Erzurum, April 3, 2018 -  The Turkish city of Erzurum on Tuesday officially declared its interest in hosting the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Erzurum will now enter a Dialogue Stage with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which allows interested cities to explore the benefits and requirements of hosting an Olympic Games before any firm commitments are made.

During the Dialogue Stage, the IOC will send teams of technical experts to Erzurum to help the city develop its candidature. Following this period, the IOC Executive Board will announce the cities that will be invited to participate in the Candidature Stage.

During the Candidature Stage, cities will work closely with the IOC to develop a candidature that ensures the best possible Games delivery and long-term legacy plans.

More sustainable and reusable facilities

In accordance with the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020 and the New Norm reforms, host cities are required to have a large number of facilities already in place, as well as having strong public support.

Erzurum is experienced in hosting international sporting events

Erzurum has a wealth of experience in hosting major international sporting events, having recently hosted: the 2011 Winter Universiade, 2017 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), the 2012 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship, the ISU World Cup Short Track Speed Skating Series 2014/15, two FIS Continental Cups and a FIS SBX World Cup.

First Olympic Winter Games bid

Turkey has submitted multiple bids for the Olympic Games, but this is the first time the country is bidding to host an Olympic Winter Games.

Graz in Austria, Calgary in Canada, Cortina/Milan/Turin in Italy, Sapporo in Japan, Stockholm in Sweden and Sion in Switzerland are the other contenders in the 2026 race.