New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, meeting with other state and local politician Sunday, said he wants to meet with North Country leaders to discuss a state-wide Olympic Winter Games bid. He said, “I’m open to it. It’s a lot of work, but it would be a great opportunity”.
Those discussing the bid have said the 2026 Winter Olympics would be the earliest it could happen. The bid would reportedly include Lake Placid, a two-time host of the Winter Olympics, and other unannounced New York cities.
Boston is currently bidding to host the 2024 Olympic Games in a campaign that will not be completed until 2017, so any New York bid could only move forward if Boston loses and the United States Olympic Committee approves a run at the Winter Games.
Applications for the 2026 Games will not be accepted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) until 2017 and the final election is schedule to occur in 2019, but under new rules, a state-wide bid is feasible.
Last year the IOC approved Agenda 2020, a framework of reforms that includes changes to the bid process. In it, the IOC will tolerate more widespread plans if it results in other efficiencies and sustainability. This will allow multiple nearby cities to co-host the Games – even across international borders. In recent years officials have considered joint bids between Lake Placid and Quebec City, Canada.
New York had a failed bid for the 2012 Summer Games which were won by London.
