It's now official: Ukraine has joined the list of countries in the race to host the Winter Olympic Games. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced this himself to Thomas Bach (photo above), Saturday September 11, during a visit to kyiv by the German leader. Thomas Bach was invited to the ceremonies of the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Ukrainian Olympic Committee. From this express trip, he brought back the promise of the country's political authorities to participate in the dialogue phase with the IOC, the first step in the new process of designating the host cities of the Games, summer and winter. Volodymyr Zelensky also assured Thomas Bach that a Ukrainian delegation would travel to Lausanne as soon as possible. “ We are convinced that together we will make our dream come true, suggested Volodymyr Zelensky during his speech to the national Olympic committee. The big dream is the Olympic Games in Ukraine and I really believe in it. I am sure that our great state deserves to host the Olympic Games. » Ukraine had submitted a candidacy for the Winter Games in 2022. It was supported by the city of Lviv, in the west of the country, but Russia's military intervention in Crimea had forced the Ukrainian authorities to give up to try their luck until the end. With the announcement of its wish to join the dialogue phase with the IOC, Ukraine is entering the campaign for the Winter Games in 2030, a race where Japan (Sapporo), the United States (Salt Lake City), and Spain (Barcelona and the Pyrenees). Canada (Vancouver) could also enter the battle.
