ERZURUM - Technical delegates of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) visited eastern Turkish province of Erzurum that will host Winter Universiade in 2011.
Delegates Roger Roth and Milan Augustin toured Erzurum`s Kandilli hamlet, where cross-country will take place, and Konakli Mountain, which will host Alpine skiing races.
"Investments in the area should be finalized till the end of 2009," Roth told reporters after they visited the skiing sites.
On the other hand, Augustin said the universiade is a great opportunity for regional people. "If this region grows up good sportsmen, these sportsmen can have the opportunity to take place in 2011 Universiade."
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Kazim Yekeler of Erzurum said projects are ready for mechanical facilities, jumping towers, new facilities that will be opened to tourism on Konakli Mountain, and shopping malls.
"All the investments will be completed till 2010," he told.
Yekeler said, "we will also run our candidacy to host 2018 Winter Olympic Games because we believe we have the required facilities."
-FISU, WINTER UNIVERSIADE AND PALANDOKEN-
The FISU was formed within university institutions in order to promote sporting values and encourage sporting practice in harmony with, and complementary to, the university spirit. Its main responsibility is the supervision of both Summer and Winter Universiades as well as the World University Championships.
The Winter Universiade consists of 7 compulsory sports (Alpine skiing - Snowbaording - Nordic skiing composed of jump, cross country & combined - Curling - Ice Hockey - Short-Track Speed Skating - Figure Skating - Biathlon) and one or two optional sports also chosen by the host country.
Palandoken ski center has a sufficient number of suitable skiing slopes for Alpine skiing, ski touring, cross-country and heli-skiing. The duration of the skiing season is 150 days a year. The altitude in the skiing area of Palandoken is 2200-3176 m and the most suitable skiing conditions are between 10 December and 10 May. The average snowfall is 2-3 m in normal winter conditions. Due to the climate, the quality of the snow is "powdery" all through the season.
(BRC-AÖ)