Ukraine eyes Olympic bid despite economic struggles | Inquirer Sports

Ukraine eyes Olympic bid despite economic struggles

/ 02:54 PM July 17, 2019

ukraine president

Former comedian and newly elected Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky (C) and his wife Olena together with members of his crew react during a presidential election debate at The Olympic Stadium in Kiev on April 19, 2019. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)

KIEV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s new president has asked officials to consider a bid to host the Olympics, even with the economy still damaged by years of political turmoil.

Former comedian Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was elected president in April, said Tuesday there should be a national plan to build and fund sports facilities for a future Olympic bid.

Article continues after this advertisement

He didn’t say whether Ukraine should target the Summer or Winter Olympics.

FEATURED STORIES

“We need a certain plan so that we, say, are able to build everything in three or four years, and then we can get in line and host the Olympics. We should be ambitious,” Zelenskiy said in comments on the presidential website.

Sergei Bubka, the former pole vaulter who runs the Ukrainian Olympic Committee, suggested the Youth Olympic Games might be a more realistic aim for now. Ukraine has already missed the deadline to apply for the 2026 Winter Olympics, making the 2030 Winter Olympics or 2032 Summer Olympics the next possible targets.

Article continues after this advertisement

Ukraine entered a bid to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics in the city of Lviv, but abandoned that in 2014, shortly after months of protests forced then-President Viktor Yanukovych from office.

Ukraine previously co-hosted the 2012 European soccer championship with Poland, but an Olympic bid would require much more spending.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Olympics, Sports, Ukraine

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.