A SLIMMER OLYMPICS

When it comes to the Olympics, bigger doesn’t always mean better. In fact, the idea of a slimmed down, more cost-efficient Games seems to be gaining traction. The International Olympic Committee’s recent visit to Calgary reflects this refreshing change in direction.

In the past, potential bid cities would feed and fete IOC members to gather feedback on bidding plans. However, the IOC is instead now taking a more proactive approach and paying the way for its members to visit such cities.

After visiting other potential bid communities such as Stockholm and Sion, Switzerland, IOC members landed in Calgary last week to meet with politicians and tour facilities constructed for Calgary’s successful hosting of the Winter Games in 1988.

The IOC assured city council during a private one-hour meeting that change is occurring within its organization, along with a new focus on more manageable costs. Many councillors called the approach “reassuring.”

A local bid exploration committee has been carefully examining the feasibility of Calgary bidding for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which they believe could ring in a $4.6-billion tab as opposed to the $7.7-billion bill Vancouver and Whistler faced in 2010.

That’s good news, according to the IOC which supports keeping a close eye on Games spending. Spokesman Christophe Dubi said last week it’s important that bid cities don’t overextend themselves or overbuild required facilities.

Among its new approaches, the IOC is also encouraging bid cities to be agile and flexible in venue selection. Partnerships with other cities and venues could be key in reducing costs, with one example in a potential Calgary bid being the no-longer feasible ski jump tower at Canada Olympic Park. Advances in technology and athletic performance have led to the sport outgrowing the usefulness of the Calgary tower.

But Whistler, of course, still has its very serviceable ski jump facilities available from the 2010 Games. This course of action would be “perfectly fine,” Dubi said.

The concept of some events being held in a locale apart from a host city isn’t new.

The 2008 Beijing Summer Games, for example, saw equestrian events hosted 1,900 kilometres away in Hong Kong.

The IOC also said last week that it is proud to financially support the eventual successful bid, noting that support could be in the US$925million range.

Calgary city council is expected to address the issue of a potential bid at the end of the month. Some questions still remain surrounding the viability of such a plan, but the IOC’s fresh approach shows it’s an idea worth continued exploration.