Letter as PDF
Dear Athletes,
Dear Member Federations,
Dear Partners and Stakeholders,
Dear Sliding Family,
The year 2022 is coming to an end, and although it marks the middle of the season for us and not the end, I would like to take this opportunity to review the past year with you.
The year 2022 began with a big goal in mind: the participation in the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. We all worked tirelessly together under the strictest COVID-19 conditions in the run-up and during the Olympic Winter Games to ensure they could be held. In this context, I want to express my special thanks to all the volunteers, the track staff and the officials who have done and taken upon themselves everything imaginable to make the IBSF events possible. Only through your efforts, it was possible to hold the qualifying races, thank you for that. I want to express my respect to the athletes, coaches and team members for their discipline and understanding of the measures that had to be taken. Lastly, my respect and thank you are due to the Organizing Committee and the staff of the International Olympic Committee, who made the holding of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games possible.
With the conclusion of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, we are already in full preparation towards the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Our track construction committee is working intensively together with the Veneto Region and the City of Cortina d'Ampezzo on reconstructing the historic track in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Together with the organizing committee Milano Cortina 2026, regular meetings and arrangements take place.
In July 2022, we were finally able to hold our congress - after two congresses in "online mode" - in the "Olympic Capital" Lausanne and thus come together again in person as a family. The Olympic Museum provided us with the perfect setting for this. Among other things, this congress was determined by emotional discussions about the war in Ukraine. The IBSF strongly condems any kind of violence and form of war. Sport has always contributed to building bridges and giving hope. This was highlighted once again during the two days of the congress. I want to thank you for your open discussions.
With hopeful eyes, we look ahead to 2023, where a highlight already awaits us at the end of January: the BMW IBSF Bobsleigh & Skeleton World Championships St.Moritz-Celerina 2023. The unique natural ice track, steeped in tradition, offers us the ideal backdrop for the kick-off event of the IBSF's anniversary year. Throughout the year, we will look back and bring our 100-year history to shine on our digital platforms with the celebration on 23rd of November. 2023. These World Championships will also be unique as we will stage the Para Bobsleigh World Championships at the same time and place.
At the end of this year, I would like to thank all our sponsors and partners for their trust in the IBSF family. We are proud that you are part of it.
Thank you is also due to all the officials for your understanding, dedication and constant support in the best interest of the entire IBSF.
Thank you to all our incredible athletes for your passion, dedication and emotions that make our sport so unique.
I am very much looking forward to the beginning of 2023, combined with the hope for a peaceful future, I wish you and your families all the best, happiness and health for the year 2023.
With best wishes
Ivo Ferriani
President
