainable approach to the YOG, from the use of existing venues and systems to the engagement of young people and their fresh ideas throughout the project. It will truly be a celebration of youth and sport across the nation and across borders.”

Lausanne 2020 President Virginie Faivre said: “We are so pleased to present the final phase of our preparation to the members of the IOC Coordination Commission. These last few days, the Commission members not only had the opportunity to hear details about the athletes’ Games-time experience; they also had the chance to see it for themselves. Our time spent up in Champéry provided insights into the unique Games that we are creating. We look forward to having the world’s athletes enjoy the Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020 in January.”

FIS Secretary General and member of the Lausanne 2020 IOC Coordination Commission Sarah Lewis added: ”With only three months until the start of the Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games, the excitement is building in Lausanne and at the venues as they implement final preparations. This 3rd edition of the Winter YOG will be particularly special for the athletes and all participants taking place in the Olympic Capital where they will really feel the significance of the Olympic spirit.”

For fans around the world, the Lausanne 2020, IOC and Olympic Channel teams are working on creating an immersive and engaging Games-time digital experience. The Games-time website was launched last week and will be followed by the official app in November. Digital tools are being created to allow fans and athletes to personalise and augment their content to experience the Games through their own eyes. The Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020 will also be carried on traditional, linear television, as Swiss national television (RTS-SRF) will broadcast some of the competitions live.

The Winter YOG Lausanne 2020 will take place from 9th to 22nd January 2020.

Source: fis-ski.com




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