Latvian Olympic Committee (LOK) reports that it and the Swedish Olympic Committee took part in a remote meeting organised by the International Olympic Committee on Tuesday, the 21st of November, during which the two countries’ committees submitted and presented their candidacy for the 2030 Winter Olympic Games.
Sweden approached Latvia as a partner to host the games – with intention to use Sigulda ice track for luge, bobsleigh and skeleton sledding competitions. Stockholm will be the main host of the Olympic games. Competitions are proposed to be held in Östersund, Falun, Ore and Södertälje as well. LOK also received confirmation from Riga and Sigulda municipalities for their intention to participate in the organisation of Olympic games, as well as become hosts for athletes and fans.
In an hour-long presentation, in which LOK was represented by Secretary General Kārlis Lejnieks, the Swedish Olympic Committee presented the International Olympic Committee with their vision for Olympic games and LOK as their partner. Swedish and Latvian representatives presented their initial distribution of sports disciplines across municipalities and sports bases.
The main condition for the candidacy application to be considered real and competitive,
it is necessary to add to it guarantees from the Swedish government by the end of March 2024.
It was previously reported that Stockholm City Council promised financial guarantees for Sweden’s candidacy for the organisation of the 2030 Winter Olympic Games. “By providing municipal guarantees, our message is that this event should be organised in a way that is sustainable in climate, economic and social aspects,” the announcement cites Stockholm City Council head Karin Björnsdotter Wanngård.
According to Lejnieks, Swedes have to do their homework, whereas Latvia’s side have to work with Sigulda ice track on financial estimates to calculate the exact investments necessary to make the track meet technical requirements to be able to host Olympic games.
Earlier in November France submitted its own candidacy to host the 2030 Olympic Games in the French Alps region. Switzerland will decide on its own candidacy at the end of the month. Salt Lake City may submit its candidacy as well. However, the US will likely decide to organise the 2034 Olympic Games instead.
The final decision on the host country or countries is planned for July 2024.
Also read: Latvian PM against letting Russian and Belarusian athletes attend Olympic Games
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