Celebrants react to the early July 24 announcement from Paris by the International Olympic Committee that Salt Lake City had been chosen to host the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Enthusiastic reaction to the news has come from government and business leaders throughout the state. Photo courtesy Visit Salt Lake.
GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS LEADERS WEIGH IN
Brice Wallace
The International Olympic Committee recently selected Salt Lake City to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2034. The overall reaction throughout Utah has been understandably enthusiastic. Through news releases, speeches and other methods, government and business leaders and others have expressed their excitement about the selection. Here are some of those comments, in some instances edited for length:
Spencer Cox, Utah governor: “The Olympics and Paralympics represent so much more than competition. At its core, the Olympic movement is about building community and celebrating excellence — things we do really well in Utah. More than 80 percent of Utahns and 100 percent of our elected leaders supported our Olympic bid. We’re ready to host another Winter Games and we can’t wait to welcome the world back to Utah in 2034.”
Fraser Bullock, president and CEO of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games: “Today’s decision by the International Olympic Committee is as much about the Olympic and Paralympic movement as it is about Salt Lake City-Utah. We are proud to show the world how our living legacy brings value to our communities, enriches the lives of youth, and helps contribute to the world of sport.”
Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake City mayor: “Salt Lake City and the Olympic and Paralympic movement are deeply connected through values: our commitment to diversity, love for our youth, and the tireless work to preserve our environment. Through the Olympic movement, these principles are shared through the lens of sport. I can’t imagine a better partnership than the one we continue to forge with our Olympic partners.”
Jenny Wilson, Salt Lake County mayor: “I’m incredibly proud of the dedicated and visionary team that made this possible. Salt Lake County stands ready to play its role, with the Salt Palace Convention Center hosting the main press center, international broadcasters and curling events. This is an exciting moment for our community, and I can’t wait to see all the opportunities it brings. Let’s go, Utah!”
Gene Sykes, chair of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee: “This a great day for winter sport in the United States and around the world. The Games vision brought forth by the Salt Lake City-Utah team — inclusive of state and city leaders, the remarkable bid team and the community that showed support for this effort throughout — has been collaborative and forward-looking from the very start. We are thankful to the IOC and to Karl Stoss, who led the Future Host Commission, and we look forward to the process of organizing what we know will be a terrific Games in 2034.”
Mitt Romney, U.S. senator: “It is official: The Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are coming back to Salt Lake City in 2034. Now, when I was involved in the 2002 Games, I was inspired by the Olympians who demonstrated the greatest qualities of the human spirit through their grit and athleticism, their determination and their courage. But I was also inspired to see so many Utahns come together — in official as well as voluntary roles — to serve those who were visiting from nations across the globe.
“During those Games, Utah demonstrated to the entire world its unique spirit of service and fellowship. And Utah is well-prepared to host the world once again for the Winter Games. We are a leading hub for winter sports; our economy is resilient and growing; our sporting venues and infrastructure are well-kept and regularly used for competition; and, of course, we have the ‘Greatest Snow on Earth.’”
J. Stuart Adams, Utah Senate president, and Mike Schultz, Utah House speaker: “Utah has officially been selected to host the Olympics once again, solidifying our position as not only the ‘Crossroads of the West’ but also the ‘Crossroads of the World.’ This decision marks a historic return after our state successfully staged the 2002 Winter Games. Even after the flame was extinguished at the closing ceremony 22 years ago, we’ve kept the spirit of the Games alive.
“While we are thrilled for another opportunity to showcase our state’s natural beauty, participate in the festivities and reap the economic benefits that are sure to last for decades, we are committed to investing in projects that have long-term, lasting benefits for the entire state. With our world-class facilities and enthusiastic community support, Utah will deliver another unforgettable experience filled with amazing athleticism and a spirit of unity.”
Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber: “The Olympic Games highlight the values of dedication, perseverance and community — all qualities that are not only at the heart of athletic competition, but also of our business community. … We are optimistic about the significant economic impacts that hosting such an event will bring. The influx of visitors, investments in infrastructure and global media attention will provide a substantial boost to our local economy. Government and business leaders are already strategizing on how to make this a success for all. This presents a great opportunity to intertwine sports, culture and commerce, while also bolstering economic growth and development.
“The unity and resilience displayed at the Olympics have been truly inspiring. These events bring us together to achieve greatness, and I look forward to seeing that spirit displayed on our home soil soon.”
Kaitlin Eskelson, president and CEO of Visit Salt Lake: “Salt Lake is primed and ready for the 2034 Winter Olympics. Since hosting the 2002 Games, we’ve proven that we are not only a world-class and event-ready destination, but also a welcoming community eager to share our hospitality with the world.”
Jennifer Wesselhoff, president and CEO of the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau: “In one sense, the announcement is a great victory for our state, but it also is just the beginning, as we start to plan for the next 10 years.”
Colin Hilton, Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation president and CEO: “We are proud that Utah Olympic Park is a cornerstone of recreation, world-class training and tourism in Park City. We look forward to working with our great community partners as we build toward the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”
Malena Stevens, Summit County Council chairperson: “Park City Municipal, Summit County and the Park City Chamber and Visitors Bureau will be working together on immediate next steps. Summit County, Park City and the Chamber & Visitors Bureau will cooperatively engage an Olympic liaison who will develop a 10-year action plan for the communities.”
Nann Worel, Park City mayor: “The development of a 10-year action plan will ensure that our communities, stakeholders and residents are best-positioned to welcome the world to Park City. Garnering input from local residents, stakeholders and businesses will help inform our vision and action plan for the 2034 Games.”
Deirdra Walsh, vice president and chief operating officer Park City Mountain: “Our selection as an official venue, and our legacy from the 2002 Winter Games, affirms Park City Mountain’s status as a world-class destination that embodies the spirit and inspiration that the Olympic Games spreads across the world. Building on our history of hosting international competitions, starting with America’s Opening in the early 1980s, we look forward to welcoming athletes and spectators from across the world, fostering unity and inspiring youth through the Olympic values.”
Todd Bennett, Deer Valley Resort president and chief operating officer: “Deer Valley is honored to be selected as an official venue for the 2034 Olympic Winter Games. We are eager to once again welcome the world for mogul and aerial ski competitions. Our collaboration with the Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 organizing committee has been excellent, and we look forward to further strengthening this partnership as we prepare for the upcoming Games.”
Becca Gerber, director of community relations at the Park City Chamber of Commerce: “I am so excited for our residents and especially our youth to experience the inspiration, joy and unity that is central to the Olympic mission of creating a better world through sport. Our local residents will enjoy a front-row seat to the greatest winter show on Earth. This is our opportunity to highlight what truly makes our community authentic and unique and show the world exactly why Park City is ‘Winter’s Favorite Town.’”