Winter Olympic Federations reject adding Summer sports to Winter Games

Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam 

The Winter Olympic Federations (WOF) said Wednesday they oppose adding non-Olympic disciplines from Summer International Federations to the Winter Olympic Games, while supporting innovation within snow and ice sports.

"The Winter Olympic Federations believe that the future of the Olympic Winter Games is not better served by piecemeal proposals, such as the inclusion of Summer IFs' non-Olympic disciplines," read a statement.

They argued that such proposals would "dilute the brand, heritage, and identity" of the Winter Games, which they described as "a celebration of sports practiced on snow and ice, with distinct culture, athletes, and fields of play."

WOF President Ivo Ferriani said innovation should come from evolving existing winter sports to attract wider audiences, citing the inclusion of ski mountaineering as "a successful example" of authentic development.

Members of the Winter Olympic Federations include the International Biathlon Union, International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, International Ice Hockey Federation, International Luge Federation, International Skating Union, International Ski and Snowboard Federation, and World Curling Federation.

The group said it supports International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry's "Fit for the Future" review process and is committed to modernizing the Games while keeping their unique winter identity.

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