FIS MEDIA INFO:FIS very optimistic about Oslo 2011

50% of tickets already sold, stadium tickets for many events soon sold out

Oberhofen, 12.10.2010 / The Final Inspection for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2011 in Oslo (NOR) took place last week, involving an official presentation on the current state of preparations by the Oslo 2011 organizing committee on Thursday, and various on-site inspections and meetings taking place downtown Oslo and the venue at Holmenkollen between Wednesday and Saturday.

"We saw fantastic progress at the new National Arena at Holmenkollen and the young organizing committee has many new and innovative ideas for the Championships," said FIS President Gian Franco Kasper after the official Final Inspection presentation. He added: "There is no doubt that the team is on the right track and if they continue the same way, we can be very optimistic about Oslo 2011. FIS is satisfied with what we have seen until now but do not want to praise the day before the evening - there are still many details to finalize, such as building all the temporary facilities."

"We are certainly impressed by the status of the major construction project for the new Holmenkollen which has delivered a top-modern facility. The outstanding support and commitment from the City of Oslo has been a crucial factor in this success," noted FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis. "However, it is clear that to complete the work there is pressure to continue in this way for another 134 days, until the opening ceremony on 23rd February 2011."

The construction at the National Arena is scheduled to be finished by 15th January 2011. This includes interior fittings, wind nets and lifts at the jumping hills, and final details on the service buildings, among other projects still underway.

50% of tickets sold - don't wait, purchase your tickets now!

There are a total of 200'000 tickets available for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Oslo 2011 from 23rd February-6th March 2011. So far, almost 100'000, or 50%, of those tickets have already been sold since ticket sales began on 1st September. For some of the 21 events, stadium tickets are already almost sold out including for the men's large hill Ski Jumping, both Cross-Country relays, men's Cross-Country 30km pursuit, and both of the long-distance Cross-Country races, ladies 30km and men's 50km. Given the high interest in the tickets in Norway, it is recommended to secure tickets to events of choice immediately. Tickets are available via the event website at www.oslo2011.no. The tickets include public transport in Oslo free of charge during the World Championships.

About FIS
Founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France, the International Ski Federation (FIS) aims to promote the sport of skiing and snowboarding and directs the development of all ski and snowboarding activities world-wide. FIS succeeded the International Ski Commission (CIS) that was established during the first International Ski Congress held on 18th February 1910 in Christiania (later Oslo), Norway. 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of international skiing and sees the sport embarking into its second century.

FIS administers the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules. With the help of its 110 member nations (one currently suspended), it stages more than 6'000 ski and snowboard competitions annually. FIS also makes recommendations for recreational skiing and snowboarding in the interest of all and promotes play in the snow as a healthy leisure activity for children and the youth. For more information, please visit www.fis-ski.com.

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