IOC Panel in Sochi One Last Time
The IOC coordination commission this week makes its final visit to Sochi ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics. The 12-member group will have the chance to review final preparations for the Games next February.
Construction is winding down quickly with Games overlay the next big project.
Commission chairman Jean-Claude Killy will hold a press conference at the conclusion of the three-day meeting September 26.
"We are delighted to be back in Sochi and are looking forward to the next three days of meetings," said Killy. "Sochi 2014 is working hard and we're here to help guide them as they endeavor to deliver great Games this winter."
It’s a big week for Sochi organizers. The torch relay is set to begin next Sunday with the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic flame in ancient Olympia.
The Olympic flame arrives in Russia from Greece on October 6 to begin the longest relay in the history of the Winter Games.
Former NYC Mayor in Rio
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani visited Rio 2016 headquarters earlier this month.
Giuliani met with Rio 2016 security director Luiz Fernando Correa to discuss security measures for the event. After retiring from politics, Giuliani now works as a security consultant.
"We are still three years out, but the project is well advanced. I was very impressed," said Giuliani in a release.
Giuliani, an avid golfer, praised the sport's return to the Games.
"If I have half an hour to spare, I go play golf. It’s more than a hobby, more than a sport, more than fun; I’m really passionate about it."
Correa noted that Giuliani’s "Zero-Tolerance Policy" that reduced crime in New York City may not work in Brazil, but his security expertise will prove valuable to the bid committee.
"Giuliani has vast experience in public security policies in a city with great problems of urban violence," said Correa.
"We showed him the size of the Games and their impact to the city. He is ready to give technical and consultancy support, besides putting his network of relations at our disposal. We established an interesting channel for dialogue. We’ll make new contact with his team in the next few months."
TSE City Survey Launched
TSE Consulting is conducting a new survey with the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
The aim of the survey is to see how potential host cities view international sporting federations when considering a sports bid.
Over 400 small, medium, and large cities received the survey, with all being cities that have expressed some interest in hosting sporting events.
Initial results will be posted at the ISEM Conference in London and the Emerging Host Cities Summit in Dubai this December. The final report will be released by TSE toward the end of December.
Written by Aaron Bauer and Ed Hula.
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