The Crans-Montana organizing committee, together with the International Ski Federation (FIS) and Swiss-Ski, announced that the races from January 30 to February 1 will be held as planned, but with an adapted format of supporting events, while all other supporting content will be canceled, writes AFP.
– The event setting will be limited to races and spectator areas along the tracks and around the finish arena – the joint statement said.
– A modest program will be offered, which will include minutes of silence and remembrance – they stated.
The race schedule includes the women’s downhill on January 30, the women’s super-G a day later and the men’s downhill on February 1.
The competitions come just a few days before the Winter Olympics and will be held on the slopes that will also be used for the 2027 Alpine Skiing World Championships, hosted by Crans-Montana.
FIS Director General Urs Lehmann praised the organizing committee for the “great sensitivity” in the preparations.
– FIS is convinced that we will have a dignified sports event in special but appropriate circumstances – he said.
The director of the organizing committee, Didier Defago, admitted that the deadly fire hit hard at one of the most famous Swiss resorts with a 130-year tradition, known for winter and summer sports events. “
– Since New Year’s Eve, we have all been in shock and grief, we will remember this tragedy for the rest of our lives – said Defago, winner of Olympic gold in the downhill for Switzerland in 2010.
– Swiss-Ski and FIS share our belief that sport can evoke many positive emotions and thoughts even in these circumstances. This further strengthens our decision to hold the races – he added.
Crans-Montana tourist board director Bruno Huggler told AFP earlier this month that the luxury resort would try to find the right measure for the rest of the winter season. The city muted the party atmosphere out of respect for the victims of the fire at Le Constellation bar, where many young people had gathered to celebrate the New Year.
Huggler said concerts were canceled, music and DJ programs at the bars at the bottom of the slopes were stopped, but the venues remained open so people had a place to gather.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
