Reporting from Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia – Brasov, Romania and Lausanne, Switzerland have completed Friday morning presentations to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at their 128th Session in Kuala Lumpur.
Brasov presented dynamic plans as part of its goal to increase Winter sport experience and to elevate exposure of Romania around the world.
Brasov, home to about 250,000, hosted the 2013 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival and boasts several universities.
In the IOC evaluation report published earlier this year, there were concerns about finances
An IOC evaluation report published in June lauded Brasov’s proposed use of temporary venues and the existing transportation, infrastructure and offering of free services during the Games. However, the IOC indicated that some information was missing or incorrectly provided such as hotel price and availability guarantees and some budget element.
There is also concern that three competition venues representing 30% of the athletes are too remote, up to 70 minutes away from the Olympic Village.
Brasov has proposed a balanced $17.6 million (USD) that the IOC says was inflated by 40% after three new sports – curling, speed skating and halfpipe – were added. This, according to the report, adds additional delivery risks to the overall plans.
Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah stood up after Brasov’s presentation to congratulate the bid; there were no other questions from the IOC.
Lausanne, home to the IOC headquarters, has planned a Games that it hoped will leave a valuable legacy for youth in Switzerland. Some events will be shared across the border in France.
Lausanne plans to balance the budget at $42.2 million, and hold alpine ski events in nearby France. The report describes some logistical challenges working with a second government and NOC in France, especially with respect marketing, security and legal issues,
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the location of the IOC’s headquarters in Lausanne by Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
The report also noted concerns about clarity of hotel pricing guarantees and the tight timeline of the delivery of the ice venues that could pose a risk. Overall, the IOC was impressed with Lausanne’s fit with Agenda 2020 in it’s use of existing and temporary venues.
Bid President and IOC member Patrick Baumann said that Lausanne needs the Games. He added “we want them, we can deliver – the Olympic capital will be the perfect host for the youth of the world and the Olympic movement.”
IOC Member and ISU President Ottavia Cinquanta asked the bid why Switzerland hasn’t done more for sport and the Olympic movement. The bid responded that this campaign was a step towards that goal.
IOC members will vote Friday afternoon ahead of a 17:30 (local time) announcement ceremony when the winner will be revealed. 81 voters will be eligible to cast ballots for the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games – 41 votes will be needed for a victory.
More to come…
