The 2012 Winter Youth Olympics (YOG) were an international youth multi-sport event featuring winter events that was planned to complement the Olympic Games. It featured athletes between the ages of 14 and 18.
Four cities entered bids to host the games: Harbin (China), Innsbruck (Austria), Kuopio (Finland), and Lillehammer (Norway). All four cities were selected for the shortlist. As with the selection process for the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics, this list was further pared to two finalists one month prior to the selection date, Innsbruck and Kuopio. It was finally revealed on December 12, 2008, that Innsbruck won the rights to host the Games by a margin of 84 votes to 15.
Result
The result, collected by postal vote was revealed by IOC president Jacques Rogge on December 12, 2008:
Rogge commented at the announcement, "this is a good decision in that it was obviously the best bid. Innsbruck has lots of assets - the capacity of the city, the experience of the people. It's an icon of winter sports. We are fully aware that this is a very short period, but we are extremely confident that Innsbruck can match the expectations of both the IOC and the athletes, including an attractive culture and education program which is an integral part of the Youth Olympic Games experience."
Rogge's comments indicated Austria's recent bid history may have also affected votes: "It's something nice for Austria. They bid twice for Salzburg and now they are getting Innsbruck. I think this is good."
Games expectations
The winter version will last a maximum of nine days, with the first edition taking place in early 2012. The IOC expects around 970 athletes and 580 officials at the winter games. Estimated cost for the game are currently $15 million-$20 million. The IOC states the program will include the seven sports found in the program of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. Similar to the Summer edition, a limited number of disciplines will be offered, and sports of particular interest to the youth will be included.
The Evaluation Commission evaluated bids primarily in the areas of governance and guarantees, finance, Olympic Village, sport and venues, and culture and education programs. As with the selection of the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics, special emphasis was put on delivering in the areas in a short three-year period; that is, a city that does not make the grade for this edition may still be a very viable candidate for a future edition with a longer lead time.
Bid process
The schedule was announced in January, 2008. March 6, 2008—National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are to inform the IOC of the names of their candidate cities. June 19, 2008—Cities submit Candidature files. August 2008—IOC announces shortlist of Candidate Cities. Cities submit detailed budget. September 2008—Cities respond in writing to initial concerns. Cities present 1 hour video presentations and Question sessions. (No on-site tour was executed). Cities send in additional guarantees as needed. October 2008—The Evaluation Commission submits its report to the IOC Executive Board. November 2, 2008—The IOC Executive Board submit its recommendations to the IOC members for a postal vote. December 12, 2008—The host city is announced.
Host city overview
Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. AOC head Dr. Leo Wallner says the city is "predestined" to be the first host because of their experience, sport sites, and the spectacular Alps. Recent experience includes the Air & Style Snowboard Contest from 1994 to 1999 and 2008, the 2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships, and the 2005 Winter Universiade (with Seefeld). Innsbruck's Bergisel is expected to once again be the centerpiece of the bid.
Martin Schnitzer, CEO of Innsbruck 2012, outlined Innsbruck’s plan on June 19, 2008. All the venues are concentrated in two zones in Innsbruck and Seefeld, with only two temporary structures to be built. The Culture and Education Programme has the potential to generate a "digital media phenomenon" and will be based in Innsbruck Congress Centre. Innsbruck has committed to building a new Olympic Village that will be within 15 minutes of the venues and later become much needed social housing. In addition, the Innsbruck Tyrol region has invested US$225 million in venue and infrastructure in recent years.