Joint Meeting of FIL and IBSF Executive Committees in Lake Placid, New York USA

Lake Placid (FIL/17 June 2024) The Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority), which was formed after the 1980 Olympic Winter Games to oversee and operate all of the venues, is hosting the annual Congresses for both the International Luge Federation (FIL) and the International Bobsled & Skeleton Federation (IBSF). 

The Executive Committee members of the FIL and the IBSF took advantage of the back to back meetings and convened to discuss items of mutual interest. Updates were received from their experts on the progress of the Milano Cortina 2026 sliding center. Both Federations confirmed that the pre-homologation will take place in March 2025. The FIL and IBSF reaffirmed their full support for the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee and the construction of the new track in Cortina. They also affirmed that they will commit to a long lasting legacy for the Cortina track by having events and programs every year after the Olympics in 2026. Cortina already has a rich history for sliding sports including hosting the 1956 Olympics. Italian athletes have a long tradition of winning medals in the sliding sports and they need a home track for development and hosting competitions. 
In constructive exchanges, the Executive Committee members also discussed topics such as sustainability, cost efficiencies and new initiatives to benefit the sliding sports, as well as enhanced TV production. The members also had the opportunity to engage with various track operators worldwide, discussing the hosting of sliding events, track management and enhanced technologies as well as other operating efficiencies. 

IBSF President Ivo Ferriani expressed gratitude to the Olympic Authority for hosting both congresses back-to-back, which facilitated efficient travel and productive exchanges. He remarked, "It was a very productive meeting, and we look forward to more such initiatives in the future.” 

FIL President Einars Fogelis commented that "We are thankful to the Olympic Authority for hosting these back to back Congresses which allowed both Federations an opportunity to have joint meetings and do strategic planning for the future. Since we have National Federations that attend both Congresses, it was more sustainable since it avoided members making separate trips in different meeting places". 

“The Olympic Authority is honored to host both the FIL and IBSF Congresses. The Joint Congress is just one example of our commitment to ensuring the health and vitality of winter sport. By increasing collaboration of venue owners, International Federations and athletes we are paving the way to a more sustainable future”, Ashley Walden, President & CEO stated.

“The FIL and IBSF Congresses presented a remarkable opportunity to highlight the substantial investments made by the State of New York in our world-class facilities. Moreover, the joint day of meetings between the FIL, IBSF, and track operators from around the globe was invaluable, allowing us to address the common challenges and opportunities faced by our sports in an increasingly competitive landscape. The engagement from a diverse array of perspectives on the future of sliding sports is not only exciting but also indicative of the global commitment to advancing these disciplines.”, Rebecca Dayton, General Manager, Mt Van Hoevenberg and Olympic Jumping Complex said.