FIL Luge School in Lillehammer

Lillehammer (FIL/16 Oct 2023) From October 9 to 17, 2023, the second FIL Luge School for young athletes from developing countries takes place in Lillehammer, Norway, with the support of the IOC Solidarity Program.

After the success of the fall 2022 luge school in Sigulda, a new group of young athletes from so-called developing countries will now have their opportunity to learn the sport of luge in Lillehammer.

FIL Development Director Fred Zimny said: "Our Luge School is aimed at nations that were classified by the IOC as under-represented at the last Olympic Winter Games. Each participating nation will have the opportunity to send brand-new or very inexperienced young athletes between the ages of 13 and 17 for a one-week luge experience under the guidance of FIL coaches.”

Activities during the "Olympic Solidarity Luge School" will include daily training on the Lillehammer Olympic luge track, physical training, start practice, sled maintenance instruction and group activities.

"About 25 nations were invited, including those from Europe, Asia, South America, Oceania and Africa," reports Fred Zimny.

FIL coaches Petr Kinzel, Bogdan Macovei, Tomas Kinzel and Martin Lozbers will be the experienced coaches in Lillehammer. "Each nation may also send one of their own coaches or a parent to accompany their athletes”, explained Zimny.

FIL President Einars Fogelis expressed his gratitude: "This camp would not have been possible without the generous support of the IOC through the Olympic Solidarity Program. The FIL is very grateful for this support and for giving athletes from all over the world the opportunity to try luge. This experience could be life-changing for some, because you never know what path an athlete will take after his or her first encounter with the sport of luge. Maybe it will even lead to the Olympic Games one day.