Olympic organizers know they must “soften their demands” in order to retain a pool of potential hosts for the Winter Olympics as “global warming and prohibitive costs threaten the long-term future” of the Games, according to Coralie Febvre of SOCCER AMERICA. On the face of it, “there's no immediate concern,” as the IOC last week selected France “ahead of two other contenders” -- Sweden and Switzerland -- to enter into “targeted dialogue” for staging the 2030 Winter Games. The IOC will begin “detailed discussions” with French representatives before the event is “officially awarded next year.” Febvre added that the Chinese campaign was marked by “enormous investment, the exclusive use of artificial snow and widespread environmental concerns and human rights criticism.” On top of the “less significant economic benefits” than those of a Summer Olympics, the winter showpiece “requires infrastructure that is both expensive to build and maintain” -- even more so when it serves “little other purpose to the local community.” Ski jumps, sliding tracks for the luge and bobsleigh events and indoor speed skating rinks are the most likely to become “white elephants.” In a study by the IOC last month, only 10 countries “will still be in a position” to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics by 2040, down from 15 now -- with Europe “particularly affected” (SOCCER AMERICA, 12/2).
