The Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee has big plans. It announced that the first edition of the Winter Olympic Festival would take place from 7 to 22 February, on the sidelines of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games, in the seaside resort of Middelkerkeon the coast, west of Bruges. The public will be able to gather there to follow the competitions on giant screens and cheer on the athletes. indoor ice rink will be installed so that the most daring can try out the ice. Sneeuwsport Vlaanderen and Biathlon Belgium will also offer unmissable sporting activities to complete the experience " specifies the COIB.
This winter sports village will be open every day from 10am to 23pmand accessible free of charge. As an Olympian, I know how much fan support matters. With this first Winter Olympic Festival, we are giving Belgium a true home for the Winter Games., enthuses Jean-Michel Saive, president of the COIB. This is a unique opportunity to share powerful moments, to experience excitement together and to show our athletes that they are never alone. »
« Knowing that thousands of fans will be following our races from Middelkerke gives me extra motivationexplains skier Armand Marchant. Alpine skiing is often far from the spotlight. in Belgium, but thanks to this Festival, we symbolically bring the mountains closer together and let us awaken the Olympic spirit in all Belgians. »
