Lviv Denies Olympic Bid Dead in the Water

Lviv’s Olympic dreams are not in tatters, 2022 bid chief executive Sergej Gontcharov tells Around the Rings.

Last week, the Ukrainian city confirmed that the bid was on hold until presidential elections in May following a turbulent six weeks during which Russia annexed Crimea. The turmoil continues with pro-Russian activists currently trying to occupy parts of eastern Ukraine.

"Not dead, not buried. We still believe and continue to work," Gontcharov told ATR Tuesday.

In the coming weeks, he said Lviv 2022 would have talks with the IOC, with officials participating in an IOC video conference for all bid cities on May 8. Meetings between Lviv bid leaders and the IOC will also take place after the May 25 presidential election in Ukraine.

"No trips to Lausanne scheduled at the moment," said Gontcharov.

"Nonetheless, I do not rule out that meetings in person will take place if necessary. But again, everyone understands that it is only after elections that we are in a position to have more clarity."

He added: "I do not expect any major developments before the elections.

"Any bid depends highly on government support. Our government is currently going through changes. This is why any developments are only expected once these changes are finalized."

On Tuesday, no one was answering the phone at Lviv’s bid offices, proof that bid operations have been "minimized."

Asked if the bid team had received any word about Lviv’s applicant file, handed over in March as anti-government protests shook Ukraine, he said: "We have not received any formal feedback from IOC regarding the applicant file.

"It is being evaluated at the moment. In general, IOC has been very supportive and understanding of our situation."

Almaty, Beijing, Krakow, and Oslo are the other contenders in the 2022 bid race. The IOC will shortlist candidate cities in July.

Lviv 2022 is putting on a brave face as the cut looms. But the odds seem heavily stacked against the eastern Ukrainian city progressing amid the country’s political turmoil.

In its latest statement, the bid retains hope that the IOC will be sympathetic to its ambitions.

"The Lviv 2022 bid committee, together with all interested stakeholders and parties, has done everything in its power to prepare a strong application file despite the difficult circumstances," it said.

"We remain convinced about the positive effects, both economically and socially, that a bid alone, as well as the actual organization of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, would have for Ukraine. Our concept is based on 'true need' and has great potential to accelerate the long-term development of Lviv, the whole region and country."

Written by Mark Bisson

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