Latvian government pledges support for joint 2026 Olympic bid with Sweden

Take note – story published 4 years ago

The Cabinet of Ministers on April 9 agreed on guarantees regarding Latvia's participation in the organization of the 2026 Winter Olympic together with Sweden.

The government supported sending a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) guaranteeing the support of the Latvian government for the joint bid, which would foresee the Olympic luge, skeleton and bobsleigh events to take place at the Sigulda track.

In the letter, the Latvian government points out that it expects a fair and mutually beneficial allocation of financing from the IOC and other sources so that both Sweden and Latvia could successfully organize the Olympic events.

If the IOC gives the green light for the Stockholm/Sigulda build, work will commence on the re-construction of the Sigulda track, as well as other necessary infrastructure.

The OIC will make its decision on the hosting rights of the 2026 Olympics during its annual session at the end of June.

As reported, the Swedish government is getting behind the country's bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Associated Press reported earlier today.

Sports Minister Amanda Lind told local broadcaster TV4 that hosting the games "would be great for Sweden."

Swedish Olympic Committee chief operating officer Peter Reinebo says taxpayers would not foot the bill for the games, which would be held in Sweden and Latvia. The committee has estimated it will cost 13.1 billion kronor (USD 1.4 billion) and has said no public funds will be used.

Last week, Latvian Prime Minister Arturs Krisjanis Karins pledged support for the 2026 bid. Most events would be held in Sweden — mainly in Are, Falun and in Stockholm — but luge, boblseigh and skeleton would be in Sigulda, Latvia.

The IOC is scheduled to vote on the 2026 host in June. The other candidate is a combined Italian bid from Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo.

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