IOC members to tour Calgary this week ahead of potential 2026 bid
Shawn Logan
Calgary is getting ready for some show and tell when members of the International Olympic Committee arrive this week.
According to a news release from the city, members of the IOC will be touring cities who have expressed interest in bidding for the 2026 Winter Olympics, a shift from how the agency worked in the past.
“Previously, the IOC would implement a Candidature Committee who would visit bidding cities at the bidding city’s cost to listen, observe and evaluate a bid, but not provide feedback or other support,” the city said.
“Now, the IOC will meet Interested Cities at the IOC’s cost in advance of a bid, and will provide resources and support to help cities develop stronger bids. This new approach provides more meaningful support to Interested Cities, and ensures cities spend only what is necessary and instead focus on how the Games would align with City objectives and vision.”
Calgary hosted the Winter Games in 1988, which was generally praised as an Olympic success story.
But soaring costs and other factors have tempered enthusiasm for a repeat among some city politicians, prompting council to appoint a Calgary Bid Exploration Committee to delve into the pros and cons of hosting the Games.
Last July, the committee presented its findings to council, suggesting pursuit of a bid by the city is feasible but at such an early stage it’s impossible to determine the full costs of hosting the games.
“While they are in town, members of the IOC will tour the region’s legacy winter sport facilities, and will learn about the Calgary Team’s vision for the Games, including facility and venue management, event coordination, transportation and logistics, security, etc,” the city said in its statement.
“Participating IOC members are leading experts in elements of the Games, including stakeholder engagement, facility planning, transportation, games operations, etc.”
The city declined further comment on the delegation and said there will be an update to council and media later this month.
So far, the city has committed about $5 million in the pursuit of a potential bid.
On Twitter: @ShawnLogan403
Categorised in: Canadian News