Elite Development Center Ulricehamn

Ulricehamn has long held a strong position as a ski resort in southern Sweden. Through this pre-study, Ulricehamn Ski Event AB has investigated whether the conditions exist to establish an elite development center focused on cross-country skiing – and the results show broad engagement and great optimism for the future.

The work was based on an extensive network of dialogues, interviews, and meetings with skiers, coaches, clubs, schools, federations, universities, and parasport organizations. A total of 62 interviews and about thirty meetings were conducted. The focus was on mapping needs, wishes, and possible structures for a future center.

The pre-study resulted in a clear picture of a possible organization: an operation with project leaders, coaching resources, medical and physiotherapy support, as well as close collaboration with university environments. The plan is also to connect with a strong business network to provide active individuals with both financial conditions and job opportunities.

A particular result of the project was the insight that parasport should not only be included – but can become a central part of the initiative. Ulricehamn can thus become the first in Sweden with an elite development center that fully integrates both able-bodied athletes and parasport athletes.

Results

The pre-study has laid a solid foundation for the next step. There is now a shared vision, a clear organizational idea, and a sustainable budget framework to build upon. The municipality, ski federation, associations, and universities have shown their support, and the interest from active skiers is significant.

The next step will be to secure long-term financing and formally establish the operation – a work that has already begun. In the long run, it is seen that an Elite Development Center in Ulricehamn can strengthen the region's attractiveness, create migration, and become a hub for both elite sports and inspiration for youth.

Excerpt from the final report:

”We want to build an environment where both cross-country skiers and parasport athletes can develop side by side – a center that combines world-class with inclusion.”

The board's decision justification