Given the high quality of winter sports infrastructure in Slovenia and the excellent sports results captured by the Slovene students at the winter Universiades so far, the Executive Committee of the National Olympic Committee of Slovenia established that the submission of the candidacy was fully justified.

Moreover, the city of Maribor, actively participating in international sports, has already gained the deserved international reputation of an exceptionally successful organizer of the biggest winter sports events, among which annual World Cup competitions in Alpine Skiing- Ladies, two Junior World Championships in Alpine Skiing and numerous other sports competitions. Maribor has proved it owns the necessary sports infrastructure and top quality expert organisation team. Moreover, successful bidding for the organisation of the Universiade would considerably speed the flow of public funds earmarked for the construction and reconstruction of sports and accommodation facilities.

The Executive Committee of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia – Association of Sports Federations established that from the sports perspective the “Candidacy for the Organization of the 26th Winter Universiade – Maribor 2013” was an exceptionally positive one and decided in favour of the candidacy, offering it its full support.

With best Olympic greetings,