The Finnish Ski Federation continues the application process in cooperation with the city of Lahti and the Lahti Ski Association.
The International Ski Federation (FIS) has granted additional time to the application process for the Lahti 2029 World Championships until July 4, when the organizing agreement must be signed with the FIS.
The Finnish Skiing Federation had previously informed the International Skiing Federation, the city of Lahti and the Lahti Skiing Club that the application process and the signing of the organizing agreement with the International Skiing Federation required additional clarification time due to the Skiing Federation’s financial situation.
Chairman of the Ski Association Sirpa Korkatti specifies that the Finnish Ski Federation cannot sign the organizing agreement with the International Ski Federation until the Ski Federation, the city of Lahti and the Lahti Ski Club have reached a consensus on the local cost-sharing agreement for the World Championships.
– We have a solid common will with the city of Lahti and the Lahti Ski Club to reach an agreement on a local cost-sharing agreement. The great story of the World Cup in Lahti deserves to be continued. At the same time, we have the responsibility to ensure that the Ski Federation is on a financially sustainable basis both before and after the Games, says Korkatti.
The economic effects of major events like the World Cup on the region and its companies are significant. We are talking about a direct economic impact of up to 40 million euros on the economic region of Lahti.
The 2029 World Cup in Lahti has the potential to be a financial success for both the organizers and Finland as a whole. At the same time, Lahti would make history, because no other city has hosted the Nordic World Ski Championships eight times.
– We certainly all know how important the World Championships are for the city of Lahti, the Ski Association and the Lahti Ski Club, so we believe that together we will find the necessary means to organize the games, says Korkatti in the Ski Association’s press release.