By Tasha McDonald
Note: The following is part of a series of posts from students at Swansea University, located in Wales. The students have visiting Colorado State University and learning about America and its media.
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The US Olympic Committee’s decision to reject hosting the 2022 Winter and Paralympic games has caused extreme disappointment within the Denver Olympic Exploratory Committee. The DOEC made a unanimous decision to pursue the games in Colorado, stating that it would be highly beneficial for all aspects of the community; however the USOC declined the decision on the basis that the timeline was just too fast.
John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock stated,
“We respect the USOC’s process and will continue to work closely with the Committee on bringing great sporting events to Colorado and furthering our reputation as a healthy and active state. The City of Denver and the State of Colorado stand ready to consider a bid for the Winter Games if the opportunity presents itself again”
The cost estimation of hosting the games was between $27.8 million to $45 million and without any offer of financial support from private companies it was not well received within the local community.
An internet user, Old Timer, commenting on a Denver Post article said:
“I was here in 1972. I wonder how many on the committee or those posters who want the Olympics were here then.
It was a bad idea then, it is a bad idea now. It will cost the Colorado taxpayers a lot of money, there will be few tickets available except for the corporations and high rollers”
As a current resident from London I have witnessed first hand the problems that hosting the Olympics will cause, and I am only anticipating more chaos as the date approaches; not mentioning the fact that three quarters of the London population were not able to gain tickets. From road closures making it impossible to travel to work, heavy traffic and an increased security threats I feel the city of Denver and state of Colorado are saving themselves from more aggravation than is worth.
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Denver Loses Out, USOC Chooses Against US Bid For 2022 Games(denver.cbslocal.com)
