Press release by Stockholm Åre 2026;
The Swedish government has publicly expressed its support to the Stockholm Åre 2026 Olympic bid, with Sports Minister Amanda Lind confirming that the whole government is ‘united’ behind Sweden’s proposal to host the world’s biggest winter sports event in seven years.
The backing of the bid is a huge boost to the Stockholm Åre 2026 bid, which would see Sweden host its first ever Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games – and first Olympic Games since 1912.
The International Olympic Committee is due to make an official selection on 24 June 2019, with Italy’s Milan-Cortina the other candidate city in the running.
“It would be great for Sweden to host an Olympic Games,” said Amanda Lind, Swedish Sports Minister, in an interview with Swedish television station, TV4.
“For the entire sports movement, it would be a huge boost. As Sports Minister, I’m glad that we have been able to give this backing. The government is united behind the decision.”
Stockholm Åre 2026 outlines a flexible and forward-thinking proposal that aims to deliver the most sustainable Olympic Games in history, and Lind added that this approach could send a clear message to the rest of the world.
“If we get the Olympic Games, it would be very positive in the way the Swedish Olympic Committee and the Swedish Paralympic Committee have planned the Olympics. It would be a way for Sweden to show how sports events can take place in the future, and to be able to show that one can do it without expensive new builds – in a sustainable and climate-smart way,” she continued.
Stockholm Åre 2026 CEO Richard Brisius is delighted that the government has placed its support firmly behind the bid – and believes that sending this message further strengthens Sweden’s campaign.
“We are pleased that the Swedish government and our politicians, like us, think that an Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2026 would be good for Sweden and the Olympic movement,” he said.
“We have already seen huge support from the public, business community and different stakeholders across the country, and it’s fantastic that the Government has now pledged its full support as well.”
“We have been working closely and continuing a dialogue with the Government and other important stakeholders for many months, so for us, this decision is not unexpected.”
He added: “We all know that the only votes that matter will occur on 24 June 2019 by the IOC members in Lausanne. Between now and then, we will continue to work hard and showcase our plan for a truly sustainable Winter Games, not just for 2026, but for every Games beyond that.
“That’s what ‘Made In Sweden’ really means – quality you can count on, and passionate people you can trust to deliver.”
Press release by Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano (Italian National Olympic Committee);
The Italian Government has signed the guarantees in support of the Milan-Cortina 2026 bid. The announcement came at the start of the afternoon stage of the Seminar related to the visit by the IOC Evaluation Commission, held at the Palazzo Reale in Milan. The Undersecretary at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in charge of Sport, Giancarlo Giorgetti, announced the Government’s decision, before delivering the official document signed by the Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, to Octavian Morariu, the IOC member overseeing the international delegation. The important document arrived on the second last day of the Evaluation Commission’s tour. The host of the 2026 Winter Olympics will be chosen on 24 June at the IOC Session in Lausanne.
You can read more about the 2026 host city election here.