Gunilla Lindberg told the International Olympic Committee Evaluation Commission that Stockholm Åre 2026 can be the "exceptional bid" they need ©ITG

Stockholm Åre 2026 is the "exceptional bid" that could help save the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, one of the Olympic Movement's top officials claimed today.

Gunilla Lindberg, a hugely influential member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), including being a member of its ruling Executive Board, admitted the Games are at a crossroads.

The Swede, who holds several other key roles, including secretary general of the Association of National Olympic Committees, was addressing the IOC Evaluation Commission at the start of an open session here today.

Lindberg, speaking to the Evaluation Commission in her role as secretary general of the Swedish Olympic Committee, claimed they wanted "to serve the Olympic and Paralympic Movements by creating a transformative 2026 Winter Games here in Sweden".

She added: "By 'transformative', I mean one that helps the [Olympic] Movement reimagine the sustainable planning, funding, and operation of the Winter Games.

"Our Games Concept was created to address this unique moment in time.

"I say 'unique' because the Movement is facing challenges we've never faced before.

"Going forward, it will take an exceptional bid with an exceptional plan to host the Winter Games, not just to survive, but to thrive.

"We know in our hearts that Stockholm Åre 2026 is that bid."

Gunilla Lindberg has wide experience of the Olympic Movement, including being chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Pyeongchang 2018 ©Getty Images
Gunilla Lindberg has wide experience of the Olympic Movement, including being chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Pyeongchang 2018 ©Getty Images

The future of the Winter Olympic Games has been overshadowed by bidding scandals and Sochi 2014, which it is claimed cost $51 billion (£39 billion/€45 billion).

Stockholm Åre 2026 is claiming they can deliver the Games for $1.57 billion (£1.18 billion/€1.38 billion).

The money would be raised through the IOC contribution of $925 million (£696 million/€817 million) and private funding. 

The bid plans to use existing facilities, including the Olympic Stadium built for the 1912 Summer Games, and those already planned to be built and are not dependent on them being awarded the event. 

"Stockholm Åre 2026 offers the IOC certainty with a low-risk, rational budget, and a sustainable Games plan based on what we have, not what we need," Lindberg, chair of the IOC Evaluation and Coordination Commissions for the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games held in Pyeongchang, said. 

"We are a nation dedicated to winter sports. 

"And, we offer the Winter Games brand the ambiance of a magical, Swedish, Winter Wonderland.

"That’s the transformative legacy that we believe the Olympic and Paralympic Movements need."