SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition Board Vice-Chairman Hawley MacLean and Membership Coordinator Keri Cassinelli along with CEO Jon Killoran have just returned from the first seminar on Olympic Games Organization in Lausanne, Switzerland May 16 & 17.
The seminar focused on how to plan for the legacy of a major event.
“Hosting the Olympic Games will have an impact on the lives of the hosting city’s inhabitants when the event is over,” said MacLean. “Legacy planning is all about learning from the past in order to prepare for the future.”
Hosted by the World Union of Olympic Cities, the seminar was designed to help bidding cities and future hosts learn about the importance of legacy planning. Former Olympic hosting cities and organizing committees shared their knowledge and experience regarding legacy planning.
“The information I received at the seminar from those who have hosted the Winter Games will help me better serve our Coalition membership and keep them informed,” Cassinelli said. “Keeping the flow of information going is critical.”
At a preliminary summit last year, The Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition learned it was the right track in preparing for a potential Winter Games bid.
There are several major considerations that need to be addressed when preparing an Olympic Games bid.
“First, there’s the environment,” MacLean said. “There’s real concern about the environment when you’re hosting one of the biggest events in the world.”
To address those concerns the Winter Games Coalition is working with environmental groups to address that issue in both Reno and Lake Tahoe.
This month’s seminar addressed legacy and sustainability for venues and housing at a Winter Games site.
“Infrastructure needs to be useful after any major event,” he said. “We’re working with regional transportation agencies. If we build Olympic housing, the goal is to have it incorporated into useful student and affordable community housing. The same applies for venue construction. We’d like to make certain the venues would be used by the university, colleges and the community after the event.”
History and culture of the region is another important factor for any city or region interested in hosting the Winter Games.
“Northern Nevada and Northern California both have a rich history to offer attendees from around the world,” MacLean said.
Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition leaders say the entire community will have to get involved if the region is invited to bid on the games for the year 2022.
“Working toward a potential Winter Games bid is truly a region-wide effort,” said Jon Killoran, chief executive officer of the Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition. “If you would like to get involved in planning for the Winter Games, or if you want more information call 775-622-3345 or visit our website at www.renotahoewintergames.org.”
