The event will begin with a joint meeting with the National Olympic Committees before the Executive Board will begin debating which events - if any - to add to the Games in Sochi.

The most high-profile of these seeking inclusion is women's ski jumping, which was controversially not included in the Olympics in Vancouver earlier this year despite the matter going to the Supreme Court of Canada.

It is the sport's third attempt to be included on the programme having previously been rejected by the IOC due to its lack of top competitors.

But other disciplines seeking inclusion are men's and women's snowboard and Alpine slopestyle, men's and women's ski halfpipe, a parallel racing Alpine team event, mixed relay in biathlon, a team event in figure skating, and a luge team competition.

The inaugural women's ski jumping World Championship took place last year in Liberec, Czech Republic, and was won by Lindsey Van of the United States.

Next year's championship are due to be held in Oslo on February 25.

The International Ski Federation, or FIS, plans to start a women's ski jumping World Cup circuit starting with the 2011-12 season.

Women have competed on the Continental Cup circuit since 2005.

Gian Franco Kasper, President of the international skiing federation, the FIS, claimed he is "very optimistic" that all five proposed ski events will win approval, if not immediately then in the coming months.

"They don't need additional courses or anything built," he said.

"And there is enough space in the programme."

The addition of slopestyle and ski halfpipe events would be the latest push by the IOC to bring in events that appeal to youth.

Skicross made its debut in Vancouver.

"It gives us a different image and colour to the Olympic Winter Games," Kasper said.

The Executive Board will also hear reports on the IOC’s latest activities and receive updates on the preparations for the forthcoming Olympic Games in London 2012, Sochi 2014 and Rio de Janeiro 2016, and the Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck 2012,

Today, Rogge addressed the first-ever World Olympic Sport Convention, attended by more than 200 NOCs and Sports Ministers.

The IOC President took the opportunity to underline the importance of protecting the autonomy of sport:

"What does ‘autonomy of sport’ mean?," he said to the influential audience. 

"Let me first say what it does not mean: It does not mean that we are above the law or that we should not be expected to adhere to the principles of good governance.

"It simply means that the world of sport and sports administration should be free from direct political or Government interference.

"It means that Governments should not interfere with fair elections for National Olympic Committees, or seek to force the selection of coaches or athletes.

"We should be allowed to freely form sports organisations, federations and clubs.

"We should be allowed to freely determine the rules of sport, and to establish structures and procedures for the practice of sport.

"The autonomy of sport is grounded in the unique nature of sport.

"Sport is a global endeavour that is built on globally accepted norms of fair play and fair competition."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
October 2010: Boost for women's ski jumping Olympic campaign
June 2010: Women's ski jumpers receive Sochi 2014 boost
December 2009: Women lose last battle in war to get ski jumping into Vancouver
November 2009: Women ski jumpers lose latest court battle
August 2009: Rogge supports women ski jumpers - but not in 2010