It is all about sustainability for Innsbruck 2012 youth Olympics
INNSBRUCK, January 11,2012 - From the Youth Olympic Games Village to some of the venues strewn across the picturesque rugged Tirol Mountains- it's all about building a lasting legacy from the first Winter Youth Olympic Games.
Apart from promoting social and environmental sustainability, the Youth Olympic village built on the site of what used to be an army barracks is looking to go beyond the realms of sport as and the ecological construction concept-as the apartments will be made available to some of 120,000 residents of the Tyrolean capital -nestled in the heart of the Alps.
"The 444 apartments which is now housing over 1000 athletes and officials will be made available to the local population at very low costs. As is they have already been allocated to residents and should be ready for occupation by March 2012,"explained Peter Bayer, the Chief Executive Officer, Innsbruck Tirol Olympics Organising Committee.
There is also the historical aspect of the games for Innsbruck that will be hosting the Olympic family for the third time, to showcase and improve some of the venues that were used for the 1964 and 1976 Olympic Winter Games. The game
The Ski Jumping, Ski Half pipe venues were constructed specifically for the youth Olympic Games which will also see the athletes compete in seven new events alongside the traditional competitions in Winter Sports disciplines.
"It is a good chance for us to host yet another edition of the Olympic games and use some of the historical venues for the young talent," noted the Secretary General of the Austrian Olympic committee, Dr Peter Mennel.
The Youth Olympic games concept for athletes aged 15-18 seeks to give the youngsters a sporting exposure alongside an exciting culture and education programme.
After holding a similar successful programme at the first Summer Youth Games in Singapore in 2010, the International Olympic Committee is looking to help the athletes nurture their personal development through the help of about 30 well-known athletes who will act as mentors for the competitors.
The games officially start on Thursday with the Ice Hockey scheduled for the Tyrolean Ice Arena.
(Source: AIPS)
