Jure Franko and figure skating pair Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean to visit Sarajevo

(Patria) - We want to feel the Olympic spirit again, we want this anniversary of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games (WOG) in Sarajevo to be rich in both sports and cultural events and for us all to create a positive story that we will send to the world, it was said today at a press conference in Sarajevo where the program for the 40th anniversary of the Winter Olympic Games was presented.

As announced, skier Jure Franko, as well as the British figure skating pair Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, will attend the anniversary celebration, along with numerous other Olympic medalists, high-ranking officials from the International Olympic Committee, the European Olympic Committee, representatives of twin cities, as well as representatives of all levels of government in our country.

One of the main goals of celebrating the 40th anniversary of the WOG was highlighted as putting Sarajevo back in the center of media attention for the public interested in the Olympic movement, winter and other sports, as well as cultural and artistic events.

The intention is, as stated, for Sarajevo to once again host a major Olympic sports event.

The Mayor of Sarajevo, Benjamina Karić, said that everything reminds her of 1984, when Sarajevo was the center of the world.

"Everything somehow reminds me of those good times in 1984 when Sarajevo was the center of the world, the center of the region, and our common desire is to revive that again. After the great New Year's reception, after the Sarajevo story, we are continuing with excellent topics and excellent events that will bring a special freshness and brightness to our city. I think today we have a special reason to be proud - 40 years of Olympism, 40 years of the Winter Olympic Games, whose spirit lives on in our city today, and we are all proud of that - the people of Sarajevo, Bosnians and Herzegovinians, as well as all the guests of the city who had the opportunity to come to Sarajevo and be a part of this fantastic story," said Karić.

She emphasized that Sarajevo is proud to belong to the family of Olympic cities.

"We want to feel the Olympic spirit again, we want this anniversary celebration to be rich in both sports and cultural events, we want to offer a program for everyone, from the youngest to the elderly, and all our guests, and for us all to create a positive story that we will send from Sarajevo to the world again. Today, from Sarajevo, we are sending a message of unity, a message of beauty, and yes, Sarajevo was the center of the world, and Sarajevo will again in 2024, by celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Winter Olympic Games, show that it is still the heart of Europe and the center of the world when it comes to organizing similar cultural events," Karić stated and added:

"As such, we are the true heart of Europe. This year, through the celebration of the 40th anniversary, we will promote civilizational, Olympic values, solidarity, and unity, all for the benefit of sport and peace. We have prepared a rich program, both cultural and sports."

The Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the 40th Anniversary of the WOG, Jasmin Ademović, recalled that the WOG in Sarajevo were the best organized Games up to that point.

Cetinski on February 10th in front of the Eternal Flame

"With the intention of evoking memories and bringing Sarajevo back into the Olympic spirit, the City of Sarajevo has formed an organizing committee that has worked diligently in the past year 2023 to ensure the highest quality program, as well as program financing, so that every sports, cultural, exhibition, or educational event is organized and held at the highest level. Competitions will be held on Bjelašnica, Jahorina, Igman, Dvorišta, Skenderija, and many other locations in Sarajevo," said Ademović.

February is planned to be an Olympic month with numerous sports and cultural events.

Ademović said that in cooperation with the Ski Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the City of Sarajevo supported the organization of the FIS Cup Igman 2024.

"One of the most prestigious competitions that will take place and which we have supported, and where we will take the opportunity to promote the 40th anniversary, is the Europa Cup, also a competition held on Bjelašnica. We also supported the Balkan Cup 2024, which is held in Dvorišta, a biathlon competition. The Sarajevo Ski Club is organizing the 'Children for Peace in the World' race, and the Freestyle Snowboard Club is organizing the FIS Cup Sarajevo competition in snowboarding," explained Ademović.

In cooperation with the Ski Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the international competition Sarajevo Open 2024 - a figure skating competition - will be organized.

Ademović emphasized that the goal is not only to evoke memories of 1984 but also to strive to bring a major competition back to Sarajevo, such as the Youth Olympic Games in 2032.

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are expected to arrive on February 14th at Skenderija for the final evening of the figure skating exhibition program.

As part of the WOG anniversary celebration, a concert by Toni Cetinski will be organized on February 10th in front of the Eternal Flame.

The Winter Olympic Games were held from February 8th to 19th, 1984, in Sarajevo. A total of 1,272 athletes from 49 countries competed in six sports at the WOG.