Sigulda’s bobsleigh and toboggan track not only contribute to the international recognition of the city, but are also an important pillar of the county’s economy in the winter season. In the municipality, the track is considered an inseparable part of the region, which provides income from both the athletes who come and the staff accompanying them.
IN BRIEF:
- Athletes in Sigulda use hospitality services and pay for the use of the track.
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County funding has not yet been allocated for the luge World Cup stage; it will not be issued if the event does not take place.
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During the winter months, the number of overnight stays in Sigulda increases significantly, this is directly correlated with competitions, training and active tourism.
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High-level international sports events in the county contribute to service sector revenues and seasonal employment.
The track provides economic contribution not only during the competition, but already in the fall, when the city of Sigulda welcomes approximately 100 athletes and accompanying teams in October and November. Athletes use hospitality services and pay for the use of the track, which helps maintain the infrastructure facility managed by the National Sports Center. On the other hand, the competition gathers an average of 140 athletes with technical teams from more than 20 member states and attracts several thousand visitors.
It is not yet known whether the World Cup stage in luge sports will be held in Sigulda at the beginning of January, where Russian athletes are allowed to return in a neutral status. If it is not possible to prevent Russian athletes from participating, the stage could be moved outside of Latvia.
The Sigulda County Council has not yet allocated funding for the World Cup stage planned for early January, as applications for the 2026 events had to be submitted by October 15. Currently, a project for 10,000 euros of funding is being advanced for the competition, and the decision is planned to be made later in December at the council meeting. If the World Cup stage does not take place in Sigulda, the allocation of funding will not be advanced.
The municipality states that in the statistics of overnight stays, Sigulda traditionally shows a marked increase in the winter months, compared to Cēsis and Valmiera. The data correlates with the course of competitions and training camps, and at the same time, the interest of tourists to choose Sigulda as a place to stay because of sports events and active recreation is increasing.
High-level international sports events contribute to the revenues of the service sector in Sigulda and provide seasonal employment. The turnover generated by sports federations, teams, fans and tourists in winter is proof that the track significantly supports the economy of Sigulda region, emphasized the municipality.
CONTEXT:
The decision of the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) allows the International Luge Federation (FIL) to return Russian athletes to the competition under a neutral flag. The Latvian Luge Sports Federation (LKSF) is working to ensure that the competitions in Sigulda are held without participants from the aggressor country.
The Sports Law in force in Latvia prohibits Russian athletes from competing in Sigulda in any capacity. Instead of Sigulda, other places abroad are ready to take the stage of the World Cup without opposing the participation of Russian athletes.
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