Innsbruck 2012 opens the Olympic year with unforgettable ceremony in Austria
First edition of the Winter Youth Olympic Games brings together more than a thousand athletes of 70 countries
Countries represented at the Opening Ceremony (Photo: Innsbruck 2012)
The first edition of the Winter Youth Olympic Games, hosted by Innsbruck, Austria, was opened with an unforgettable ceremony held at the Bergisel Stadium, last Friday, January 13th. It is a milestone and it marks the beginning of a special year for the Olympic Movement.
At the Opening Ceremony, 1,059 athletes representing 70 countries celebrated the union of people, the values of sports and the energy and charisma of youth from all over the world. The event was attended by Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, by Heinz Fischer, President of Austria, and by more than 15 thousand spectators.
Innsbruck, that has already hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1964 and 1976, is the first city of the world to host three Olympic events. In order to celebrate this historical mark, three flames were lit.
The former Austrian athletes Egon Zimmermann and Franz Klammer, champions of downhill Alpine skiing in 1964 and 1976 respectively, had the honor of lighting the first two flames. Paul Gerstgraser, athlete of the Nordic combined, was responsible for the flame of the first Innsbruck 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games.
Up to January 22nd, 63 medal competitions will be disputed. Find the latest news, videos, photos and all the details at the official channels:
. Official Site - Innsbruck 2012
