Sarajevo marks 41st anniversary of 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics
The Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina today hosted the commemoration of the 41st anniversary of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo at the Olympic Museum in Sarajevo. On this occasion, the book "40th Anniversary of the Olympic Games in Sarajevo" was promoted, which showcases key moments from the 40th anniversary celebration and reflects on the Olympic legacy through photographs.
The event included a panel discussion on the topic "Olympic Future and the Renewal of Olympic Venues." The panel participants were: academician Prof. Dr. Izet Rađa (President of the Olympic Committee of BiH), Kenan Magoda (Minister of Culture and Sports of Sarajevo Canton and former General Director of the '84 Olympics), Dr. Sanela Klarić (expert in sustainable architecture and Olympic venues), and Predrag Puharić (Mayor of the City of Sarajevo).
“With great satisfaction, we celebrate the 41st anniversary of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo, an event that left an indelible mark in the hearts of all of us. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary, a book was published that vividly portrays the memories, challenges, and victories that marked the 40th anniversary. The book is not only a tribute to the past but also an inspiration for future generations of athletes and lovers of the Olympic spirit. We believe that the memory of Sarajevo 1984 will encourage us to continue working on sports connections and the enhancement of the Olympic idea," stated the President of NOC BiH, Prof. Dr. Izet Rađa, academician.
The panel discussed the current state of Olympic facilities, the potential for future Olympic events, including the possibility of hosting the Youth Winter Olympic Games in 2032, and the necessary need for political support at all levels of government. Special attention was paid to the renewal of the bobsleigh track, ski jumps, and ice hall, including financial aspects and maintenance plans.
The President of NOC BiH, academician Izet Rađa, stated that courage is needed in our society, as it was in '84, to realize great projects.
Predrag Puharić, Mayor of the City of Sarajevo, emphasized that 75% of the Olympic venues have been destroyed and that the City of Sarajevo is working on projects to repair the damaged Olympic venues. Just last year, the City of Sarajevo began implementing the project to renew the bobsleigh track on Trebević.
Kenan Magoda, Minister of Culture and Sports of Sarajevo Canton: "As a society, we have fallen short. We have also fallen short regarding the Olympic Committee of BiH; it is essential that institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina include funding for sports and athletes in their budgets. A significant burden has fallen on the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Sarajevo Canton, which is doing everything within its resources to improve sports.”
Dr. Sanela Klarić: "For me, the bobsleigh track has sentimental value. The bobsleigh track stands and testifies. Without significant investments, it can be repaired to make it usable. It has been declared a monument of importance for the Sarajevo Canton. We hope to find funds for a feasibility study for the bobsleigh track. The bobsleigh track is still alive; BiH athletes use it for training in the spring and summer.”
This event emphasizes Sarajevo's commitment to Olympic ideals and the effort to preserve and enhance the Olympic legacy for future generations. The City of Sarajevo continues to strive for sustainable development and the promotion of Olympic values.