ISU announced a new statement about Worlds 2011 and WTT 2011.
At the moment, the following cities (in random order) seem possible host places of Worlds 2011:
A column by Philip Hersh/Chicago Tribune
will be updated!
ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2011 – ISU World Team Trophy 2011
21 Mar 2011 07:04
Since the outbreak of the crisis, the ISU was and remains in close contact with the Japan Skating Federation (JSF) who in turn did likewise with the competent Japanese authorities. After having explored all possible options to maintain the 2011 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Japan, the JSF has now informed the ISU that regretfully and reluctantly they must decline hosting the Championships in Japan. Also, the JSF agreed to the postponement of the ISU World Team Trophy initially scheduled to be held in April 2011 to be held instead in April 2012 in Japan at a place and exact dates to be agreed upon. The ISU agrees with this conclusion.
While the ISU gave priority to find a solution to keep the 2011 ISU World Figure Skating Championship in Japan, the ISU fully understands the JSF decision. As we all struggle to come to terms with the unimaginable tragedies following the monstrous earthquake of March 11, the ISU reiterates its expressions of grief and sympathy to all those affected by loss of life, injury and loss of homes. The ISU admires the resilience, strength of character and faith of the Japanese people in recovering from this tragedy.
In light of this catastrophe, the consequences on sports events and in particular the ISU World Figure Skating Championships and ISU World Team Trophy become relatively secondary. Nevertheless, it is the ISU’s duty to find the best possible solution for a possible rescheduling and relocation of the Events taking into account all points of view.
Based on spontaneous proposals from ISU Member federations received to host the Championships and possibly additional Members who might be interested and available, the ISU Council is evaluating the different options taking into account all relevant aspects and points of view. This primarily involves the tremendous logistical challenge to organize and conduct such major Event on short notice. Also, the Council cannot ignore legal and contractual constraints as well as timing conflicts with other skating or sporting events.
Considering the scope and complexity of the situation, quick evaluations and decisions were and remain extremely difficult to make and the ISU counts on the understanding of the Figure Skating community for taking a minimum but reasonable amount of time to reach conclusions in cooperation with the concerned ISU Members and entities.
The ISU Council is conscious that a solution satisfying all points of view is probably difficult to be achieved and begs all involved for their understanding and cooperation in these truly exceptional circumstances.
An update of the situation will be communicated in the coming days.
Ottavio Cinquanta Fredi Schmid
President Director General
I read that the Helsinki offer was from April 24 to May 1. Cinquanta is hesitant to hold it in Italy, it might seem like favortism.
Oops! Favoritism.
Turin?!?
Yes, yes, this is the best choice! 😉
I for Moscow !
If Worlds is held in Russia, it would probably be the Megasport Center. Putin said it would not be expensive, comparatively speaking and they could do it. London has made a last minute desperate bid to hold Worlds, they really want it, saying that everybody knows each other there and they could put it together quickly and easily. I heard everybody only has until Tuesday night to submit bids. If they hold it in Colorado Springs I could drive there and see Kiira, Czisny, Yuna, everybody!
It looks like the 6 or 7 finalists are Russia, USA, Finland (Turku), Austria (Graz), Croatia (Zagreb), Canada and England. The ISU has said it will determine the winner by Wednesday!
Now I read that the seawater around the Fukushima plant has radiation levels 125 times what is considered safe. Here in America, around 75,000 people got thyroid cancer (mostly downwind in Utah) from the nuclear testing in Nevada. We detonated 1,021 nuclear bombs at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) up until 1992. That’s right Takashi, one thousand and twenty one nuclear bombs! Horrible! Just Google “Yucca Flats, Nevada” and you can see the nuclear craters–it looks like a moonscape.
Here’s breaking news about decisions of ISU:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/isu-receives-offers-from-6-countries-to-replace-japan-as-host-of-skating-worlds/2011/03/22/ABhNmIDB_story.html
USA Today confirmed these news: but in my opinion, ISU has already decided. Contrary to Kiira’s wishes, unfortunately Tampere is not considered a valid application: between next wednesday and thursday, ISU Council should vote for the new place, indicating new dates too. It’s very likely they’ll be held at the end of April-beginning of May.
Moscow,Moscow,Moscow!
I just read where the ISU council votes Thursday and they will announce the new site Friday (the 25th). Moscow seems like a front runner Aleksey, but who knows? Canadians are still complaining about having to pay for the Olympics (remember the “Slurpee Olympics” because they had to truck in the snow?). The ISU wants an 8,000 seat venue. Lake Placid has 7,700 seats but close enough. I don’t know what the odds makers say in Las Vegas, but considering all the fans in Russia and Putin saying he’ll pick up the bill, Aleksey may get his wish. London is out of the final cut, so it’s just the six.
Moscow took it! I would have loved to see the games in Turku, Finland, but too late. Fantastic to have the championships after all!
http://www.sportcentric.com/vsite/vcontent/content/transnews/0,10869,4844-128590-19728-18885-312988-3787-4771-layout160-129898-news-item,00.html