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Following
the meeting of its Executive Board in London (GBR) on Wednesday, 6th
April, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed the
inclusion of a total of six new events on the program of the Olympic
Winter Games Sochi 2014. The newly added events which are FIS events are
Freestyle Ski halfpipe (men and ladies) and ladies' Ski Jumping, along
with Biathlon mixed
relay, Figure Skating team event and Luge team relay.
Five
other FIS events under consideration - the Alpine nation's team event,
Freestyle Ski slopestyle (men and ladies) and Snowboard slopestyle (men
and ladies) remain subject to a further feasibility study. A decision on
the inclusion of these five events will be made within the coming
months following further work among FIS technical experts,
representatives of the So
chi 2014
organizing committee and the International Olympic Committee.
The
IOC especially cited the attractiveness and popularity among the young
generations as well as the spectacular, high level in both the men's and
ladies competition as the benefits of Freestyle Ski halfpipe events.
Considering the ladies' Ski Jumping, the IOC referred to the significant
increase in the technical capability by a much broader group of
competitors from
more
nations than when it was considered for the previous Games.
"FIS
is pleased about the IOC's decision to include ladies' Ski Jumping and
Freestyle Ski halfpipe in the Sochi 2014 Games. Both of these events
have clearly demonstrated their merits in being part of the Olympic
winter program," said FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. "We remain
confident that the other FIS events requiring additional technical study
will also be accep
ted,
given their high appeal especially to younger audiences."
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