“The New Norm”, an ambitious set of 118 reforms that reimagines how the Olympic Games are delivered, was presented to the membership of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)at its 132nd Session.

The plan, which focuses on six recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020 related to the organisation of the Games, will provide cities with increased flexibility in designing the Games to meet long-term development goals, and will ensure that host cities receive more assistance from the IOC and the wider Olympic Movement.

Having reviewed the Candidature Process and adopted a strategic approach to legacy last year, the IOC presented updated services and requirements that will lead to maximum savings of hundreds of millions of dollars in the delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Executive Steering Committee, chaired by the IOC member in Australia John Coates, analyzed – in cooperation with several partners and experts in the sectors – each function of operations especially venues, energy, broadcasting, accommodation, transport and technology, and also looked at the Paralympic Games. The IOC will support the cities at every step of the process to ensure that the Games are affordable, beneficial and sustainable.

“These are the biggest savings in the history of the Olympic Games,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “It is a fundamental rethinking of the organisation of future Games. This will lead to a new norm – from the candidature for and the delivery of the Games through to their legacy.”

In particular, the plan includes opportunities to reduce venue sizes, rethink transport options, optimise existing infrastructure and reuse the field of play for various sports. In addition, to provide better assistance to cities, the Olympic family – including IFs, NOCs and TOP partners – will be involved through various initiatives.

The creation of the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) in 2001 is a perfect example. As OBS became the permanent host broadcaster for the Summer Olympic Games, Olympic Winter Games and Youth Olympic Games, it is no longer necessary to rebuild the media operations sector for each new edition.

Similarly, starting in PyeongChang, the IOC takes the reins of the Olympic Information Service, which provides thousands of media representatives with essential information during the Olympic Games. A new approach that would reduce the workload and costs for a host city.

For further details, visit the IOC website www.olympic.org