SEOUL: PyeongChang 2018 “is moving in the right direction” towards its Winter Games hosting according to the latest assessment from the International Olympic Committee coordination commission.

Commission chair Gunilla Lindberg told a closing news conference of the IOC’s “satisfaction with construction progress at competition venues.”

She congratulated organisers for the success of early test events – the Alpine World Cup, the Snowboard World Cup and the Freestyle Ski World Cup.

Some 24 test events set for the next winter sports season. The first, the ISU World Cup Short Track Speed Skating, is scheduled for December at the new Gangneung Ice Arena.

Lindberg said, “There is still a lot of work to do but PyeongChang 2018 is on track to deliver great Olympic Winter Games for Korea and the world. We are pleased with what we have seen and heard during our visit.”

POCOG organising president Yang-ho Cho said, “This has been a very productive few days for all of us, sharing constructive feedback and expertise. With our close cooperation, we will ensure great Olympics and Paralympics in 2018.”

The commission’s three-day visit included venue visits and discussions on all aspects of Games preparations, including the athlete experience, legacy planning, sustainability and transport, as well as plans for the Paralympic Games.

POCOG also presented its plan for a PyeongChang House in Rio de Janeiro during this year’s summer Games. The facility will showcase winter sports and PyeongChang’s Games preparations.

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