October 31, 2010 (Val di Fiemme, Italy0 – The 5th meeting of the Coordination Group for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2013 in Val di Fiemme (ITA) was held on Monday, October 25 in Cavalese. The group led by FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis was greeted by unexpected heavy fresh snow. She reported to FIS Newsflash afterwards: “Yet again the Organizing Committee of Val di Fiemme 2013 has taken another huge step with their work. The drive and enthusiasm within the group is producing strong results especially with innovative programs to reach out to spectators both nationally and internationally.”

Despite the early snowfall, the work underway at the Cross-Country Ski Center at Lago di Tesero is on schedule to host the FIS Tour de Ski 2010/2011 final stages on January 8-9, 2011. The underground area under construction will be hosting all TV production vehicles during the 2013 Worlds, and it will be used as storage area afterwards. The modernization projects at both of the stadiums, including the Ski Jumping stadium in Predazzo, are set to be completely finished by end of next year.

The 2013 Fiemme team presented several projects planned for the years to come, such as the official opening ceremony in Trento, the capital city of Trentino region. A massive promotional campaign has started and contract has been signed for ‘Casa Trentino Fiemme’ at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2011 in Oslo, which will offer Italian-style food and wine hospitality in the heart of downtown Oslo, just 100m from medal plaza.

The OC’s major focus this winter will be Rampa con i Campioni, a popular race before final of the Tour de Ski, and the South Nordic Festival during the Tour de Ski. Val di Fiemme 2013 is fortunate to be able to build on the support of over a thousand local volunteers – nicknamed the ‘Yellow Jackets’ – who truly put their heart and soul to helping with the events. Applications to continue this local tradition have been coming in thick and fast and already more than 700 volunteers have been accepted, representing nearly two-thirds of the requirement. One particular point of interest is a notable decrease in the average age of the new applications to 42 as well as almost equal representation between men and ladies.

For more information on the preparations for Fiemme 2013, visit www.fiemme2013.com