Post by Admin on Sept 13, 2017 19:05:51 GMT
The Summer Olympics are returning to the United States.
With a vote on Wednesday, the International Olympic Committee awarded the 2028 Games to Los Angeles as part of a historic move to select two host cities simultaneously. Paris was chosen to host the 2024 Olympics, which Los Angeles had also been bidding for before reaching an agreement with the French capital and the IOC in August.
The unanimous vote to ratify that agreement during the IOC’s session in Lima, Peru, gives the United States its first Summer Games in 32 years. It last hosted in 1996 in Atlanta.
Los Angeles, meanwhile, adds to its storied Olympic history. It previously hosted the Games in 1984 and 1932. It joins London and now Paris as the only three-time hosts.
“Two short years ago, who among us would have imagined this scenario here today? Very few, if any,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said during the bid’s presentation to the IOC. “I know we certainly didn’t, but from the outset of this bid we held fast to the notion that LA’s primary objective was to do what’s right for the Olympic movement. To be honest, we did not imagine that would mean changing our bid from ’24 to ’28, but our willingness to do so and our ability to do so, I hope is a reflection of our commitment to each and every one of you.”
NOlympics LA, a coalition of groups opposed to the games, has already launched an online petition calling for a citywide vote on whether to accept hosting responsibilities.
“Despite the fact that the IOC has awarded LA the bid to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, the fight isn’t over,” said the group in a statement.
In anticipation of the IOC’s decision, sites around LA were illuminated Tuesday, including the Olympic cauldron at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where opening ceremonies were held for both the 1932 and 1984 games.
