September 30, 2013 – The first step for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Lahti (FIN) has been made with the first Coordination Group meeting, which took place there on 19th and 20th September 2013.

The Lahti 2017 team, led by Jukka-Pekka Vuori, President and Mika Kulmala, CEO of the Finnish Ski Association, was joined by representatives of the City of Lahti and Lahti Ski Club, FIS, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Tridem Sports, the sales agency for the TV and marketing rights holder EBU.

Upon arrival, the group was given a tour of the facilities, including the newly constructed Exhibition Centre that has a massive capacity to host the athletes and teams, broadcast operation and media, as well as spectator facilities. In addition, the members got a first-hand view of the three jumping hills, including the normal hill that is under construction to conform to the latest specifications, which will be completed in time for the season this November.

2017 is a special year in Finland, when the nation will celebrate its 100th anniversary. The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships will be the most important sporting event during the year and will play a key role in the national celebrations. The Lahti 2017 Organising Committee aims to make the World Championships a catalyst in increasing participation and interest in the Nordic ski disciplines, as outlined by its vision: “The Greatest Nordic Ski Festival Ever – Join the Celebration”.

Lahti will draw on a wealth of experience when planning for the 2017 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. The city, located approximately one hour north of Helsinki, has hosted the World Championships a record six times (1926, 1938, 1958, 1978, 1989, 2001). In addition, the city plays host to the Lahti Ski Games every March, which is a traditional classic event on the FIS World Cup circuit for all three Nordic disciplines.

FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis said: “This first Coordination Group Meeting was very positive and a good first step in the four-year road to the event. The Finnish Ski Association and Lahti have top-level facilities at their disposal and extensive experience to stage the World Championships, which enables the main focus of the work to be on the activities to create unique and special World Championships.”
– See more at: http://www.fiscrosscountry.com/news/lahti-2017-takes-first-steps,4007.html#sthash.N56qMOiu.dpuf