Andorran Olympic Committee Approves €200K+ Budget for 2026 Olympics Prep

The Andorran Olympic Committee (COA) unanimously approved a budget slightly exceeding €200,000 for 2026 during its general assembly yesterday at the organisation's headquarters. More than half of Andorra's sports federations attended, ensuring quorum was met.

The allocation will primarily fund preparations for Andorra's participation in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics next February, with plans to field more athletes than at Paris 2024. Funds will also support major events including the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, and the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, as part of efforts to elevate Andorra's international sports profile.

The assembly highlighted a successful 2025, capped by the Small States Games, and reviewed collaborative work with federations. COA President Xavier Espot Miró stressed the need for ongoing coordination among sports stakeholders to define clear future priorities. Accounts for the current year will undergo external audit before being made public in early 2026, reinforcing transparency commitments.

A key focus was the launch of the IOC-funded 'Olympism 365' initiative through its foundation. Espot Miró explained that the IOC sees Andorra as a prime pilot location due to its size and potential for broad impact. Though initially proposed for canoeing following Mònica Doria's Paris achievements, the COA has broadened it to include skiing, a cornerstone sport linked to existing ski-study programs.

Still in development, with final details due within three months, the project aims to embed Olympic values—excellence, friendship, and respect—across Andorra's education systems year-round. It will feature classroom talks, workshops, and outdoor sports days to engage students directly. The COA plans coordination with the Sports and Education ministries, with potential expansion to large events or new facilities.

Espot Miró described it as a "national project" to elevate proven local efforts using internationally recognised methods. He emphasised sport's role beyond competition, as an educational and social tool fostering teamwork, inclusion, healthy habits, and connections to nature, while building on international ties from this year's Small States Games.