Thread by @proofyyc

Olympic Rant: (thread)

Basically the question comes down to this...

Can Calgary host the 2026 games and do so within the constraints of a reasonable budget, which will ensure a long term positive outcome for our city and its people?

That is the question for most people of this city.

We say we would love to do it, but it would be foolish to do so if it meant we are sacrificing the livability of our communities in the process. No one wants three weeks of joy in exchange for decades of pain.

So, can it be done responsibly? In a way that ensures a long term and measurable benefit to every citizen of Calgary, from the struggling family without a stable home, and outward from there? Can it be done to truly benefit all?

I can understand those who would say no.

It’s a reasonable answer given the recent history of Olympic Games. Delays, cost overruns, and rampant corruption in both the IOC and host committees all point to a potential debacle ultimately burdening the citizenry who choose to host.

The modern games have a clear and still present stench on them.

Exploitation of workers by the tens of thousands. Displacement of housing for the poor in favour of miracles of architecture which sit sterile and empty most of the year. Payoffs, scandal, favouritism, and greed.

The games, for many, have come to symbolize that unfortunate societal shift we appear to be taking.

A shift which favours money, over people. Favours individual power, over community. And in perhaps the deepest cut for the reputation and brand of the Olympic Games, favours fame and fortune, over the pure joy of competition.

We have reached a stage (or rather have been led there by a corrupt IOC and the hungry bureaucratic hands stretched out to it) where it is easy to dismiss the Olympics as an overpriced, overhyped fiscal death trap. Not worthy of our attention.

But I am not so cynical.

I have yet to be presented with a reason why we can not do it. Do it well. And do it responsibly.

The strongest argument against is that we simply do not have the right people to ensure that our efforts would remain on budget and uncorrupted.

This notion is simply, untrue.

Over 16 years in this city, I have met and worked along side people in Hospitality, Small Business, Oil and Gas, Retail, Finance, Real Estate, Medicine, Law and the Public Sector who are smart, responsible and honourable people.

People who understand community. People who are fiscally responsible. People who volunteer their time because they understand the impact it has on the lives of others. But most importantly people who truly love this city and want the best for it and their families within it.

Hard working people, who care. And this city is filled with them.

In addition, Calgary happens to be home to an incredible talent pool of innovative thinkers and creative minds. As well as a large community of entrepreneurs who understand economic inhibitors and market constraints on a project.

With these people, I believe that Calgary can do this correctly. We understand that we do not need “biggest and best”, we need “smartest and most creative”.

We do not need “state of the art”. We need “wonderfully refurbished”. We do not need “lavish and extravagant” we need “modest and functional.”

If we wish to succeed in this fashion, we need to look no further than those athletes who dream to compete in those very games.

It’s not about spending your way to the podium. It’s about early mornings, long days, dedication and an uncompromising and clear vision.

I am, still, hopelessly romantic about the Olympics. Much of that comes from the feeling of pride I had as a boy growing up on the prairies watching the ‘88 games. So I understand that my view may seem biased.

But I assure you, my desire for Calgary to entertain hosting again has nothing to do with my warm and fuzzy feelings about the games. It has everything to do with my clear understanding of the work ethic and determination of the people of this city.

I see it every day. It makes me proud and honoured to call Calgary, home.

Could we do this and do it right? Could we show the world what a responsible and successful games looks like? Could we change the face of the Olympics and return the games to its former status as a powerful unifying force for good in the world?

We absolutely could!

Will we do it, if we are given the opportunity?

That will be up to all of us.