Einars Fogelis Confirmed as President
of a Growing and Future-Oriented FIL
The 74th Congress of the International Luge Federation (FIL) on 8–9 June brought intensive working days in Berchtesgaden for delegates representing 35 countries (from 53 member federations).
Executive Board Elections
Einars Fogelis of Latvia was confirmed by delegates by acclamation as FIL President for a further four-year term. "This is both an honor and a joy, and I promise that I will continue to dedicate myself to all matters concerning international luge," said Fogelis in his acceptance address to the delegates.
Secretary General Dwight Bell of the USA, Vice President Marketing Thomas Schwab of Germany, and Vice President Technology Artificial Track Armin Zöggeler of Italy were also unanimously confirmed in their positions. Austria's Simon Paregger takes over the position of Vice President Alpine Luge.
In the vote for the position of Vice President Finance, Philipp Trattner of Austria defeated Geoff Balme of New Zealand by 20 votes to 12. Balme remains in the FIL Executive as Vice President Oceania.
Following the retirement of Claire DelNegro (USA) as Vice President Sport Artificial Track, Hans-Jürgen Köhne of Germany was elected as her successor, narrowly defeating American Ashley Walden by 17 votes to 16. DelNegro was recognised for her 28 years of service to the International Luge Federation with Honorary Membership and the FIL Diamond Medal of Honor.
Ashley Walden (USA) and Xing Shuo (CHN) were elected as the two additional Executive Board Members at large.
Finance
Presented at this Congress was a budget covering the next quadrennium through to the 2030 Olympic Winter Games. As a result of successful marketing activities with the FIL sponsors, the International Luge Federation will have approximately two million euros more at its disposal over the coming four years than in the period 2022–2026. This represents a possible increase of approximately 20 percent. In keeping with FIL goals to reach the highest levels of good governance, the federation will continue to act in an economically responsible manner while preserving and growing its financial reserves. The financial figures have withstood a full independent external audit.
Statute Amendments
The statute amendments carried out were aimed at ensuring legally compliant and secure operations in Austria, where the FIL is registered, as well as integrating principles of responsible, fair and effective good governance.
We Slide Forward 2034
The FIL's strategic concept for the coming two Olympic cycles was presented under the claim "We Slide Forward 2034" and is built on six pillars: Expand and Modernise Artificial Track Luge · Develop and Scale Alpine Luge to reach a Global Audience· Strengthen National Federations · Place Athletes at the Centre · Enhance Media, Visibility and Commercial Growth · Strengthen FIL Governance and Financial Sustainability
New Logo and Branding
The draft of a new logo and branding concept was presented for the first time, to be officially launched over the course of the summer. It will replace the founding logo of 1957 and, through its visual elements, reflect the global movement of luge, the role of sustainability, and an open outlook toward the future. Secretary General Dwight Bell: "The new, modern logo shall create mass appeal for the general public."
Making Luge More Accessible for Everyone – for a Career or for Fun
More than ever, this Congress placed emphasis on underscoring the global value and worldwide reach of luge in all its forms – on wheels, on snow and ice, on the track. Street luge can be practised anywhere in the world. Under the new regulations, it will be possible to hold Alpine Luge races on ski slopes, for example. Einars Fogelis: "A broad base of luge enthusiasts is the foundation from which the elite of tomorrow and the day after tomorrow will emerge."
Cooperation with the International Olympic Committee is excellent. "We are thinking in the same direction," says Fogelis, "and it is all of our goal to be – and to become – fit for the future."
The next Congress will take place in 2027 (and in all subsequent odd-numbered years) in hybrid format – also as a further statement on sustainability – while FIL delegates will meet in person in Grado, Italy, in the second half of June in 2028.
