Slovakia Backs Joint 2022 Olympics Bid With Poland, Covets Hockey, Skiing Events

Slovakia PM Robert Fico revealed that his country "supports the idea of a joint bid" for the 2022 Winter Olympics with neighbor Poland, according to Santa & Borowski of REUTERS. Fico met with representatives of the Slovak Olympic Committee, the High Tatras mountains regions and the national ice hockey and ski associations in the northern town of Poprad, which unsuccessfully bid for the 2002 and 2006 Winter Games, "to debate the plan." Fico said, "The fundamental question is whether we can afford it or not, whether we have the needed infrastructure for disciplines expected to take place here." Fico said that he "envisaged Slovakia hosting ice hockey and skiing events." It is estimated hosting the Games would cost $1.5B-$2B, but it "would be shared between" the IOC, which was expected to provide about 40% of the funds, and the two countries, "with Poland providing the larger share" (REUTERS, 1/24).