72 NOC representatives that will take part in the Vancouver Winter Games next year completed their second day of presentations, meetings, in addition to inner city sports venue, Olympic Village and Ceremony site visits.
VANOC officials gave updates on detailed planning and reassured delegates that the Olympic Village in Vancouver and up in Whistler will be ready on time.
With all of the test events now completed the curling venue is the only venue to be officially opened. This will take place at a ceremony this week in Vancouver.
OCI’s Stephen Martin said “delegates at the Chef de Mission Seminar have been impressed so far by the warm welcome, efficient presentations, excellent venues, and VANOC’s response to NOC issues raised. The bottom line for us is that the Olympic Winter Games is major multi sport event and our priority over the coming months is to ensure that plans being put in place by the Organising Committee (VANOC) meet the needs of our athlete and officials .”
Note; 5,500 athletes will be watched by an expected 3 billion television viewers and by 1.6 million ticket holding spectators during the Games. 60,000 volunteers have registered so far with 25,000 expected to be selected to assist the smooth operation of the Games.
10,000 journalists will be accredited to cover the Games at spectacular venues at this beautiful location.