A delegation from the International Olympic Committee continued to praise Utah's efforts to host the state's second Winter Olympics in media remarks Saturday after completing a four-day visit to the state, adding to a variety of topics. I touched it.
The Future Host Committee plays a key role in selecting host cities for the Winter and Summer Olympics. Delegates spent time in the Park City area Thursday as IOC members toured potential competition venues and met with government leaders, winter sports officials and others.
Saturday's remarks in downtown Salt Lake City were some of the most far-reaching public statements of the trip and were overwhelmingly positive.
The Future Host Committee's visit to the state comes at a critical time for the Salt Lake City-Utah Games Committee, which is aiming to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, and the IOC as a whole could decide to host the Games. expensive. During a conference held in Paris in July, on the eve of the Summer Olympics in the French capital.
Future Host Committee Chairman Karl Stoss spoke extensively about the delegation's work in Utah during his visit. He spoke of the “outstanding venues” the delegation toured, described a “shining example” of the legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and spoke about the state's bid for the state, including owners and operators of proposed competition venues. He acknowledged the various parties involved.
“This is the right way,” he said.
Stoss called the state's second Games plan a model for future host cities and said the task of organizing the Winter Olympics in Utah is less complex than elsewhere. He briefly mentioned the potential impact of climate change on the Winter Olympics, saying it would be difficult. He said the IOC is confident Utah can host the Winter Olympics until 2050. Stoss did not discuss climate change in depth. He also noted the proposed venue's compact map, which has long been seen as one of the benefits of attracting Salt Lake City.
Stoss outlined further work that needs to be accomplished before the IOC General Assembly in Paris from July 22 to July 24, when Salt Lake City is expected to host the 2034 Games. did. He said a report on the trip to Utah will be prepared and will require consultation with winter sports federations.
An IOC leadership meeting is scheduled for mid-June to report on the results of the delegation's mission to Utah, after which the 2034 host city will be selected during the IOC session. At the time, the IOC was also expected to award the French Alps region the venue for the 2030 Winter Olympics.
Olympic Games Secretary-General Christophe Dubi, another member of the IOC delegation, called Salt Lake City and the surrounding area a “hidden treasure.”
Jacqueline Barrett, the IOC's director of future Olympic Games, said the 2034 Winter Olympics could be “transformative” for the movement.
Fraser Bullock, president and CEO of the Salt Lake City-Utah Convention Committee, said the bid is not in competition with other cities and the work is being done in collaboration with the IOC. said. The Olympic city selection process has changed significantly from the one in place during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Current methods rely heavily on ongoing dialogue between the IOC and potential host cities. In November, the IOC selected Salt Lake City as the preferred venue for the 2034 Games.
U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee President Gene Sykes said it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity if Salt Lake City were chosen to host the 2034 Olympics, as the country is already preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympics. Stated. Los Angeles. He said there would be “continuity” if the two games were to be held in the United States, comparing that possibility to the timing of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.
The Park City area will be key to the overall plan for the second Winter Olympics, just as it was in 2002. Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort and Utah Olympic Park are identified on the competition venue concept map, and these areas are also important for transportation, safety and celebration planning.
