Led by Chairman and Olympic skiing legend Jean-Claude Killy, the IOC’s Coordination Commission has concluded its 10th and final full visit to Torino to review preparations for the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games. The Commission’s visit comprised three days of intensive meetings and site visits, and considered all aspects of the work required to ensure the successful staging of the Games.

IOC Coordination Commission Chairman Jean-Claude Killy said: “In terms of the seven years it takes to work on hosting the Olympic Games, the Opening Ceremony for Torino 2006 is now only a moment away. In and around Torino, great preparation work has been accomplished. The IOC is confident that one final effort from the Torino 2006 team, working as one, will lead to wonderfully successful Games. The world’s best winter sports athletes deserve nothing less.”

After meetings which brought together the representatives of the government at city, regional and national level, with five ministers present, Killy said: “We were particularly pleased to see all the public authorities that will help Torino 2006 deliver the Games around the same table. Preparing for the Olympic Games is a team effort. It is important this team stays focused and stays together, taking its cue from strong leadership on the part of the Organising Committee.”

Following the lighting of the Olympic torch on 27 November in ancient Olympia, and prior to its arrival in Rome on 7 December, Killy said: “Italy’s passion for sport is legendary. As the Olympic torch continues its relay towards Torino, I expect the whole country to be set alight as the passion for these Games builds and builds. With the winter sports season well under way, all eyes are turning to Torino and to Italy. Tens of thousands of people are looking forward to experiencing a festival spirit in Turin, while hundreds of millions more are looking forward to watching the Games.”

Drawing on his own experience and that of his IOC colleagues of organising successful Olympic Winter Games, Killy said: “Of course there will be challenges at Games time: there are always surprises either with the weather or a whole range of other issues. The success of the Games will depend on the ability of the organisers to overcome those challenges through successful Games operations. The IOC is confident that TOROC and its partners have the skills and experience to find solutions wherever there may be problems.”

Torino 2006 Organising Committee (TOROC) President Valentino Castellani added: “For more than six years now, we have had the opportunity to appreciate the advice and experience of the IOC Coordination Commission. We all share the same passion for the Olympic Games and this passion drives us all to want to do our best possible work to ensure the success of the Games. We are especially passionate about doing our best for the athletes. The athletes’ dreams of the Games motivate them through many years of training. I am confident they will be delighted by what they find in and around Turin.”

Although no further Coordination Commission meetings will take place before the Olympic Winter Games in Turin, smaller groups from the IOC will continue to visit, providing observations, advice and helping apply lessons from previous Games. IOC President Jacques Rogge will visit Turin, where he will meet with TOROC, tour venues and visit the ISU speed skating World Cup event, on 9 December.

IOC