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The Host City Contract for the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck in 2012 was signed in the Tyrolean capital by IOC President Jacques Rogge, the Host City and the Austrian National Olympic Committee (NOC) authorities.

President Rogge, accompanied by an IOC delegation including IOC administration representatives, visited several competition venues where the events will be held in 2012.

He also met a group of young students who appeared on the promotional video clip for the Innsbruck bid. “We are glad to be back in Innsbruck where the extraordinary 1964 and 1976 Olympic Winter Games were staged”, said the IOC President at the press conference.

Given the short preparation time (three years), the IOC President underlined that Innsbruck was a strong partner, in terms of already existing first-class venues; Innsbruck’s high degree of competence in organising international sports events; the enthusiastic population that has an excellent understanding of winter sports; and the full support of the local, regional and national authorities.

Moreover, the Innsbruck 2012 bid excelled through its good understanding of the cultural and educational component of the Youth Olympic Games. The event will thus offer an excellent platform to create a true community between the youth of the world and the participants by learning and sharing experiences. Specific cultural and on line activities will spread the fever beyond the Austrian borders. “Innsbruck can count on the IOC and particularly on the Coordination Commission under the leadership of IOC member Gian-Franco Kasper,” added President Rogge.

The 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games will encompass all seven Olympic winter sports: bobsleigh (bobsleigh, skeleton), biathlon, curling, ice hockey, luge, skating (short-track, speed skating, figure skating) and skiing. The latter will feature Alpine, cross-country, freestyle, Nordic combined, ski jumping and snowboarding. Details of the events and qualification systems will be elaborated in close relationship with the International Olympic Winter Sports Federations in the near future.

(Source: IOC)