Milan Passes Muster for IOC Session

(ATR) The city of fashion and industry appears certain to host the 2019 Session of the IOC.

A two-member delegation from the IOC wrapped up the two-day visit to Milan on Wednesday. Willi Kaltschmitt of Guatemala and Ser Miang Ng of Singapore say they are satisfied with what they have seen and are ready to endorse the plans for approval by the full IOC.

That will come at the 130th IOC Session in September in Lima, Peru.

It is fair to say that Milan had the inside track even before the IOC visit this week. It is the only city bidding for the 2019 meeting, which is expected to choose a host for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Still the IOC inspection was needed to review the specifics such as the Session location, hotels and other logistics.

Mayor of Milan Giuseppi Sala and Lombardy Governor Roberto Maroni were involved in the meetings with the IOC group.

From the Italian National Olympic Committee were President Giovanni Malago, Secretary General Roberto Fabbricini, Deputy General Secretary Carlo Mornati, and Diana Bianchedi, project leader.

Exact date of the Session is not set but it will be planned for September.

Location for the Session is the Milan Congressi, also known as MiCo. The futuristic complex is the largest conventioncenter in Europe.

The opening ceremony will be staged at the newly restored La Scala opera house.

About 10,000 people are expected to be involved in the IOC meeting across the span of nearly a week.

"The delegates voiced positive feelings, are affected by the atmosphere and by the growth of Milan," said Malago at a closing press conference held at the Armani palazzo.

"I am very enthusiastic about the teamwork between CONI, the regional government and the municipality. The venues are all ready," said Malago.

After the disappointment of the failed bid from Rome for the 2024 Olympics the question of a new bid from Italy, from Milan, was inevitable at the press conference.

Malago as well as the political leaders appearing with him agreed that any talk about a Milan bid, especially for 2028, must wait until the IOC decides whether it will choose both Paris and Los Angeles as Olympic hosts for 2024 and 2028.

The mayor of Milan says he would like to see the Olympics come to his city at some time.

"The Olympics is a great opportunity, of course you have to look at the complexity of managing, for example Milan is a city that has quite limited sports facilities. But it is something we could certainly think about," said Sala.

Milan made a bid for the 2000 Olympics. Since then Rome has bid unsuccessfully two times.

Written by Ed Hula.