The International Olympic Committee's Executive Board approved the addition of Snowboard Slopestyle to the Winter Olympics roster of events, effective in 2014. The decision was announced via press conference from the IOC's meeting in Durban, South Africa. "The reason why we waited for the inclusion of slopestyle, was the feasibility study that was underway in terms of logistics, in Sochi," said IOC President Jacques Rogge. "The feasibility was very good so there was no issue in this respect. Slopestyle is a very popular sport, and this is growing very fast. You have young, dedicated, spectacular athletes. Definitely, I believe it has the same future as the beginning of snowboarding in Nagano in 1998. You see what has happened in between." Slopestyle athletes welcomed the IOC announcement. "I am so stoked to hear that the IOC believes that slopestyle snowboarding is ready for the Olympics," says The Sports Syndicate's pro snowboarder Chas Guldemond. "This is so huge for our sport. I also feel lucky that I will now be able to work toward qualifying for the Olympic Games and the chance to represent my country." For more on the IOC announcement visit sports.espn.go.com
