Calgary 2026 – CALGARY—It was 15 years ago today that Canada won the bid to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver. The nation is now faced with another golden opportunity to unite the country through sport, arts and culture in Calgary 2026.

“July 2, 2003, was a history-making day for Vancouver, British Columbia, and Canada, and we have the same opportunity in front of us once again with a potential Calgary bid,” said Scott Hutcheson, Chair, Calgary 2026. “There are so many incredible memories entrenched in the hearts and minds of Canadians – from where we were on this day 15 years ago, to celebrating on the streets in all corners of the country on the final day of those Games in Vancouver after Sidney Crosby’s golden goal.”

John Furlong led the bid to bring the Games back to Canada.

“Vancouver took the world stage and never looked back. Now 15 years later, the city still glows from the transformative powers of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,” said Furlong, CEO, Vancouver 2010. “Today for Calgarians is a day to dream of new possibilities – of new horizons – to imagine that the Olympic and Paralympic Games could be coming home to Alberta – and to think of the legacy they could leave behind.”

In 2018, Calgary stands poised to reign once more.

“This date is a reminder of the inspirational power of sport, and the impact it can have on people’s lives, the economy, and building a nation. It is time for us to dream again of the opportunities that lie ahead if we are able to earn the honour of hosting the world at home,” added Hutcheson. “We are going to continue our work of developing a fiscally responsible, winning bid while building the trust and confidence of Calgarians and Albertans. This will take a clear vision that builds on our successful past while providing the pathway to an even brighter future.”

Last week Hutcheson announced the first 16 individuals who will serve on 21-member Board of Directors for Calgary 2026. The high-powered group includes many of Canada’s most distinguished leaders in government, business and sport including six-time Olympian, Hayley Wickenheiser, who will take on the role of Vice-Chair.

The Board has already begun its work on hiring a CEO, crafting a vision and implementing a strategic direction for Calgary 2026.

Calgary 2026, with support from its partners, will complete the bid exploration and development work that began in 2016. Calgary 2026 will clarify the vision and details of a potential Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and will develop a more accurate hosting cost estimate. Calgary 2026 will also produce a Candidature File, which would be submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in January 2019, if all parties decide to move forward with the bid and the IOC selects Calgary to become a 2026 Candidate City in October.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Chris Dornan Communications Advisor, Calgary 2026
C: 403-891-2026
E-mail: MediaCalgary2026@gmail.com