Utah to Host 50 Ukranian Wintersport Athletes & Support Staff

19th May 2022

Last modified on May 22nd, 2022

The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation is taking in Ukrainian athletes, coaches and family members who have been displaced by the war. Many US ski & snowboard athletes train in Park City and the area has extensive facilities.

A group of 10 curling athletes from Ukraine have already arrived in the US state of Utah.

39 freestyle skiing athletes, coaches and their family members are set to arrive in June.

“Utah has long been a home for international athletes and we feel it is our duty to step up and support Ukraine’s winter sports teams,” said Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation CEO, Colin Hilton.

“We have amazing resources and a caring and hospitable community that knows that when there is a need, we do something about it.

“Our Legacy Foundation looks forward to coordinating services for these young athletes, coaches, and family members from Ukraine.”

The curlers are practicing at the Utah Olympic Oval and Weber County Ice Rink.

They are living in University of Utah housing in Salt Lake City.

The freestyle skiing group will be based at Utah Olympic Park in Park City.

“Utah has a long and proud legacy of welcoming refugees to our state,” said the Utah Governor, Spencer Cox.

“This is an incredible opportunity to support our Ukrainian friends in pursuing their goals in sport and life.”

Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and the area has remained a centre of elite snowsports activities with extensive training facilities.

Park City is the base of US Ski and Snowboard.