Inquiries: Israel Ruiz Discusses MIT's Part in Boston's 2024 Olympic Bid Proposal
The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is set to decide on the host city for the 2024 Olympics in mid-January, and Boston is one of four American cities vying for the honour. The Boston 2024 Partnership, a nonprofit organization preparing the bid materials, has launched a series of subcommittees aimed at master planning, fundraising, outreach, and engagement.
One of these subcommittees is the Institutional Outreach Subcommittee, which is working to engage universities across Massachusetts in support of Boston's bid. MIT plays a significant role in this effort, with Israel Ruiz, the university's executive vice president and treasurer, serving as one of the four co-chairs.
MIT is not only participating in the overall university engagement for the games but is also contributing its expertise, innovation, and support to strengthen Boston's candidacy. The Senseable City Lab at MIT is discussing opportunities to use real-time urban data with the Boston 2024 team, while MIT's Media Lab was visited by the USOC during their tour of Boston.
In addition to its technological capabilities, MIT is also offering its sporting venues for key events. If Boston is successful in its bid, MIT is considering providing venues for archery and fencing. The university has a rich history in these sports, with freshman Jin Kim being a member of both the 2014 USA Archery and USA Junior Archery teams. MIT's head coach for men's fencing, Jarek Koniusz, was also coached by the current U.S. Olympic team coach, Ed Korfanty.
MIT's role in Boston's bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics is not limited to its own resources. The university's Institutional Outreach Committee is helping to engage people from universities across Massachusetts, working alongside co-chairs Katie Lapp from Harvard University, Gloria Larson from Bentley University, and Robert Caret from the University of Massachusetts at Boston.
Once the host city is selected, they will have seven years to prepare for the games. The successful city will compete internationally to host the games, and the second phase of the bid process, which is 2 1/2 years in duration, is currently underway. Each of the four U.S. applicant cities must submit a proposal describing plans for key venues, transportation, security, public support, and financing for the games by December. The announcement of the final host city is expected in summer 2017.
MIT has a long history of producing Olympic athletes, with nine alumni receiving Olympic medals. As the bid process for the 2024 Olympics continues, it is clear that MIT will continue to play a significant role in Boston's efforts to host the games.
