Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (pps) On June 11-12, 2004, the 52nd Congress will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and consequently for the first time in the history of FIL in South America. Various rule changes and the allocation of the 2008 World and European Championships will be at the centre of attraction. The next election Congress of FIL is not due before 2006.

No fewer than 43 motions of changing the International Luge Regulations emphasise the courage of FIL for reforms. Particularly the changes (qualifications, limitation of starters, graduation of training according to performance, upgrading of Nations Cup) introduced last winter upon initiative by the FIL Executive should now be included in the rules by proposals of the Sports and Technical Commissions. The discussion about the method of technical checks of the racing sleds which flared up last year, should belong to the past by a new, simplified rule.

FIL will also allocate the 2008 World and European Championships. Candidates for the World Championships are Oberhof, Germany, and Torino, Italy. Italy with the future Olympic track at Cesana. Torino is also the only candidate for the European Championships.

The delegates of the National Federations will also be informed about the preparations for the 2005 World Championships in Park City, Utah, the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino and the 2005 World Championships on natural tracks at Latsch, Italy.

At the 51st FIL Congress the upcoming major sporting events, the 2006 European Championships and the 2007 World Championships were awarded to Winterberg, Germany, and to Innsbruck-Igls, Austria, respectively.