Switzerland will seek out an appropriate candidate city after making clear its intention to bid for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

During a meeting between Swiss minister of sport Guy Parmelin and representatives from Swiss sporting federations, a clear majority was achieved to pave the way for the nation’s candidacy for the Games in 10 years time.

In the first ballot held by the meeting, delegates from Olympic member federations supported the “framework for preparation” of a Winter Olympic Games in Switzerland in 2026. The second vote asked those present for their input on how the process should be funded.

Switzerland last held the Winter Olympics in St Moritz in 1948. It also hosted the competition in the same location 20 years earlier in 1928, and Swiss Olympic president Jorg Schild said it was the right time to bid again.

“Drastic reforms of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as part of the Agenda 2020 have led to applications from smaller countries like Switzerland,” he said. “With our mountains and long tradition in winter sports, we are predestined to host the Winter Olympic Games.

“Moreover, the Winter Olympic Games would give Swiss tourism much-needed impetus and a boost.”

Prospective applications for the candidacy will be asked to submit a dossier by December 2016. The dossiers will be evaluated by Schild, Swiss Paralympic president Thomas Troger and professionals from the world of politics, sports, the economy and the environment, as well as the four Swiss IOC members: Gian-Franco Kasper, Rene Fasel, Denis Oswald and Patrick Baumann.

The final decision will be made by September 2017 following local referendums.

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