Boston (pps) The Executive Board of the International Luge Federation (FIL) recently held its fall meeting in Boston (USA). The meeting was organized in a perfect way by FIL Vice-President Claire DelNegro from the USA. Besides approving new rules for the SUZUKI Challenge Cup and doping controls at and outside FIL competitions, the FIL Executive Board slightly modified the start order for the SUZUKI Team Relay. FIL President Josef Fendt delivered reports on a meeting of the Coordination Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) held in Vancouver, venue of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, as well as on other meetings with numerous sports officials.

In each of the three disciplines (women, men and doubles) of the SUZUKI Challenge Cup, ten sleds will start in two groups of five in the future. The winner of each group reaches the final, the two second-placers compete for rank three in the little final. The start order for the SUZUKI Team Relay will be from last to first rank in the future. Vice-President Alfred Jud from Italy reported on the first meeting of the ad hoc working group “Strategy Natural Track” held under his chairmanship.
In a minute’s silence, the Executive Board commemorated Karl Zenker, the deceased chairman of the Sport Commission artificial track.
On behalf of ORDA, the responsible body for the Olympic facilities in Lake Placid and Organizing Committee for the 2007 Viessmann World Cup and the 2009 FIL World Championships to be staged in the 1932 and 1980 Olympic city, Ted Blazer and Katie Million invited the Executive Board members to a reception. Another reception was given by the United States Luge Association (USLA) headed by Dwight Bell.