Six sports added to 2014 Winter Olympics

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LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 6 (UPI) -- Six new events, including women's ski jumping and a luge team competition, have been added to the schedule for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia.

In addition the women's ski jumping and the luge team events, the International Olympic Committee on Wednesday confirmed the addition of men's and women's half-pipe, a biathlon mixed relay and a figure skating team competition.

"The inclusion of these events on the Olympic Winter Games program is sure to be appreciated by athletes and sports fans alike," IOC President Jacques Rogge said in a release.

"These are exciting, entertaining events that perfectly complement the existing events on the sports program, bring added appeal and increase the number of women participating at the Games. I look forward to watching the athletes compete in these events in Sochi 2014."

The IOC considered several new events for inclusion in the Winter Games. The events were judged on "universality, gender equality and youth appeal and, in general, add value to the Games."

Five events -- ski slopestyle (men and women), snowboard slopestyle (men and women), and Alpine team parallel competition -- are subject to further feasibility study, the IOC said, with a decision on inclusion for 2014 expected in the coming weeks.