With a year and a half until the Nordic Skiing world converges on Lahti (FIN) for the 2017 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, the FIS Coordination Group came together for two days of meetings that gave every indication Lahti 2017 has entered the operational phase.
From the reconstruction of the jumping hills, to the building of an impressive new bridge for the Cross-Country tracks, it was clear as soon as the Coordination Group set foot at the stadium that Lahti 2017 is in full preparation mode.
Once inside the meeting room, representatives from FIS, the European Broadcast Union and its marketing partner Tridem received a full briefing from the Lahti 2017 Organising Committee and the City of Lahti.
The Lahti 2017 Organising Committee, which now numbers more than 30 employees, provided updates on every area, from sport to accommodation to accreditation and marketing. Following the overview of general aspects, smaller groups in specific areas came together for more operational and detailed interaction.
Since the previous Coordination Group meeting last spring, Lahti 2017 has signed Stora Enso as the title sponsor of the Championships. In addition, the Organising Committee has moved into its new offices located directly at the stadium and the vision, mission and organisational structure have also been finalised.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm for Lahti 2017 and there is a need right now in Finland for these World Championships. During this difficult time with the Finnish economy, the World Championships brings positive news and the public are rallying around it and we need to be sure to keep that positive spirit,” said Lahti 2017 CEO Janne Leskinen.
Looking ahead, the main focus will be on the pre-World Championship competitions, which will feature all three Nordic disciplines from 19th-21st February 2016. The Organising Committee is also busy working on its Ski Festival concept and finalising the World Championship schedule.
“This 5th Coordination Group visit saw that most things are really moving full speed ahead,” said FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis. “From walking around the venue, listening to the reports and interacting with the Lahti 2017 team, it is clear that the Organising Committee has been hard at work throughout the summer to prepare both for the test event and onwards to the World Championships.”
A countdown clock will be unveiled in December in Lahti town square, where the medal plaza will be located, while a second clock is planned to be erected in Helsinki. Another great boost for the Championships is that the new high speed train network connecting Helsinki airport with Lahti and an upgraded service from the city centre is completed.
Lahti 2017 also has several plans to attract both local and international fans and will shortly unveil a new website aimed towards international Nordic Skiing community and fans and continues to keep its social media channels active via #Lahti2017.
Source: fis-ski.com
