SEOUL, South Korea (AP) " The new chief organizer for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang says preparations are on track with less than two years to go, despite lingering concerns over venue constructions and sponsorships. But preparations seemed to turn a corner after organizers successfully hosted the first round of test events at Olympic snow venues earlier this year. He played down concerns about cash shortages entering the final phase of constructions and another series of test events at Olympic venues beginning in December. "Our time together leaves me confident that Mr. Lee understands what needs to be done in this critical operational phase," she said. Lee, 67, a former minister of industry and energy, was formally appointed on Monday by South Korea's minister of culture, sports and tourism as the new president of the Olympic organizing committee.

Source: New Zealand Herald May 20, 2016 00:28 UTC