September 08, 2011 (Innsbruck, Austria) – The IOC Coordination Commission for the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck in 2012 has concluded its fourth and final visit to the Austrian host city. The Coordination Commission visit took place after three successful days of Chefs de Mission meetings with all 65 nations that will compete in Innsbruck.

With 128 days to go until the Opening Ceremony, Innsbruck 2012 remains on track as it enters the operational readiness phase in its planning. Chaired by FIS President Gian Franco Kasper, the IOC Coordination Commission was particularly impressed with the progress of the Youth Olympic Village (YOV). The YOV will accommodate approximately 1,660 athletes and officials during Games time, and, as a legacy of the Youth Olympic Games, will be used as affordable housing once the Games have concluded.

“The Innsbruck Organizing Committee heads into the final few months of preparation with an extremely organized and creative team who are working tirelessly to ensure an unforgettable elite sporting event for the world’s best young winter athletes,” said President Kasper. “This unique host city has a rich Olympic history, and today we can feel the excitement building as it makes history again with the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games.”

The IOC has supported the move to have all Snowboard and Freestyle Skiing events at the Kühtai venue. Based at over 2,000 meters and with excellent snowmaking facilities that practically guarantee snow conditions, the venue, thanks to the new facilities, is expected to become one of the best winter freestyle sport and training centers in Europe. This adds to the legacy of the recently completed Biathlon shooting range at the Seefeld venue.

At Innsbruck 2012, several new disciplines will be seen for the first time at an Olympic event, such as Snowboard slopestyle, Freestyle Ski halfpipe and Ice Hockey skills challenge. Also integrated into the sports program for the first time is ladies’ Ski Jumping, the winner of which will be awarded the first Winter Youth Olympic Games medal.

For more information, visit www.innsbruck2012.com