Doug Arnot, Los Angeles 2024's sport director, met with the International Handball Federation officials yesterday in Basel to close the first round of discussions, which began in January.

The aim of the discussions has been to receive expert guidance to help Los Angeles 2024 develop its plan and deliver a more personalised athlete experience should they be awarded the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Earlier this week, Los Angeles 2024 chairman Casey Wasserman revealed that second meetings with multiple International Federations were to take place throughout the duration of SportAccord Convention here to receive further feedback on their current plans.

“We have enjoyed these very constructive meetings between Los Angeles 2024 and each of the 28 International Federations,” Wasserman said.

"Every year, these experts stage world-class events and it is vital that we learn from their experience and incorporate their best practices.

"I’d like to congratulate the International Olympic Committee for establishing a candidature process which allows for a collaborative, integrated and iterative approach to developing the Games Plan.

“This dialogue with world-leading experts gives us a great chance to develop a concept that offers the best possible Games experience for the entire Olympic Movement.”

Los Angeles 2024 have used the meetings to introduce its venue plans and provide an overview of the Games concept, while looking to receive insight into how to optimise their sports venues and athlete experience.

With Los Angeles 2024 claiming that 97 per cent of their venues are already completed, taking in account facilities already planned by private investors or temporary structures, that they will be able to focus more on the athletes’ needs.

“Over 1,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes already choose to live and train in LA, and we’re really excited about telling the world what it is that makes our city such a great place to be an athlete,” said Janet Evans, Los Angeles 2024 vice-chair and director of athlete relations.  

“Los Angeles 2024 is grateful to each of the International Federations for allowing us the opportunity to meet with them and for giving us such insightful, constructive feedback.

“We are working hard to build a bid that prioritises the needs of athletes and these meetings have been essential to that process.”

Los Angeles faces competition from Budapest, Paris and Rome in its bid to win the hosting rights to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The International Olympic Committee is due to make a decision at its Session in Lima in 2017.