The Salt Lake City area’s readiness for hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics is unparalleled, the man in charge of planning the 2034 event told a Tulsa Regional Chamber audience last week.

“I say this with no criticism but the games in Italy that are going to be held in three months, their venues are not all complete, yet,” said Brad Wilson, CEO of Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2034. “All our venues are ready to go today.

“Without exaggerating, we are more prepared to host the Winter Games than anyone in the history of the Winter Olympics.”

Wilson was among the guest speakers Oct. 6-8 at the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Intercity Visit in Salt Lake City. The Chamber hosted a delegation of about 125 people at the event, the organization’s 16^th such trip to peer cities to learn about best practices.

More than 4,000 athletes from 100 countries are scheduled to compete in the 2034 Winter Olympics. In addition, more than 82% of Utahns are in favor of hosting the Games, and that has been reflected in residents’ philanthropy.

Utah families and foundations already have committed more than $244 million to the 17-day event, an Olympic record, Wilson said.

“That gives you a sense of the enthusiasm and commitment from this community to host the games,” he said.

Since the ’02 Olympiad in Utah, athletes have used the facilities as a global training ground for winter sports.  Wilson envisions the ’34 Games as a way to engage youth and foster unity across the state.

“One of my biggest challenges in a state that is in love with the Olympics and Paralympics is what do you do with all of this energy in our community,” he said.  “…We’re trying to take advantage of this extra runway to put on a Games that the world has never seen.

Tulsa has a sporting parallel with the Olympics in the form of the PGA Championship, which Southern Hills Country Club will host for a record sixth time in 2032.

“I would encourage you probably not to try to become a Winter Olympics hub,” Wilson said of the comparison. “It’s probably not your power alley. But there may be opportunities for you.

“I think the world is embracing sport in ways that it hasn’t before because we need it. We need the values that come from sports and the Olympics.”

This article covered programming from the Tulsa Regional Chamber Intercity Visit to Salt Lake City. Each, fall, the Chamber leads a three-day Intercity Visit during which leaders learn how other regions approach growth and learning challenges. Topics often include development, infrastructure and workforce.

Click here to view takeaways from previous visits.