It’s unprecedented, record-setting, and it’s already begun in Utah.
The Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games has announced the creation of Podium34, a philanthropic campaign with a goal of raising $300 million between now and the start of the Games.
The public launch Sept. 8 at the Salt Lake City offices of the committee revealed a commitment of over $200 million already from 22 individuals and/or corporations, all based in or with ties to Utah, and each engaged in cause-related programs in the state.
“The Games have an extraordinary power to unify,” said 2034 President and Executive Chair Fraser Bullock. “This is the first time a host for the Olympic and Paralympic Games has seen anything like this. We are deeply grateful to our donors for making it possible. Their leadership is a vital part of our commitment to host financially successful Games.”
Among the initial donors are nine designated as Founding Captains — those who have committed to $20 million each. Founding Donors have also committed to amounts between $1 million and $15 million (see list in this article).
The program was the idea and creation of four-time Olympian Catherine Raney Norman, vice president of development and athlete relations for the organizing committee.
“For us, during the bid phase, we had to showcase to the IOC (International Olympics Committee) that we would be financially viable — having an award this early on. We knew we couldn’t enter into the commercial market until after the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. We also knew how incredibly enthusiastic and generous our community was about the Games. I think this showcases how organizing committees are having to reinvent themselves, and try new things. We have been overwhelmed by the support and by the people who have raised their hands and said they want to be a part of this.”
Norman said nothing to this magnitude has ever been tried before by any Olympic committee.
“We’re setting records in this space,” she said with a smile. “I think everybody knows from my background how much I love records.” She still holds three world records in long track speedskating. “I always hoped that I could still stay involved in the Olympic movement in one way, shape or form. “
The monies raised will be used in several ways. One is to support the work of the committee over the next eight-plus years. It’s also focused on early-impact programs, to start the planning process for the committee, which is fairly new, having been formed just last February. It will include local efforts around education, youth sports, mental health, arts and culture, community engagement, and other priorities expressed by the donors.
Derek Parra, Olympic gold medalist from the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games who runs and coordinates programs at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns, said he’s excited about the amount of support already being shown by state residents.
“I’ve lived in California, Florida, Maryland and Wisconsin, but this place has a spirit. I remember when I moved from Wisconsin, driving in on I-80, and I knew the minute I got here this place felt like home. We had a great Games here; I moved and came back because of the people here. There’s an environment here that’s so positive, you want to be here.”
“I think if you’re a youth in our programs here right now, this is huge,” he continued. “Support like this really has a domino effect — to do the things that need to be done to have a successful Games that’s starting right here on the local level, and that legacy will continue for young athletes who aspire to be future Olympians.”
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry addressed the Podium34 donors in a message from the IOC office in Lausanne, Switzerland.
“To the Utah families and giving organizations of Podium34, thank you,” she said. “You are the heart of this new chapter. Your belief, your vision and your leadership are powerful elements of the Utah legacy. As Founding Captains and donors of Podium34, you’re taking the helm of something unprecedented. And you’ve chosen to lead, from the very beginning, to fuel the heart of this movement. You are sending a powerful message to the world that sport can inspire, that communities can be lifted, and that, together, we can build something greater than ourselves.”