Switzerland’s government on Monday formally backed a bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2038 in a chance to bring the Games back to the country for the first time since 1948, according to Marleen Kaesebier of REUTERS. Switzerland is the frontrunner to host the 2038 games and has been in “what is known as privileged dialogue” with the IOC. The country has until the end of 2027 to ready its bid to the IOC without competition from others. The Swiss federal council said that consultations on the 2038 plan were “broadly positive and has approved submitting the plan,” which includes federal funding of up to $247M, to parliament, where it needs final approval (REUTERS, 6/22).
TIME TO DECIDE: The AP reported the state of N.Y. is “forming an exploratory committee to consider whether” Lake Placid and N.Y. “should bid to co-host a future Winter Olympics.” The announcement Monday from N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office “suggested a dual-hosting format.” It “does not mention a year,” but the “first likely available spot for New York to host would be 2042.” The exploratory committee “will take about a year to complete its work.” The formation of the committee “does not mean New York is officially involved in a bid process.” The chair of the committee will be Ashley Walden, president and CEO of the Olympic Regional Development Authority (AP, 6/21).