Salt Lake City (pps) All participants considered the 5th media seminar of the International Luge Federation, FIL, a full success. The seminar took place on the occasion of the international training week on the Olympic track at Park City. “FIL as well as all other International Winter Sports Federation have full confidence in the US authorities regarding the safety precautions for the Olympic Winter Games”, was the most important statement by FIL President Josef Fendt to the 17 media representatives from Europe and North America. At the same time the former World luge champion appealed to all athletes not to query their participation for safety reasons.

The safety precautions, thus the responsible sports director of the Organizing Committee SLOC, Cathy Priestner-Allinger, have been increased after September 11. During the Games, for instance, planes would patrol over Salt Lake City, and some barriers have been strengthened.

The future manager of the venues at Utah Olympic Park considers the future of the combined bobsleigh and luge track promising. „We will get US$40 million as a basis to ensure the maintenance of the track and the ski jumping hills”, explained Cathy Priestner-Allinger, the 1976 Olympic speed skating silver medallist on 500m. The organisation of the 2005 World Luge Championships is important for the track. “We are very happy that we may host this event”, Cathy Priestner-Allinger said.

In addition to extensive discussions with the FIL Executive Board members and President Fendt, General Secretary Svein Romstad, USA, and the Vice President for financial affairs, Harald Steyrer, Austria, the media representatives also visited the Olympic track and the main press centre at Salt Center of the Olympic city.

The journalists could also assure themselves about the excellent preparations as observers of the final competition. At the end of the training week the Germans Sylke Otto and Karsten Albert and Americans Chris Thorpe-Clay Ives were the winners of an unofficial race.

The media seminar, generously supported by World Cup sponsors Viessmann and Ebers-paecher, was concluded with a joint dinner of athletes and journalists.