Sports Organizations Urge Latvian Parliament to Speed Up State Sports Fund Law

The Latvian Olympic Committee (LOK), along with the Latvian Olympians' Club and 35 Olympic sports federations, has addressed Saeima deputies and parliamentary parties, urging them not to delay the progress of the State Sports Fund law. In a letter, the organizations expressed concern that the draft law had been removed from the agenda of the Saeima Budget and Finance (Tax) Committee, although it was initially scheduled for review at Wednesday's meeting.

The sports organizations believe that stalling the bill could hinder the full implementation of the new Sports Law, as both legislative acts are interconnected. They call for the resumption of the bill's progression and the provision of sustainable and predictable funding for the sports sector. The letter emphasizes that the State Sports Fund would ensure more predictable financing for sports and foster investments in high-performance sports, regional infrastructure, and children's and grassroots sports. The organizations also highlight the role of sports in strengthening public health and national security.

Earlier this week, Finance Minister Māris Kučinskis (AS) stated that the further advancement of the State Sports Fund law in the parliamentary committee would only proceed after a clear agreement on funding sources. He noted that several proposals have been submitted for the second reading, and coalition partners have agreed to evaluate proposals from LOK and political parties that do not involve reallocating funds from existing activities.

In early June, lawmakers supported the State Sports Fund draft law in the first reading, which envisions creating a new financing instrument for the sector. The State Sports Fund is planned as a public foundation that would administer various sports financing instruments, project competitions, and target programs. It would operate as a separate institution, separating sports policy planning from financial administration.

Funding distribution is expected to occur through project competitions, target programs, institutional support, and other instruments. At the same time, clear criteria for funding allocation, performance indicators, and regular monitoring of results are to be introduced.