SÜDTIROL 2009

IAAF World Youth Championships 8-12 JULY

News - Latest News

13.07.2009

After successful WYC Bressanone/Brixen sets eyes on 2011

Conclusions and outlook by LOC President Rudi Rienzner, Mayor Albert Pürgstaller, Event Manager Stefano Andreatta and Finance Director Paul Gasser

LOC President Rudi Rienzner: “We should be able to leverage the expertise of our staff and of volunteers for other events in South Tyrol”
“Hundreds of volunteers have come forward for this WYC. They enriched the LOC with their expertise and skill-sets. It would be unfortunate not to leverage this know-how for other events in South Tyrol. We can proudly state that this has been a successful and well organized WYC and at conclusion of it will now fully enjoy the praise offered by IAAF. I gladly share it with the hard-working staff and volunteers from who have made this WYC possible. Bressanone/Brixen was the capital of athletics over the last few days and the success of this event will benefit all of South Tyrol. The atmosphere was exceptional and great was the joy expressed by guests, athletes and team support alike. Almost everything went seamlessly. I was particularly impressed by the level of familiarity that this event was able to maintain, by the big audiences and by the joyful enthusiasm. It was a miniature version of the Olympic Games.”
 
Mayor of Bressanone/Brixen Albert Pürgstaller: “My fellow citizens have done a great job”
“President Lamine Diack has already implied that we should bring forward our candidacy for the European Team Championships 2011.” says Mayor Albert Pürgstaller at the conclusion of the WYC at the stadium in Bressanone/Brixen adding: “this was the greatest compliment paid by IAAF President because it expressed the satisfaction by the international association.” Diack also expressed his wish for Bressanone/Brixen to take a more active role on the international stage of athletics.
“It was our initial concern that we had little comprehension of the magnitude of this event” adds the former LOC President, continuing “which is why it became even more important for us to meet this challenge.” Mr. Pürgstaller was affected by the atmosphere in the stadium and the enthusiasm of the city and immediately went on to praise the staff of the LOC. “My fellow citizens have done a great job. This success is owed to the countless volunteers with their multiple talents and who have tirelessly worked towards the success of this WYC. Furthermore, the project was supported financially on the federal and the regional level as well as by the city of Bressanone/Brixen itself. But this would not have been enough to cover all expenses which is why I express my gratitude to all private enterprises who have provided enthusiastically and unconditionally with necessary funds. Bressanone/Brixen expressed some concerns at the beginning of this long process but have also recognized the value and international character of this event. My fellow citizens have welcomed and hosted guests from all over the world. This has been felt and much appreciated by the visiting athletes. We can proudly state, that the city has felt the same atmosphere as it had during the papal visit last summer. And considering that the event is marketed under the coverage of the entire province of South Tyrol is proof how we have brought together the entire region. Which is why I firmly believe that it is not only Bressanone/Brixen but all of South Tyrol that will benefit from this event.”

Stefano Andreatta: “I can finally get a good night’s sleep although for me the WYC won’t be over any time soon“

“I am very pleased with the course taken by this WYC. Athletes have set record performances just like the LOC. I am proud of the entire team. They have performed exceptionally well working with passion and dedication all day long. The amount of work requested from us was almost incomprehensible ranging from translations into three languages to individual transportation of participants at all times of the day. Preparing 5000 daily meals was no small feat either, particularly considering that it had to reflect the many different eating cultures and religious habits represented in Bressanone/Brixen. On the financial front we were able to come to a good result after initial difficulties. Fortunately, both the private economy as well as public entities have recognized the importance of the event and fully supported its positive outcome. A total number of 20,000 spectators also vastly exceeded our most optimistic expectations. Furthermore, the warm welcome offered by the citizens of Bressanone/Brixen has been one of my most memorable aspects of this WYC. At times, the expectations set by IAAF have almost pushed us to the edge of reason. But we successfully overcame these challenges and learned from them. That is the only way an event of this magnitude can be executed to its smallest detail. I can finally have a good night’s sleep as we have a handle on all the financial aspects of this event. Although for me the WYC won’t be over any time soon.”

Finance Director Paul Gasser: “I have a good feeling”

 “I have a good feeling” says WYC Director of Finance Paul Gasser whenever he is being asked about the financial situation of the LOC not without a degree of satisfaction. “I don't expect to register a loss at conclusion of the WYC if things stay the way they are. There are certainly expenses which we can't fully predict such as transportation and accommodation but we have set aside appropriate accruals. Paul Gasser is particularly excited about the local sponsorships and the help provided by public entities. In addition, IAAF supported the event as well. The three parties each shouldered a third of the total budget of €2.3m. “I am particularly pleased that so many private sponsors have expressed there appreciation for this transnational event.”

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