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Published: Wed Nov 12, 2008 2:00 AM MST

The International Olympic Committee has revealed the names of the finalist Candidate Cities from which the host city for the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2012 will be elected. Innsbruck (AUT) and Kuopio (FIN) were selected by the IOC Executive Board, and will now be submitted to a postal vote by the IOC members. The host city will be announced by IOC President Jacques Rogge in a live web cast on www.olympic.org - provisionally scheduled for December 12, 2008.

The EBs decision on the two finalists was based on an IOC Evaluation Commission report, which is now available on www.olympic.org . Chaired by Pernilla Wiberg, the Commission assessed the projects of the four shortlisted Candidate Cities - Harbin (CHI), Innsbruck (AUT), Kuopio (FIN) and Lillehammer (NOR). The report focused on the risks associated with the organization of the Games within the three-year timeframe to plan and prepare for the first edition of this new event.
Originaly from Source

Published: Thu Aug 14, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

On August 2nd, Harbin (China), Innsbruck (Austria), Kuopio (Finland) and Lillehammer (Norway) were selected by the IOC Executive Board as shortlisted Candidate Cities for the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) to be held in 2012.

The selection by the Executive Board was made on the basis of a study of the cities Candidature Files and related documents submitted to the IOC. The study and subsequent report were conducted by a panel of experts including FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. The panel assessed the risks and opportunities associated with each citys project. Based on the timeframe of three and a half years available to host the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games, the panel also placed strong emphasis on the level of quality and detail relating to technical aspects, thus giving an indication of the robustness of each project. (please click here to read the report of the panel)

In December 2008, the host city for the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games will be announced by the IOC after a postal vote by all IOC members.

Source: FIS

Published: Tue Jun 24, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

Updated: Tue Jun 24, 2008 7:53 AM MDT

One of the Nations leading Nordic Ski Clubs The Auburn Ski Club, is creating a new year round, full time Development Coach position, to better serve its growing number of athletes.

Anyone who has skied at The 2004 NCAA Nationals or the 2005 Junior Olympics knows what skiing in California has to offer! Great snow, lots of sunshine, amazing trails (summer & winter) & a strong skiing community.

Working with The Program Director & Head Coach, The Auburn Ski Clubs Development Coach will have the following responsibilities:
o Managing & coaching The Clubs Junior Nordic Development Team (ages 12+);
o Assisting coaching of local school teams & outreach programs
o Assisting coaching the Competition team and Divisional level camps and trips
o Assisting with general Training Center operation and Nordic program and event management (including the 2009 Junior Olympics)

The Position can be combined with the Far West Nordic Administrator Position (see below) depending on applicants skills and experience.

Year round (11 mo) - Pay $18,000 - $25,000 (DOE) plus medical & dental benefits. Must be flexible & able to work at various times 5-7 days a week (averages 30 to 40 hrs / week).

Skills required: Enthusiastic, outgoing, kid loving person with excellent communication, administration and organizational skills; knowledge of cross country skiing and racing; proven ability to motivate young athletes.

For more info contact Sally Jones: sallyxc@gmail.com, or call 530 320 3068
http://www.auburnskiclub.org

Far West Nordic Ski Education Association Administrator
Responsibilities include: Managing membership, collection of annual membership dues; maintaining website; race schedules and results; organizing travel and logistics for races and events.

Strong organizational, communication and administrative skills required.
Candidate to work from a home office (not provided). Computer and phone will be provided.

Flexible hrs: 10-15 hrs a week, Pay DOE,
Position can be combined with the Auburn Ski Club Development Coach Position depending on applicants skills and experience.

For more info contact: Mark Nadell (530 587 0304) info@farwestnordic.org

http://www.farwestnordic.org

Originaly from Source

Published: Thu Jun 05, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

The Italian region of Val di Fiemme was selected by the FIS to host the 2013 World Championships. Val di Fiemme also hosted the championships in 1991 and 2003. Centered around the towns of Cavalese, Tesero, and Predazzo, and nestled in the DOlomites, the region is a regular stop on the World Cup circuit. The 2003 event received UNI EN ISO 14001 environmental certification and was the first eco-certified sporting event in the world (for more information on this certification, visit http://www.comune.celle.sv.it/iso14001-en.html or http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=31807 ). Val di Fiemme failed in a bid for the 2011 World Championships.

The Val di Fiemme is also famous for producing great champions like Franco Nones, Giulio and Federico Deflorian, Giorgio and Bice Vanzetta and more recently Cristian Zorzi, Cristina Paluselli and Antonella Confortola.

Val di Fiemme beat out Falun, Sweden and Zakopane, Poland in the final of a three tiered vote.

For more information on the candidates:

Candidates for the 2013 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships
Originaly from Source

Published: Wed May 21, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

The organizers of the 2012 FIS Ski Flying World Championships and the 2013 FIS Alpine, Nordic, Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships will be elected by the FIS Council on Thursday, May 29th. The announcement of the elected organizers will take place at the Westin Grand in Cape Town (RSA) at approximately 19:00 CET.

FISh is pleased to present brief portraits of the five candidates for the 2013 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships (in alphabetical order). Due to the large total number of the candidates, the candidates for the 2012 Ski Flying and 2013 Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships will follow on 21st May.

Falun (SWE): Candidate for the 2013 Nordic World Ski Championships

2013 is likely to be remembered as the best ever in the history of the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. Sweden is one of the worlds best event managers something we have demonstrated many times. Most recently with the success of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in re in 2007.

The candidate venue for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2013 is situated in Falun, Sweden. We are modifying it and adding to it. The jumping hills, of course. But also a large media center. We are developing both the finishing lines and the spectator areas.

The arena is compactly designed, allowing spectators to stay in direct and continuous touch with what is happening, while providing ideal conditions for TV coverage. The event organizers, Falun and Sweden, are determined to ensure that the world can participate, too. Sweden has for decades been considered one of Europes leading IT nations. We mean to confirm and demonstrate this in 2013.

We also enjoy a close association with the Swedish public service broadcaster - Sveriges Television (SVT)- which has established a reputation as a leading light in the TV presentation of sporting events.

We are well prepared. We are experienced. We are ready to go to work. The world, FIS and the sport of skiing need truly exceptional FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in 2013.

For more information, visit www.falun2013.com

Lahti (FIN): Candidate for the 2013 Nordic World Ski Championships

The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Lahti in 2013 would mean two weeks of winter sports excitement with high-quality organization in all aspects of the event.

All competitions are planned to take place at the Lahti Sports Center a compact venue with all important areas and facilities. By 2013 the venue will see many significant improvements: a modernized normal hill, new courses and a service building for cross-country, extension of the exhibition center, a coaches tower, wind nets, improved stadium set-up and a new spectator area at Karpalo, etc.

All changes are made to protect the environment. Building permanent facilities decreases the need for temporary construction during the championships. This means that not only the competition conditions are at a championship level but that athletes, media, sponsors, spectators and officials will be provided with brand new facilities that do not exist elsewhere. The TV-compound, MPC and IBC are all located inside the Great Hall. In Lahti there is the capacity to serve more than 7500 VIPs and Special Guests at the same time.

Moreover, the Athletes Village at the Sports Institute of Finland provides the teams with common accommodation in a compact and peaceful environment with practically endless possibilities for training, relaxation and recreation. A new fast railway connection to Lahti has brought the Helsinki metropolitan area only 48 minutes away from Lahti - just one of the reasons that underline the target of 375,000 spectators on site.

For more information, visit www.lahti2013.com .

Oberstdorf (GER): Candidate for the 2013 Nordic World Ski Championships

A wonderful reunion in Oberstdorf in 2013!

Oberstdorf is prepared to set another benchmark in the history of Nordic skiing with the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in 2013.

For more than 50 years, Oberstdorf has demonstrated its skill and competence through the organization of numerous World Cup events and FIS World Championships as host of large sporting events at the highest international level. Both the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in 1987 and 2005 were unforgettable moments in the annals of the Nordic ski sports. It comes therefore as no surprise that, in 1987, Marc Hodler called Oberstdorf Holmenkollen of the Alps whilst Gian Franco Kasper named it the Mecca of Nordic skiing in 2005.

With its modern stadium facilities in the midst of a wonderful mountain landscape in front of the Allguer Hochalpen, Oberstdorf offers a breath-taking atmosphere and setting.

A total of 750,000 spectators participated in a Nordic ski festival without frontiers in Oberstdorf in 1987 and 2005! This is the tradition that Oberstdorf 2013 has set out to continue while breaking records against its unique scenery.

Oberstdorf is ready to experience another celebration of Nordic skiing together with all the athletes, officials and large numbers of spectators in 2013.

For more information, visit here http://tp.posta-nova.fr .

Val di Fiemme (ITA): Candidate for the 2013 Nordic World Ski Championships

After the successful experience of 1991 and 2003, Val di Fiemme presents its candidacy to organize the World Championships for the third time. The 1991 World Championships can be considered a real milestone, as the event was organized south of the Alps for the first time in the history of Nordic skiing. It was an unforgettable debut, followed by another world experience for Val di Fiemme in 2003. The 2003 championship was a “sunny” event from every point of view, as FIS President Gian Franco Kasper stated during the FIS Congress in Miami in 2004 when the “final report” on Fiemme 2003 was presented. There were no clouds in Val di Fiemme from 18th February 18th to 1st March, neither in the sky nor on the organization”.

On the basis of those words and the successful event, Val di Fiemme is now looking for another new prestigious appointment, betting on its organizational skills, a team of qualified volunteers and the famous hospitality tradition of the valley and of the Trentino region as a whole. Val di Fiemme is the Italian cross-country skiing capital and a world renowned tourist destination in the heart of the Dolomites. The cross-country skiing centre at Lago di Tesero and the ski jumping stadium in Predazzo are the main “monuments” of a valley that has had and continues to have great skiing talents such as Franco Nones, Giorgio Vanzetta and Cristian Zorzi.

For more information, visit www.fiemme2013.com .

Zakopane (POL): Candidate for the 2013 Nordic World Ski Championships

The first FIS World Ski Championships took place in Zakopane in 1929, followed by 1939 and 1962. We have been waiting for the opportunity to host another championship for over fifty years now. In the meantime, Zakopane has proved that it is capable of organizing even the most prestigious sporting events, such as the FIS World Cup in Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined, and the FIS Junior World Championships.

Zakopane has a special location on the map of Europe. It is here that the devotees of winter sports from the European Union member states meet with the ones from the countries only striving for its membership. It is us who open Europe to the east; it is us who say that there are no border lines for people joined by common passion and dreams! In Zakopane, one frequently hears English, German, Russian and Ukrainian spoken on the ski slopes and in cafs.

We believe that granting the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in 2013 to Zakopane will be the crowning achievement of the efforts for a common Europe. The road from Zakopane will lead further, straight to Sochi, to the Olympic Winter Games in 2014. Should the Nordic World Ski Championships in 2013 take place in Zakopane? We have no doubt they should. Zakopane is the city of athletes and people fascinated with sport where each child skis and many families boast beautiful competitors traditions.

Poland has been a member of the European Union for four years. It is a continuously developing country, modern and friendly. Such is also Zakopane. Our city is situated in one of the wealthiest and fastest developing regions of Poland. Whatever winter sports enthusiasts associate with Chamonix, Aspen or Val di Fiemme, they will also find in Zakopane. Modern ski infrastructure, immaculately clean snow from November to May and many sunny days a year are a guarantee of successful FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Zakopane in 2013. Come and see for yourselves. Youre invited!

For more information, visithere http://tp.posta-nova.fr . Read the rest of this entry »

Published: Fri Apr 11, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

Updated: Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:23 AM MDT

The Maine Winter Sports Center (MWSC) is looking for a multi-talented Community Development Coach to join its staff in Aroostook County Maine. The candidate will be responsible for creating and implementing introductory and development ski programs to participants at all ages, but focused primarily on youth and junior community and race programs. In addition, this coach will share direct responsibility for community outreach and ski club building in remote communities around Aroostook County. These grassroots community outreach efforts may include meetings, speaking engagements, trail building, ski park design, community races and events, learn to ski clinics, learn to shoot clinics and on-snow school visits. The candidate will need to develop biathlon skills in order to run learn to shoot programs with live ammunition rifles as well as with laser rifles. Candidate will need to play a supportive role in MWSC XC and Biathlon training sessions designed primarily for youth and juniors, including biathlon range support. Candidate will have some travel responsibilities, including coordinating and transporting athletes to events and camps. Candidate will be expected to create strong relationships with local and regional coaches, Community Ski Clubs, municipal recreation directors, and the organizing committees of our two World Class Nordic/Biathlon Venues. The MWSC Community Development Coach will manage the deployment of the Healthy Hometown Ski Trailers to communities and events to provide ski equipment and instruction to people of all ages. Skilled and effective communication, creativity, initiative, self-direction, as well as inspired leadership are all critical pre-requisites for the position of MWSC Community Development Coach. A four-year college degree, experience as a coach and Nordic skier are requirements for the position. All MWSC Coaches will be involved in the initiation and implementation of other programs and events and other duties that will advance the MWSC toward its mission. Responsibilities can be negotiated depending on experience. Female coaches are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is a full-time position to begin on June 1, 2008. Applicants should send a short cover letter and resume with three professional references to eileen@mainewsc.org or to Eileen Carey, Program Coordinator, Maine Winter Sports Center, 552 Main St, Caribou, ME 04736

http://www.mygayonline.com/

Another interesting gay news blog, My Gay Online brings you the latest political and social updates for us folks who dig members of the same gender. Right now the hot items are the battle between Presidential Candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Their feuds have already made history and no one has even been voted in yet. If you scroll down a bit you’ll see an article about Microsoft’s Pioneer Estate donating $65M to Gay Rights and HIV/AIDS groups. This is just an example of what you can expect on this blog. News isn’t the only thing you’ll find here. If you look to your right you’ll see many resources to peruse. From gay community organizations to dating sites, the list is quite long. I spent a good amount of time here and didn’t get through half of the listings. For myself, I don’t get into politics as I find I can’t trust anyone involved with it. LOL. But if you’re the type of person who likes to keep on top of all the latest scoops, you could find My Gay Online to be fairly useful. They seem to update quite often. Read the rest of this entry »

Published: Sun Sep 30, 2007 2:00 AM MDT

Editor's Note: It is interesting to see European cities use major Nordic events as a means of improvement and development.

Oberstdorf hosted the FIS Inspection Group on August 20th and 21st. Following the 1987 and 2005 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, the German mountain and ski resort is bidding to organize its third championships. The 2013 candidacy is part of the local tourism concept that calls for Oberstdorf to be one of the three leading venues in Nordic ski sports in the Alps by 2015. Oberstdorf will also host its fifth FIS Ski Flying World Championships in February 2008.

As elaborated by the Candidature Committee led by Alfons Hrmann, President of the German Ski Association and Thomas Mller, Mayor of Oberstdorf, the 2013 concept takes advantage of the existing high-quality sports infrastructure which only requires some optimization work on the Ski Jumping venue and some extensions to, and broadening of, the Cross-Country courses, along with enhancements to the snow-making facilities. The newly reconstructed park in the center of Oberstdorf is planned as the new location for winner ceremonies and the Nordic festival.

For more information on Oberstdorfs candidature, please visit www.oberstdorf2013.com.

The FIS Inspection Group next visited Val di Fiemme, the venue for the 2003 and 1991 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships and 63 FIS World Cup events. It was hosted by Pietro de Godenz, President of Candidature Executive Committee, along with Tiziano Mellarini, Minister for Tourism in the region of Trentino, and Giovanni Morzenti, President of the Italian Ski Association.

As in 2001, the 2013 concept is based on the use of the Lago di Tesero Cross-Country stadium and the Predazzo Ski Jumping facilities. Enhancements to the existing structures, including new areas for athlete services, as well as the media infrastructure, are planned. The 2013 candidacy leverages the experience of the previous World Championships, and the Candidature Committee is pleased to be able to count on the help of more than 1,000 local volunteers. New tourist developments are under development in the Tesero cross-country area and Predazzo ski Jumping area, which will also enhance the facilities for the championships. This is Val di Fiemmes second consecutive candidature after 2006.

For more information on Val di Fiemmes candidature, please visit www.fiemme2013.com.

Zakopane, the largest sports resort in Poland, hosted the FIS Inspection Group on the 22nd and 23rd of August, just days before the 2007 FIS Grand Prix Ski Jumping events held there. The Candidature Committee led by President Janusz Majcher, Mayor of Zakopane, was supported by Apoloniusz Tajner, President of the Polish Ski Association, and Andrzej Kozak, President of the Tatra Ski Association. The 2013 Candidature of Zakopane is part of the general Strategy for Balanced Development of the City of Zakopane for 2004-2013 which also includes the development of sport and tourism and consists of upgrades to the existing facilities and organization of large sporting events. As a result, many new facilities, including some for accommodation, transportation and other services, have been, or are being built. New cross-country courses are also being constructed while the existing normal hill will be converted to a HS-105 hill. Moreover, Zakopane will serve as a host training center for a team during the European Football Championships in Poland and the Ukraine in 2012 which will contribute to additional upgrading of the sporting facilities and infrastructure.

In addition to the 1962 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, Zakopane has experience hosting numerous international competitions in Nordic skiing. These include 11 Ski Jumping FIS World Cup events, known worldwide for a great atmosphere and large crowds, and 4 Nordic Combined events. This is Zakopanes second consecutive candidature following a bid in 2006.

For more information on Zakopanes candidature, please visit www.zakopane.eu.

Published: Sat Sep 29, 2007 2:00 AM MDT

The Inspection Group visited Lahti, the organizer of the 1926, 1938, 1978, 1989 and 2001 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, on the 17th and 18th of September. The Lahti 2013 Candidature Committee presented its concept which is built on leveraging the Lahti Sports Centers facilities and a compact stadium set-up in the heart of the city. In addition, the candidacy draws on the Finnish spirit, extensive know-how and long traditions in Nordic skiing.

The Candidature Committee, chaired by Jaakko Holkeri, President of the Finnish Ski Association and supported by Jyrki Myllyvirta, Mayor of the City of Lahti, as vice-chair and Matti Leikoski as Project Manager, also highlighted the plans to place a comprehensive athletes village at the Finnish Sports Institute in Vierumki, just outside of the city of Lahti, and to construct new installations at the sports venues. These include enhancements to the courses, more space in the stadium, a renovated Ski Jumping grandstand building, and new service areas for the teams. To allow more space for the spectators, the TV compound is planned inside an indoor football stadium.

For more information on Lahtis candidature, please visit www.lahti2013.com

The inspection group stopped next in in Falun, Sweden. Drawing on the strong skiing culture in Sweden, and especially in the county of Dalarna where Falun is located, the Falun Candidature Committee presented its plans for the organization of a 2013 event. Falun has hosted the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships three times in the past, namely 1954, 1974 and 1993. The well-known ski marathon Vasaloppet has been carried out in the region since 1922.

For 2013, the Championship concept calls for various improvements to the existing sports infrastructure at the Lugnet Nordic venue, in particular to the Ski Jumping site. Several projects to enhance the general infrastructure in the region, e.g. accommodation facilities, are under development, while others are being planned. Furthermore, the Falun 2013 candidacy forms part of the new strategy of the Swedish Ski Association - the goal of Sweden is to be the leading nation in the world in skiing and snowboarding by 2010.