Lausanne has launched 'fantastic' YOG, says IOC chief

LAUSANNE - IOC President Thomas Bach regarded the Games as a "fantastic" event on the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020 closing press conference on Tuesday.

"We are coming to the close of the fantastic Winter Youth Olympic Games here in the Olympic capital of Lausanne," said Bach.

"All I can say is thank you to the people of Lausanne, Vaud and Switzerland for hosting the Youth Olympic Games in this way."

Since the start of the Games, a total of 1,872 young athletes between the ages of 15 and 18 from 79 countries and regions have taken part in 81 events in 8 sports and 16 disciplines at 8 competition venues. For the first time in a Winter Olympics competition, there was an equal number of male and female athletes.

"We can congratulate Lausanne, and it's a mission accomplished," said Bach.

According to the newest figure of the organizers, more than 640,000 spectators have attended the Games, including 80,000 schoolchildren. More than 200,000 visitors attended the shows or participated in the "Lausanne en Jeux !" events.".

Bach said the success of the 2020 version of YOG wasn't only on the competition level but also on the organizing level. The sustainability and the Olympic spirit embodied are included in Bach's highlights of the Games.

For the first time, as many as 80% of the delegations present at the Games used the public transport system set up for the Games.

"We are delighted that the Organizing Committee fully adopted the reforms of the IOC and Olympic Agenda 2020. These reforms meant that we saw new sports and new disciplines at these Games. They led to full gender balance and highly inclusive Games." Bach added.

Following the Olympic Agenda 2020 is Bach's advice to the future Olympic event organizers.

Olympic Agenda 2020, which was unanimously agreed at the 127th IOC Session in Monaco on the 8th and 9th of December 2014, is considered as the strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement.

The IOC chief said the organizing procedure of an Olympic Games should combine many different aspects. The pursuit for sustainability is important but the organizers also have to provide necessary sporting facilities where the athletes can truly perform. "Every piece is important to form the overall image." said Bach.

"The Games are coming to an end, and everywhere, the pressure is mounting to leave with a feeling of pride and accomplishment." said Virginie Faivre, President of the Organising Committee Lausanne 2020.

"A unique moment which will remain forever engraved in our hearts and memories."