Church of Jesus Christ announces financial, site and volunteer support for 2034 Winter Olympics

MILAN, Italy — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced on Tuesday its support for the 2034 Utah Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. That support includes "a significant financial donation," access to Block 85 in downtown Salt Lake City as an official Olympic venue, land near proposed Olympic sites that can be used for parking and thousands of volunteers. The announcement was made by Bishop Sean Douglas, second counselor in the church's Presiding Bishopric, during a media event ahead of this year's Milano Cortina Olympics at the headquarters of the Milan Foreign Press Association in Italy. "While this contribution of cash and real estate is important," Bishop Douglas said, "what is beyond price is the hearts and extraordinary commitment of our member volunteers who make this contribution truly complete and unique." The contributions are a continuation of "a long history of meaningful engagement with the Olympic movement," the church said, adding that it also provided financial support and facilities ahead of the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, which were also held in Salt Lake City. "The partnership announced for 2034 builds on that legacy of service and collaboration," it said. Block 85 — a city block currently used as a parking lot northeast of the Delta Center between North Temple and South Temple and 300 West and 200 West— has been identified as a possible location for big air snowboarding and skiing, along with a medals plaza. The block was used as a medals plaza and for entertainment and other events during the 2002 Games.

Fraser Bullock, executive chair and president of Utah 2034, said partnerships with the community are a reason the state is "well positioned" to host the Winter Olympics. He said the Church of Jesus Christ was a vital supporter in 2002."Our new relationship fortifies the partnership we shared in 2002. It also extends a worldwide reach from the church that carries a global message of unity and service to others — very much in line with Olympic and Paralympic ideals," he said. He said Salt Lake City "will be the heart" of the 2034 Games. "Imagine now how thousands will congregate nightly at the medals plaza and thrill to the high-flying acrobatics with the addition of big air," Bullock said. When Utah won the Olympic bid in July 2024, the church's First Presidency said the church stands ready to support the 2034 Games "in welcoming athletes, volunteers and visitors from around the world" and is committed to helping Salt Lake City embody "values of service, cooperation and mutual respect."

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