Test runs for PyeongChang 2018 sliding center successfully completed

PyeongChang, October 31 – Test runs for the newly built Alpensia Sliding Center were successfully held from October 25 to 29 in the host city of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.

For 5 days, 28 athletes and officials from 10 nations represented the International Luge Federation (FIL) while 50 athletes and officials from 7 nations participated for the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF). Each team was able to carry out at least 3 laps to test the new sliding center.

As sliding centers inherently involve risk to competing athletes, it was crucial to test all safety related facilities. The PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympics Winter Games (POCOG) and Gangwon Province have been working closely to prepare for the *pre-homologation.

Lambert Koppen, a third party technician recognized by FIL and IBSF from Johnson Controls mentioned, "After the cooling plant inspection, I can give a green light to start the pre-homologation. Many points are done and the cooling plant is now safe for the athletes."

Subsequently, the athletes were able to conduct seamless practice sessions throughout the pre-homologation process.

The successful result of the pre-homologation was an opportunity to build confidence for POCOG, Gangwon Province, and international federations prior to the test events, which are scheduled to be held from February 16 to 19 (Luge) and March 17 to 19 (Bobsleigh & Skeleton).

POCOG Vice President of Games Operations BAEK Sungil said, "POCOG and Gangwon Province are proud to have achieved such great results. As safety is our top priority, we are still in the process of improving the venues for all athletes, spectators, and staff to enjoy the actual Games as well as the upcoming test events."

*The pre-homologation is a part of a greater process of inspecting, which is undertaken before homologation and then followed by the test event.

# Attached

Photo 1 – Test runs for PyeongChang 2018 sliding center successfully completed (Bobsleigh)

Photo 2 – Test runs for PyeongChang 2018 sliding center successfully completed (Skeleton)

Photo 3 – Test runs for PyeongChang 2018 sliding center successfully completed (Luge)

For more information:

CONTACT:

POCOG Press Office: pressoffice@pyeongchang2018.com

Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/pyeongchang2018_kr

Web: http://www.pyeongchang2018.com/horizon/eng/index.asp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PyeongChang2018

Twitter: https://twitter.com/2018PyeongChang

About POCOG

The PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (POCOG) will host the XXIII edition of the Olympic Winter Games on 9-25 February 2018. Approximately 95 countries and 3,000 athletes are expected to take part in the first Olympic Winter Games to be held in Asia in 20 years. Seven sports comprising 15 disciplines will be on the official program.

The PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games will take place on 9-18 March 2018, with approximately 50 countries and 670 athletes competing. Six sports are on the Paralympic program.

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POCOG Press Office

The PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games

Address) 108-27, Olympic-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, 25347, Korea

PyeongChang Headquarter) +82.33.350.2197

Seoul Office) +82.2.2076.2195~2196

Email) pressoffice@pyeongchang2018.com

Web) www.pyeongchang2018.com

Flickr) www.flickr.com/photos/pyeongchang2018_kr

Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/PyeongChang2018

Twitter) https://twitter.com/2018PyeongChang

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