They both gave a report on their progress to International Olympic Committee (IOC) members here as part of the 125th IOC session and each presented a confident case as to their current levels of preparation.

For Nanjing 2014 the success last month of the Asian Youth Games in the same city was hailed as a strong test case for similar success next year.  

"The Asian Youth Games saw 2,500 athletes from 45 countries as well 13,000 volunteers and 900 journalists," said Nanjing 2014 president Yang Weize.

"Many of the same venues and organisational frameworks were successfully piloted as well as the correct values of excellence, respect and friendship."

The Asian Youth Games, and the stadium which hosted athletics as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, gave a good indication of progress ahead of Nanjing 2014





Some evidence to the contrary was expressed through a question from Lebanese IOC member Toni Khoury who retold some personal bad experiences he had faced - relating to accreditation and airport transfers - when he had attended the Games.,

However, reassurance were given that lessons were being learned and that the Asian Youth Games had served its purpose as a way to identify areas for improvement.

It was summarised by Alexander Popov, chairman of the Nanjing 2014 Coordination Commission, as an "excellent exercise and learning opportunity" which gave us "much confidence for the next year." 

Meanwhile, preparations are also progressing well ahead of the second Winter Youth Olympic Games to be held in Lillehammer two years later in 2016.

Once again a youth sport "DNA" relating to the three aims of "sport, sustainablity and peace" was put forward. 

It was also claimed that the Games will build on the logistical legacy of the 1994 Winter Olympics also held in Lillehammer although new facilities, including 360 student apartments, have also been added.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
September 2013: Competition launched to "make Olympic history" and design medals for Nanjing 2014
August 2013: London 2012 swimming champion Le Clos becomes Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympics ambassador
August 2013: Nanjing 2014 unveils special clock on one-year to go milestone
May 2013: Olympic champion Isinbayeva unveiled as Nanjing 2014 ambassador
May 2013: Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympics "really taking shape" says IOC Coordination