Utah's olympic and paralympic legacy

America's choice

Salt Lake City, host of the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, has been selected by the United States Olympic Committee as “America’s Choice” for a future Winter Olympic and Paralympic bid, further solidifying Utah as The State of Sport.

The Utah Sports Commission

Created prior to the 2002 Olympics to lead Utah’s sport and Olympic and Paralympic legacy efforts, the Utah Sports Commission enjoys broad public and private sector support. The organization works closely with the governor, legislative leaders, local government leaders, and a broad group of business and community leaders to actively integrate sport as a vital element of the state’s economic engine.

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Utah's Continuing Olympic Legacy

Salt Lake City’s 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games engaged hundreds of thousands of spectators and over 2.1 billion global broadcast viewers. The Games provided a significant economic boost to the state, legacy and its brand, and impact is still felt today. Rooted in an athletes-first philosophy, Utah’s sports culture continues to attract athletes from around the world to train and compete in a welcoming atmosphere. The Olympic and Paralympic spirit and its values are part of the fabric of Utah’s community.

The world-class venues built for the Games have seen continual use and upgrades. Since 2002, over 50 international World Cup or World Championship events have been held in Utah, supported by a pool of skilled volunteers. For example, the 2019 World Championships in snowboard, freestyle and freeski attracted 1,800 athletes and staff from 40 nations and engaged 500 local volunteers.

Making Olympic history

US Olympic Committee selects Salt Lake City as candidate for future Winter Games

Salt Lake City bids for 2nd Olympics in changed climate

Salt Lake City gets USOC go-ahead to bid for Winter Olympics

Training Current & Future Olympians

Through a $76 million endowment from Salt Lake City 2002, the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation maintains the Utah Olympic Oval, the Utah Olympic Park, and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center. These world-class facilities serve as Designated Official U.S. Olympic Training Sites for current and future Olympians and Paralympians. The foundation also celebrates the spirit of the Winter Games to inspire active, healthy lifestyles and increase community uses of these Olympic and Paralympic venues.

Proud to be Home to

Utah’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy also manifests itself as the home of three national governing bodies including U.S. Ski & Snowboard, U.S. Speedskating, and USA Climbing. Many national and international teams frequently use Utah venues for training and competition.

That Rush You Feel Isn’t Just the Altitude.

Together, we can raise your sporting event to new heights.

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