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The 2012 Winter Youth Olympics (YOG)[1] is a planned international youth multi-sport event featuring winter events which complements the current Olympic Games.[2] It will feature athletes between the ages of 14 and 18.[3] The host city will be chosen in December 2008.[4]
[edit] Games expectations
The winter version will last a maximum of nine days, with the first edition taking place in early spring of 2012.[5][6] The IOC expects around 970 athletes and 580 officials at the winter games. Estimated cost for the game are currently $15 million-$20 million.[7] The IOC states the program will include the seven sports found in the program of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. Similar to the Summer edition, a limited number of disciplines will be offered, and sports of particular interest to the youth will be included. [4]
[edit] Bid process
The schedule was announced in January, 2008.
- March 6, 2008--National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are to inform the IOC of the names of their candidate cities.
- June 19, 2008--Cities submit Candidature files.
- August 2008--IOC announces shortlist of Candidate Cities.
- October 2008--The Evaluation Commission submits its report to the IOC Executive Board.
- November 2008--The IOC Executive Board will submit its recommendations to the IOC members for a postal vote.
- December 2008--The host city is announced.[4]
[edit] Applicant cities
Harbin, China last bid for the 2010 Winter Olympics, but failed to make the shortlist. Meanwhile, it has hosted a number of other events. Harbin is known as China's "Ice City" for its winters and associated festivals. [8]
Innsbruck, Austria [9] Innsbruck hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. AOC head Dr. Leo Wallner says the city is "predestined" to be the first host because of their experience, sport sites, and the spectacular Alps.[10]
Kuopio, Finland is a first time bidder. On the shores of Lake Kallavesi, it is the cultural centre of Eastern Finland and has a winter sports infrastructure in place.[8]
Lillehammer, Norway Host of the 1994 Winter Olympics. If Lillehammer won, it would mark the third time Norway will have hosted.[8]
[edit] Indicated interest
Lake Placid, New York, United States considered a bid. Host of the 1932 Winter Olympics and the 1980 Winter Olympics.[11] The USOC likely decided not to bid so as not to interfere with the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid.- Portland, Maine, United States conducted a study for a bid. Likely sites were to include Newry and Rumford, Maine. The USOC did not support the bid.
Sofia, Bulgaria The Bulgarian Olympic Committee considered Sofia,[12] but ultimately decided against the bid. Sofia has applied to host the Winter Olympics in 1992, 1994, and 2014, but has not yet been successful.
Turin, Italy was the host of the 2006 Winter Olympics. It was unsuccessful in its bid for the inaugural 2010 Youth Summer Olympics; pundits speculated it would bid for the Winter edition.[13]
[edit] References
