Sports Bulletin

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (November 4, 2021):-The sixth and final meeting of the Coordination Commission for the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 concluded today, rounding off three days of discussions during which the Organising Committee’s readiness was highlighted by the positive feedback received from recent test events. Speaking about this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission Chair, Juan Antonio Samaranch, said: “There’s been extensive testing taking place in recent weeks in China at the Olympic and Paralympic venues. This is effectively the warm-up for next February’s Games, and the feedback we’ve received from both athletes and International Federations has been very encouraging. The quality of the venues in particular has been praised, as well as the organisational support and on-ground operations being delivered in China.” He continued: “In addition to updates on Games preparations, these meetings also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the incredible amount of work being undertaken together to deliver safe Games. This was evident just recently when the IOC, IPC and Beijing 2022 united to collaborate on the production of the Playbooks. With only three months until the Games begin, we’re continuing to work diligently together, through every final detail. This will ensure everyone is fully prepared for what are set to be spectacular Winter Games.” Speaking by video link, the President of the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee, Cai Qi, said: “The Games preparations are now entering the final sprint phase. At present, COVID-19 is still spreading around the world, posing challenges to the Games preparations. Beijing 2022 will work closely with the IOC and the IPC to guide all stakeholders, ensuring compliance with the Playbooks, with the good wishes of ‘Together for a Shared Future’, and in the Olympic spirit of togetherness.” He concluded: “We will overcome all difficulties and challenges, complete all the preparations and deliver Games that are impressive and full of unforgettable memories.” COVID-19 countermeasures were a consistent theme throughout the discussions, as the IOC, IPC and Beijing 2022 continue to prioritise the health and safety of Games participants and the local population. The Commission heard that these measures will continue to be refined over the coming weeks in preparation for the publication of the second version of the Playbooks, due to be released later this year. A summary of test events and activities was also provided to the Commission. So far, international competitions in speed skating, figure skating, short track speed skating, wheelchair curling, bobsleigh and skeleton all took place in October. In November, further international events for luge, freestyle skiing and snowboard will take place, while ice hockey testing activities have also been planned. Some of these events form part of the global calendar of Beijing 2022 qualification events taking place over the next few weeks. In this respect, it was noted that 76 per cent of athlete quotas for next year’s Olympic Winter Games are still to be confirmed by mid-January. The test events and activities taking place in China just now are being conducted in Beijing 2022 venues. In this respect, construction of all permanent venue infrastructure is finished, with temporary venue infrastructure installation nearing completion. Consequently, with attention now turning towards operational delivery, Beijing 2022 explained plans to increase opportunities for national and international media. Underpinning Beijing 2022’s preparations is its commitment to deliver carbon-neutral Games. A key contribution to this is maximising the use of existing venues. As the world’s first “dual Olympic city”,  in line with Olympic Agenda 2020+5, five of the six competition venues in the Beijing zone were used during the Olympic Summer Games Beijing 2008. In addition, the Coordination Commission received details about Beijing 2022’s use of renewable energy for all competition venues; low-emission, natural CO2 refrigeration systems, which are being used for the first time in ice venues in China and at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games; and various other sustainability initiatives being implemented for the Games. An update on Beijing 2022’s Olympic Torch Relay was also provided. This included details of the Olympic flame Exhibition Tour, which will be taking place over the coming weeks, together with further details about the Olympic Torch Relay during the three days leading up to the Opening Ceremony on 4 February. Another topic of discussion was Games legacy, with the Beijing 2022 organisers revealing that they are well on track to engage 300 million Chinese people in winter sports. This follows remarks made by IOC President Thomas Bach on the occasion of 100 days to go, when he said: “If you have 300 million more people participating in winter sports, this will be a huge legacy for global winter sports. It will also be very important for the legacy of the Olympic venues [in China] because, with this participation, the use of these venues after the Olympic Games is secured.” The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 will close on 20 February, before the Paralympic Winter Games take place between 4 and 13 March.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 24, 2021):-The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that it will cut its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, as part of its commitment to tackling climate change. The announcement was made by IOC President Thomas Bach during the General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), currently taking place in Greece. It comes ahead of the UN Climate Summit (COP26) due to be held at the end of October in Glasgow, Great Britain. With this decision, the IOC increases its level of ambition from a previous commitment that set a 45 per cent reduction over the same time period, in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. “The climate crisis is arguably the biggest challenge humanity is facing,” said President Bach. “It is affecting all areas of our lives, including sport of course, as an important part of society. By further reducing our carbon emissions, we strengthen our contribution to the realisation of the Paris Agreement, follow the latest science on climate change, and contribute better to this global effort. We urge all other sports organisations to follow suit.” In order to achieve the 50 per cent cut in emissions by 2030, the IOC has set an intermediate reduction target of 30 per cent, to be achieved by 2024. Its action plan to deliver on this commitment will now be updated with increased efforts to reduce emissions in the areas of travel, energy use and procurement. Aligning with the latest science The IOC’s announcement comes following the publication of the Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. Published in August 2021, the report found that human-induced climate change is intensifying at an unprecedented pace. Sport is increasingly affected, both in winter and summer. Unreliable snow and temperatures impact winter sports, while increasing summer heat threatens the health of athletes, event organisers and fans. In 2018, working with UN Climate Change, the IOC helped develop the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework – which aims to drive climate action across the sports world – and has taken a leadership role in its implementation. More than 270 sports organisations from around the world have signed up to it so far, including the IOC itself. Based on the latest data from the IPCC report, all signatories to the Framework will be required to reduce their emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, in order to help limit global temperature rise to 1.5?C.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Islamabad (October 18, 2021):-The Olympic flame for the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 was lit today in Ancient Olympia, Greece. This marks the start of its journey to China where, in just over 100 days, the Games will begin.  As a symbol of peace, unity and solidarity, the Olympic flame will convey the values of Olympism to all those that see it on its travels. The flame will help build anticipation amongst Olympic fans eager to witness the world’s best winter sports stars in action, whilst also inspiring thousands of athletes who are making their final preparations for these Games. Due to the COVID-19 countermeasures, today’s ceremony in Olympia was held under strict conditions, with only a limited delegation present. The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, and several guests were in attendance, showing their solidarity with the Beijing 2022 Games. These included the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou; the members of the  IOC Executive Board; and the IOC’s Beijing 2022 Coordination Commission Chair,  Juan Antonio Samaranch. The Chinese delegation was led by IOC Vice-President, Special Representative and Vice-President of Beijing 2022 and Vice-President of the Chinese Olympic Committee Yu Zaiqing. The ceremony was hosted by the Hellenic Olympic Committee President and IOC member Spyros Capralos.  Also present was the Mayor of Olympia, Georgios Georgiopoulos. Speaking at the ceremony, IOC President Thomas Bach made it clear that the Olympic Games have always stood above conflict: “In our fragile world, where division, conflict and mistrust are on the rise, the Olympic Games always build bridges. They never erect walls. “The foundation for the ancient Olympic Games to take place in peace was a sacred truce – the ekecheiria. This Olympic Truce ensured a halt to hostilities, allowing athletes and spectators to travel safely to Olympia and home again. The ekecheiria demonstrates that already the ancient Greeks understood that for the Olympic Games to unfold their unifying power, they must stand above any political conflict. In this way, already 3,000 years ago, there was an inseparable link between the Olympic Games and peace. “This peace mission, handed down to us since ancient times, requires that the Olympic Games be respected as politically neutral ground. Only this political neutrality ensures that the Olympic Games can stand above and beyond the political differences that existed in ancient times, as well as today.” Turning to the host city, he added: “Beijing will write history as the first city ever to host both the summer and winter editions of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 will connect the Chinese people with the world, bringing to life China’s vision to engage 300 million people with sport on snow and ice, changing winter sport forever. The entire world will see this passion when China welcomes the best winter sport athletes.” Peace and solidarity were an important theme throughout President Bach’s speech in Ancient Olympia. He concluded by saying: “The Olympic Games cannot address all the challenges in our world. But the Olympic Games set an example for a world where everyone respects the same rules and one another. They inspire us to solve problems in friendship and solidarity. They build bridges leading to better understanding and friendship among people. This is the timeless message that this Olympic flame will send from our spiritual home here in Ancient Olympia, to Beijing, and to the world.” Representing Beijing 2022, Yu Zaiqing said: “This is a historic moment as we are gathering here in the ancient city of Olympia to celebrate the lighting of the Olympic flame for the XXIV Olympic Winter Games.” He continued: “The Olympic flame embodies our unswerving pursuit of excellence. It highlights our resolve to always challenge our limits and surpass ourselves. And it sheds light on our journey ahead, to overcome difficulties with greater solidarity and closer cooperation. Amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, the Olympic flame has brought us confidence, warmth and hope. It has been a source of strength in our fight to defeat the pandemic.” The traditional ceremony, held near the Temple of Hera, celebrates the Olympic Games’ Greek heritage, connecting the modern Games to their historic origins. After the Olympic flame was lit by the High Priestess, it began its journey with Greek skier Ioannis Antoniou, an Olympian who also assumed the role of first torchbearer for the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014. The flame was then passed to Chinese Olympian Li Jiajun, a winner of five medals in speed skating at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 Olympic Winter Games (two silver and three bronze medals). After the ceremony, the Olympic flame will be transported to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, where on 19 October the official handover to the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee will take place before the flame departs for China. A welcome ceremony will be held in Beijing on 20 October, with the flame initially going on display to the public at the Beijing Olympic Tower before setting off on a flame exhibition tour. Closer to the Games, a traditional Olympic Torch Relay will be held. More information will be announced by the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee after the arrival ceremony on 20 October. Around 2,900 athletes, representing approximately 85 National Olympic Committees, will compete in what will be the most gender-balanced Olympic Winter Games in history, between 4 and 20 February 2022.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 18, 2021):-A new era for Olympic education has started this Sunday: the International Olympic Academy (IOA) in ancient Olympia has been officially reopened after a two-year renovation. The revamped facilities of the interdisciplinary centre for Olympic education and studies were inaugurated during a ceremony attended by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou. The modernisation work was made possible by a EUR 12.5 million investment from the IOC. “Here at the renovated International Olympic Academy next to the birthplace of the Olympic Games in ancient Olympia, the Olympic values will be brought to a new generation of young people who are athletes, students, teachers or people active in sport,” said the IOC President. Spyros Capralos , IOC Member and President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC), added: “The 60th birthday of the International Olympic Academy is marked by the completion of the renovation works carried out over the last one-and-a-half years, with the valuable financial support of the International Olympic Committee. Without this support, it would have been impossible to carry out a restoration project of this scale.  I would like to express my sincere thanks to IOC President Thomas Bach, as well as to all the teams involved in the renovation project, for this great result. The International Olympic Academy, with its new, renewed profile, will continue its educational work unhindered, aimed at spreading Olympism.” “The official opening of the renovated premises is now a reality, fulfilling a longstanding vision,” said IOA President Isidoros Kouvelos. “The IOA’s reform opens a new chapter. I feel very grateful that, from the very first moment, the IOC President, Thomas Bach, trusted this vision and expressed his willingness to walk with us and, in close alignment, make an important contribution to the Olympic Movement; to pave the way in order to strengthen the IOA’s role at the service of humanity.” The renovation The decision to undertake the renovation of the IOA premises was taken by the HOC, as the owner of the site, with the approval of the tripartite agreement between the HOC, the IOA and the IOC, in order to modernise the facilities of the international centre for Olympic education and open up new possibilities for the IOA to host groups from within and beyond the Olympic Movement. The project began in March 2020 following the lighting ceremony of the Olympic flame for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 at ancient Olympia, with work including the total renovation of the accommodation facilities, conference rooms, dining hall and kitchen, library, and sports facilities. The installation of cutting-edge technology and networks, an upgrade of the external lighting, water filtering and sewerage system, plus improved accessibility for wheelchairs were also significant aspects of the modernisation. Revamp of the educational programmes and services offering To coincide with the re-opening, the IOA has also launched a new strategic plan, which is accompanied by organisational developments and plans to further build on its 60 years of experience and enlarge its offering for the broader Olympic Movement, as well as widening its reach by offering online programmes. The International Olympic Academy Located in ancient Olympia, next to the archaeological site, and supported by the IOC and the HOC, the International Olympic Academy is devoted to delivering unique Olympic educational programmes and experiences. The IOA was established in 1961 with the mission to preserve and spread the principles of the Olympic spirit; to study and implement the educational and social principles of Olympism; and to consolidate the scientific basis of the Olympic ideal. The IOA welcomes young people, college students, educators and Olympic athletes, as well as administrators and institutions that wish to understand, connect, study and learn about Olympism and its philosophy in a meaningful way. Collaboration between the IOA and the IOC The reopening of the IOA also marks the beginning of strengthened collaboration between the IOA and the IOC, namely the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) and its Olympic Studies Centre (OSC), with the common objective of strengthening Olympic education and studies.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 17, 2021):-The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) takes note of FIFA’s plans to change the football competition schedule and to hold the World Cup every two years. A number of International Federations (IFs) of other sports, national football federations, clubs, players, players associations and coaches have expressed strong reservations and concerns regarding the plans to generate more revenue for FIFA, mainly for the following reasons: Impact on other sports – The increased frequency and timing for the World Cup would create a clash with other major international sports. This includes tennis, cycling, golf, gymnastics, swimming, athletics, Formula 1 and many others. This would undermine the diversity and development of sports other than football. Gender equality – The increase in men’s events in the calendar would create challenges for the further promotion of women’s football. Players’ welfare – The plans, in particular the doubling in the frequency of the World Cup, would create a further massive strain on the physical and mental health of the players. The IOC shares these concerns and supports the calls of stakeholders of football, International Sports Federations and major event organisers for a wider consultation, including with athletes’ representatives, which has obviously not taken place.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 16, 2021):-The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today approved a list of 17 athletes (a record number for the Olympic Winter Games) covering all five continents, who have proposed their candidatures for the  IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC) election that will take place at the upcoming Games in Beijing.  Ten female and seven male athletes from 17 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), six sports and five continents will compete for the two vacant seats on the Commission. They have been nominated by their respective NOCs, together with their NOC Athletes’ Commissions. Approval of the candidatures of two athletes on the list who have not yet participated in the Olympic Winter Games is subject to their qualifying for the Games during the upcoming qualification competitions, and confirmation of their participation in the Games by their respective NOCs. “The record number of candidates and global representation are a strong sign that athletes want to play a primary and active role within the Olympic Movement and make their voices heard, which is great,” commented Emma Terho, Chair of the IOC AC. “All these candidates bring great value to the athlete community, and will add a new set of skills and expertise to the IOC Athletes’ Commission no matter who will be elected.” The elected athletes will replace current IOC AC member Hayley Wickenheiser (CAN), who is finishing her term of office at the end of Beijing 2022, and fill the vacancy caused by Ole Einar Bjørndalen (NOR)’s resignation from the IOC AC in 2016. Athletes competing at Beijing 2022 will be able to vote for their representatives in the Olympic Villages from 27 January (the day the Villages open) until 16 February 2022. The IOC AC The IOC AC’s mission is to ensure that the athletes’ viewpoint remains at the heart of Olympic Movement decisions. Serving as a link between the athletes and the IOC, the Commission is composed of a maximum of 23 members (12 members directly elected by their peers and a maximum of 11 appointed), who serve a term of eight years. An election is held at every edition of the Olympic Games, with four members chosen at each Summer Games, and two at each Winter Games. The appointments are made by the IOC President, in consultation with the IOC AC Chair, to ensure a good balance between regions, genders and sports. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Commission are elected by the Commission members, and must also be elected members of the AC. In addition, the chairs of the five NOC Continental Association Athletes’ Commissions, plus a representative from the Athletes’ Council of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and one from the World Olympians Association, take part in the work of the Commission as liaisons, to maximise engagement with the global athlete community.

Sports Desk Islamabad (October 13, 2021):-Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovi?, IOC member in the Republic of Croatia, has been appointed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President as Chair of the Future Host Commission for the Games of the Olympiad. An IOC member since 2020, Grabar-Kitarovi? is a former President of the Republic of Croatia. She will lead the Commission with immediate effect. The previous Chair, Kristin Kloster Aasen, stood down following her election to the Executive Board (EB), because no EB member can serve on the Future Host Commissions (for the Games of the Olympiad and the Olympic Winter Games), to ensure the broader participation of the IOC Session in the selection procedure. The new approach to electing Olympic hosts is more flexible and collaborative, with the IOC working with potential hosts to optimise their Olympic projects and align them with long-term social and economic development plans for the benefit of their communities. As a result, there is unprecedented interest from numerous parties on different continents in hosting future Olympic and Paralympic Games. IOC President Thomas Bach said: “The Future Host Commissions have an important role in shaping the future of the Olympic Movement. “Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovi? will bring rich and diverse skills and experience, including at the very highest levels of government and international relations. As a member of the same Commission, she has already contributed to the successful delivery of the first election under the new approach to choosing Olympic and Paralympic hosts, with the selection of Brisbane 2032,” he added. Grabar-Kitarovi? said: “I am grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with potential hosts on Olympic projects, which will help them to achieve their long-term goals for development, public health, sports participation and inclusion. “I would like to continue to build on the great work begun under Kristin’s leadership. It is an exciting chance to develop innovative ways to steer the Olympic Games into the future and explore the challenges facing upcoming hosts, such as climate change.” The vacant position on the Future Host Commission for the Games of the Olympiad has been filled by the IOC member and President of World Triathlon, Marisol Casado.

SPORTS DESK Islamabad (October 7, 2021):-The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced the composition of its Coordination Commission for the Games of the XXXV Olympiad after electing Brisbane 2032 as Olympic and Paralympic host last July in Tokyo. Five-time Olympian and two-time Olympic champion in swimming Kirsty Coventry, from Zimbabwe, will chair the Commission. The most decorated Olympian from her continent, Coventry was the Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, and in this capacity a member of the IOC Executive Board, from 2018 until earlier this year, when the IOC Session in Tokyo approved the change of her IOC membership status to Individual Member. Sixty-six per cent of the Brisbane 2032 Coordination Commission members are women, with the number of female chairs of IOC Commissions now 12 out of 30. The Olympic Games Brisbane 2032 are the first to have been elected under, and to have fully benefited from, the new flexible approach to electing Olympic hosts. The new approach encourages sustainable Olympic projects that fit into long-term regional and national strategies while delivering the best possible Games experience. With an average age of 48, and with the addition of more recently-elected IOC members, the Commission members will also bring a fresh perspective to the preparations. IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Kirsty Coventry is leading an exciting new generation of IOC members in this Commission. As a double Olympic gold medallist and a former IOC Executive Board member, she has all the experience for this important task. The Commission will cooperate closely with the Organising Committee to deliver together sustainable and economically responsible Olympic Games.  These will be an exciting experience for the athletes and the fans, and have a solid legacy fully aligned with the IOC reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020+5.” Commission Chair Coventry added: “It is a great honour to be chosen to lead the Coordination Commission for Brisbane 2032. As a five-time Olympian and former Chair of the Athletes’ Commission, I will always put athletes at the heart of these Games. Brisbane 2032 has an exciting concept which will deliver a great legacy for the region and the country, but most importantly it will deliver great Games for the athletes and for the fans.  Working with such a dynamic Coordination Commission, we can help the organisers with our energy and experience to bring their ideas to life.” As usual, the Commission will be made up of other IOC members who are not on the Executive Board, with representatives of the athletes, International Federations, National Olympic Committees and the International Paralympic Committee. In addition to the Chair and Vice-Chair, there are two members from each continent. Other members might be added to the current core composition over the next 11 years until the Games. The composition of the IOC Coordination Commission Brisbane 2032 is as follows: Chair Kirsty COVENTRY (ZIM) Vice-Chair Anita L. DEFRANTZ (USA) Members Princess Reema BANDAR AL-SAUD (KSA) Dagmawit Girmay BERHANE (ETH) William Frederick BLICK (UGA) Mikaela COJUANGCO JAWORSKI (PHI) Andrew PARSONS (BRA) Federica PELLEGRINI (ITA) Camilo PEREZ LOPEZ MOREIRA (PAR) Auvita RAPILLA (PNG) Jean-Christophe ROLLAND (FRA) Baklai TEMENGIL (PLW)

SPORTS DESK Islamabad (October 5, 2021):-As it prepares to take centre stage upon the conclusion of both the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee used this week’s Delivery Partners Meeting to share important progress updates with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Speaking about the meeting, the IOC’s Milano Cortina 2026 Coordination Commission Chair, Sari Essayah, said: “We must congratulate the team in Milan for the ongoing progress during these difficult times. Strong foundations set by the continually evolving Organising Committee have made this possible. Throughout all of their updates, we were really encouraged to see their avid determination to create Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games that are sustainable. This is fundamental to the future of the Olympic Games, as outlined in Olympic Agenda 2020+5 and the New Norm ”. She continued: “We heard that Milano Cortina 2026 continues to build on strong engagement following the launch of its new brand in March, with several exciting initiatives planned for the coming weeks. This will culminate, early next year, when the eyes of the world turn towards Italy as Beijing 2022 hands over the Olympic and Paralympic flags. Having seen the passion, excitement and professionalism within the Organising Committee, it’s clear that Milano Cortina 2026 is on time and ready to step up into the spotlight this winter.” Giovanni Malagò, the President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee, also reflected on the positive meetings. He said: “Our relationship with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee is excellent and essential to have the best workflow, now and for the following months. We are proud to have received positive feedback on the achievements of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 during recent times. Of course, we are aware that the next months will be very important for us because, at the end of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, we will officially acquire the title of ‘Host Country of the next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games’. This will be a reason for pride but also an assumption of more responsibility that we will be able to manage efficiently, thanks to the passion and expertise of those who are working every day to make the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2026 the Games for all.” The discussions with the IOC and IPC covered the progress made since the last Coordination Commission meeting in April this year. The team from Milano Cortina 2026 shared their learnings from the Games Education Programme held during Tokyo 2020. There, several members of their Committee gained invaluable knowledge that is helping them advance their delivery plans. Updates on the ongoing development of their venue design were also provided. This highlighted a number of innovative solutions for events, such as combining the freestyle events in Livigno. As part of this discussion, the onboarding of ski mountaineering was introduced. This follows the decision by the IOC Session in Tokyo this year to admit the sport to the Milano Cortina 2026 programme at the request of the Organising Committee. In addition, a number of operational and business matters were discussed. An overview of Milano Cortina 2026’s organisational design was presented. To illustrate the growth of the Milano Cortina 2026 team, it was noted that the Organising Committee staff have recently moved into new headquarters. Situated in the Allianz Tower in Milan, these offices are set to be officially inaugurated later this month. This topic also provided an opportunity to explain the development of close relationships with the local organising committees whose expertise will help deliver Olympic and Paralympic events in each of the host regions. On the theme of building relationships, the Milano Cortina 2026 team detailed their continued efforts to grow their brand following the launch of their Games emblems earlier this year. This has been supported by the establishment of their ambassador network, which includes former international footballer Francesco Totti, Olympic gold medallists Federica Pellegrini, Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni, and Paralympic gold medallist Bebe Vio. Underpinning all of this is a very ambitious sustainability and legacy strategy, which aligns with the goals of the IOC and IPC in this area. With their focus on the economic, environmental and social impact the Games will have, Milano Cortina 2026 earned praise for what they have achieved in such a short period of time. Looking towards the future, the Milano Cortina 2026 team explained how they will capitalise on the handover from the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. A number of national engagement programmes are set to be announced within the coming months, aimed at generating excitement amongst the local population whilst also sharing the best of Italy with the world. The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will take place between 6 and 22 February, while the Paralympic Winter Games will be held from 6 until 15 March.

SPORTS DESK Islamabad (September 29, 2021):-The International Olympic Committee (IOC) held an Executive Board (EB) meeting today, in the presence of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Beijing 2022 informed the EB of the principles that will help deliver safe and successful Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as scheduled. Considering the above objective, the IOC and IPC fully respect the principles established by Beijing 2022. These principles are based on wide-ranging consultations with international experts and the Chinese authorities, as well as the experience of Olympic and Paralympic stakeholders. The principles presented by Beijing 2022 will be detailed in the Playbooks. The first version of these Playbooks will be released in late October. A second version will then be published in December. Vaccination policy All athletes and Games participants who are fully vaccinated will enter the closed-loop management system upon arrival. Games participants who are not fully vaccinated will have to serve a 21-day quarantine upon arrival in Beijing. Athletes who can provide a justified medical exemption will have their cases considered. All vaccines recognised by WHO or related international organisations, or approved officially by the countries or regions concerned, will be accepted. Games-time closed-loop management From 23 January until the end of the Paralympics, a closed-loop management system will be implemented to ensure the safe delivery of the Games. This closed-loop management system will cover all Games-related areas, including arrival and departure, transport, accommodation, catering, competitions, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Within the closed loop, participants will be allowed to move only between Games-related venues for training, competitions and work. A dedicated Games transport system will be put in place. Spectators/Ticketing Tickets will be sold exclusively to spectators residing in China’s mainland, who meet the requirements of the COVID-19 countermeasures. Specific requirements on COVID-19 countermeasures for spectators from China’s mainland and the details of ticketing arrangements are under discussion and development, and will be released to the public in due course once they are finalised. Accredited guest policy Beijing 2022 and the IOC underlined that all activities are being assessed and optimised to focus on essential aspects of Games delivery. Stakeholders will apply this principle for their plans and delegation composition. In line with this principle, the IOC EB decided to cancel the accompanying guest category for all stakeholders. Travel Beijing 2022 will assist those stakeholders that are not in a position to book their pre-Games or Games-time flights independently. Accommodation Besides athletes and some delegation officials who are accompanying athletes living in the Villages, all participants travelling to Beijing will reside in Beijing 2022-contracted hotels that will be compliant with the COVID-19 countermeasures for the Games. Testing All domestic and international Games participants and workforce in the closed-loop management system will be subject to daily testing. The IOC and IPC welcome the decision to allow for the sale of tickets to spectators residing in China’s mainland. This will facilitate the growth of winter sports in China by giving those spectators a first-hand Olympic and Paralympic experience of elite winter sports, as well as bringing a favourable atmosphere to the venues.  However, all parties feel for the athletes and the spectators from around the world, knowing that the restriction on spectators from outside mainland China had to be put in place in order to ensure the safe holding of the Games this winter. Further information about the implementation of these policies and additional information about COVID-19 countermeasures will be detailed in the Playbooks, which will be released in late October and December. The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 will take place between 4 and 20 February, while the Paralympic Winter Games will be held from 4 until 13 March.