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By Curtis Galbraith

GP Sports Council Executive Director weighs in on Calgary’s Olympic bid

Nov 1, 2018 | 5:20 PM

A local sports official says events like the Olympics can be great, but organizers must be smart about it.

Grande Prairie Sport Council Executive Director Karna Germsheid says the Games can be a boost for the economy, but the people putting them on have to be what she calls “diligent” with the money that is spent.

“If you already have the facilities in place that’s a win. But, if you don’t have facilities in place are those facilities going to be used long term? What’s the sustainability plan for these facilities? Is there going to be any displacement of any of the population? What does that mean for (the host) community?  There are a lot of things to consider.”

Calgary is again back in the running to host the 2026 Winter Olympics after almost pulling out. Ratepayers in that city will have their say in a November 13 plebiscite.

Germsheid says having the Olympics so close would have a positive impact on local athletes.

“Some of our athletes, to see it in our backyard, then they can recognize or relate to being part of that entire podium system.  So those that have the high-performance dream, it will give them that added confidence and boost just having it in their backyard.”

She says if Calgary were to get the Olympics, she could see Grande Prairie planning some sort of local event to celebrate along with them.

The City and County of Grande Prairie are also looking at bringing the Arctic Winter Games back to this area in 2022.

 

w/files from Sheena Roszell

by Curtis Galbraith