In response to recent speculation regarding the potential inclusion of certain additional disciplines from Summer Olympic Federations in the Olympic Winter Games, the Winter Olympic Federations (International Biathlon Union, International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, International Ice Hockey Federation, International Luge Federation, International Skating Union, International Ski and Snowboard Federation, World Curling Federation) have issued the following statement:

The Winter Olympic Federations are fully committed to innovation, universality, and strengthening the special and clearly differentiated appeal of the Olympic Winter Games.

In this context, we fully support and greatly appreciate the opportunity created by the IOC President, Kirsty Coventry, to review all aspects of the Olympic Movement through the Fit for the Future consultation process. This process invites a wide range of ideas from diverse stakeholders to set a coherent, long-term direction for the Olympic Movement.

We applaud the IOC’s efforts to continue to modernize the Games in order to engage new audiences, and to explore dynamic and relevant ways to make the Olympic Movement more inclusive yet more sustainable.

The Winter Olympic Federations believe, however, that the future of the Olympic Winter Games is not better served by piecemeal proposals, such as the inclusion of Summer IF’s non-Olympic disciplines into the Olympic Winter Games.

The Winter Olympic Federations are firm in our belief that such an approach would dilute the brand, heritage, and identity that make the Olympic Winter Games unique – a celebration of sports practised on snow and ice, with distinct culture, athletes, and fields of play.

President of the Winter Olympic Federations, Ivo Ferriani said:

“Innovation should focus on evolving existing winter sports to attract broader participation and audiences while enhancing the appeal of the Olympic Winter Games.

A successful example of such evolution is the inclusion of Ski Mountaineering (ISMF), a discipline born from authentic winter environments and emblematic of the continued development of winter sports.”

The Winter Olympic Federations are committed to working in collaboration with the IOC on a comprehensive, coherent strategy, driven by the Fit for the Future approach, to ensure that the Olympic Movement, including the Olympic Winter Games, continues to inspire future generations while remaining true to its authentic spirit.