On 23-25 April 2014 a European Athletics delegation conducted an official visit to Ivano- Frankivsk, the host city of the 2015 European Cup Race Walking.
During the kick-off meeting the delegation members, Vadim Zelichenok (Council Delegate), Luis Saladie (Technical Delegate) and Sandrine Glacier (Project Coordinator) reviewed the status of preparatory activities.
'It was very important for us that the local organising committee received first-hand instructions, answers and an outline of strategic direction,” said the President of the Ivano-Frankivsk Athletic Association Vitaly Mateshko.
They also met with the Deputy of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration Sergei Adamovich and First Deputy Mayor Zynoviy Fitel.
The meetings were aimed at making sure that both parties were on the same page as far as co-financing of the event.
The European Athletics delegation inspected hotels, track, opening and closing ceremony locations, discussed security issues, marketing, transportation, communications, and medical coverage.
It was decided to introduce some adjustments to the locations of the food corners and to one of the turns along the course.
The most important task the organisers face is reconstructing parts of the road and competition track which they hope to complete by October 2014.'I think it’s safe to say that both parties were satisfied. We discussed all the technical issues and the Ukrainian Athletics Federation (FLAU) provided a very informative presentation on marketing aspects. We worked out all the possible options for further action to successfully organise the competitions,' Mateshko added.
The next visit is expected in October, during the annual Ivano-Frankivsk evening race walking event, which will serve as a test for the 2015 European Cup Race Walking.