
One for all, all for one. This is the message sent by the visit of a delegation from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (AURA) region to Utah last week. The French contingent, led by the president of the regional council Fabrice Pannekoucke, was able to breathe the – icy – air of Salt Lake City. And above all, to draw inspiration from it in the perspective of organizing the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps. The time is no longer for the race for gigantism and huge budgets, but for responsibility, cooperation and good understanding. Exactly what emerged from this visit.
Not the same jersey, but the same passion
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region proudly displays a banner "2030 Winter Olympics & Paralympics: The French Alps at the top" on its social networks, proof that the event is already on people's minds. Fabrice Pannekoucke confirmed this by crossing the Atlantic at the beginning of the year to feed off all the good ideas of his American counterparts. “Last July we ran together and we won together., he emphasizes. I've heard a lot about what happened here in Salt Lake." Reference, of course, to the experience of the 2002 Winter Games. The elected official was able to ski on the slopes of the Deer Valley area with double Olympic champion Ted Ligety and attend a game of the Utah Jazz NBA franchise. But, above all, to talk with the mayor of Salt Lake City, Erin Mendenhall, as well as with the president and CEO of COJOP 2034, Fraser Bullock. A golden opportunity to share their points of view on subjects as essential as the reuse of existing infrastructures or the management of spectator travel. According to L'Equipe, Fabrice Pannekoucke would also like to set up a working group with Milan-Cortina 2026, Salt Lake City 2034 and the Swiss 2038 project so that all the players in the next Winter Games can join forces. “The Olympic and Paralympic Movement brings people and ideas together”, commented Erin Mendenhall, specifying that “sustainability and youth involvement” were two major common points between the 2030 and 2034 projects.
A valuable lesson
The French delegation emerged from its visit conquered and enthusiastic. "What we see here is inspiring., assures Pannekoucke to the Dauphiné. The legacy of the 2002 Games shows that an event of this magnitude can transform a region in a lasting way, provided that a long-term vision is taken. This is a valuable lesson for our regions in France, particularly in the mountains. (…) Salt Lake City illustrates how the Games can be a lever to boost the local economy, develop infrastructure that is useful to the population and strengthen tourist appeal, while respecting the environment. So many central issues in the project supported by the French Alps for 2030. "The Games can offer unique opportunities for our mountain ranges, says the regional president, but they must be thought of in a long-term legacy logic, with infrastructures adapted to the needs of the inhabitants after the event."
Concrete example with the Utah Olympic Park, located 40 kilometers east of Salt Lake City. The site houses a sliding track, six ski jumps, a museum dedicated to the 2002 Games and offers a multitude of activities to the general public. A case that "shows how an Olympic facility can have a second life" and benefit everyone. « It combines hosting international events, training athletes and activities for the general public, while contributing to the local economy. It is a model to follow.", insists Fabrice Pannekoucke, who returned to France with a slightly clearer vision for 2030. He will be able to quickly share it with the COJOP, whose creation is expected on February 3 or 4. A year ago, It was Renaud Muselier, president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, who went to Salt Lake City to talk about the organization, the legacy of the Games and partnership opportunities with Utah. The relationship between the French Alps and their American colleagues is growing stronger, and that is good news for everyone.